The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1893-03-14
THE FUGITIVE MELONS.
Whore tho Boys Found Thorn After
an Exciting Chase.


The school year at Glenville academy
had just opened, and our hands were
full IF business. we had enjoyed a
pleasant vacation, and took hold OF
study with zest
Among other interests demanding at
tcntion were certain affairs OF our soci-
ETY., anf about h dozen Of US were gath
cred, one evening, in Dan Hosmer's
room for that purpose.
Dan was d large hearted fellow, pop
nlar with everybody, well supplied
with money, liberal. but rather too
fond Of making display.
During the afternoon he had bought
half dozen muskmelons, with which
to surprise the rest OF us that evening;
and, when the marlSetinan delivered
them, they were placed in basket un-
der n lounge near the door, in Dams
room.
In the course Of our business trnnsac-
tion. Gil Robinson. the most mischiev-
GUS fellow among MS, sitting on the
lounge directly over the melons, dis
covered them by their odor and,
when he thought all eyes were turned
the other way, he slyly opened the
door and showed the basket into the
hall. Then, making an excuse to 60
out, he placed it on a low roof out Of
the back hall window, where he could
reach it from his room without diff
Guilty.
But Charley Gates had Witnessed his
performance In showing the basket into
the hall, and, by listening keenIy,
knew pretty nearly where he had con-
cealed it.
Soon after Gils return, Charley
passed out, looking as serious as dea-
con, and, easily finding the prize, re-
moved 1t to another spot on the back
roof, Immediately under his own
window. However, st takes a rogue
to catch a rogue. !"
Craig Hammond, who roomed in an
other part Of the building, was just
coming to the business meeting when
Charley was tiptocing and clambering
about with the basket, and watched all
his movements, perceiving plainly that
he was carrying on some sort Of mis-
chief.
As soon as Charley went back into
Hosmers room, Craig confiscated the
melons, and, hurrying down the stairs,
stepped quietly into the woodhouse at
Rev. Mr.. Clark's, and there deposited
the treasure. Then he came to our
meeting, made excuse for being late,
and awaited developments.
When the business was transacted,
and We were about scattering to our
rooms, Dan detained us, saying:
Hold on, fellows! Don'tgo yet. I've
alittlclrelish to divide around, If you
like it. :,
And, stepping to the lounge, he felt
under for the basket
Not finding it at first, he reached
further under and clear along to the
other end.
Failing in his search, and CHANGING
vainly around the room, he was greatly
amazed at the disappearance.
Well, now, boys, that beats ALI
Why, bought nice lot of melons at
the market, and, when the man
Drought them up. told him to put
them right here, under the lounge, In q
basket; and he did, I'm sure What
does it mean?''
And down he got again on his knees
and felt the whole length Of the lounge,
exclaiming:
Tone, gone-vsure as gunsv'
After some good-natured chatting
over the matter there being no help
for it, we were again about separat-
ing, when Gil spoke up:
Its too bad, fellows; but, II youth
step into my room, I've something to
show You, 50 you can crafty your eyes
II not your palates.n
Fwenty-four eyes equal twelve
palates muttered Charley Gates, his
lace glowing roguishly. 1T is to be
hoped nothing will happen to eliminate
the eyes from that equation. We
couldn't stand it r
When we reached Oils room, and he
had struck light, he went to the win
dow, leaned out, and seemed graspinq
Tor something but secured nothing
more substantial than air. IN
Satisfying himself that he had been
foiled at his game, he drew back,
greeted with the sarcastic rally:
Set up your show, Gil; the audience
Is becoming impatient"
Well, gentlemen, I'm more sold than
Hosmer' and paid in my own coin.
Fact IS, had basket Of melons ia
show you, and, to keep them cool,
placed them out on the roof; but they
seem TO have eyaporated"
Served you rightn exclaimed Dan.
Ard the rest Of us gave way to bois.
teTous laughter,
Half dozen attempts at wit flashed
NJ out On the instant: