Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-30

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fence and went slowly into the corn, his
gun held in readiness. Peter stood in the
road
Presently the major returned and said,
in cautious whisper: IF yeh hear any
thin. you come a-runnin, will yeh?
We'll, hain't got no gun nor nuthin,'
said Peter in the same low tone; what
good 'ud / do?"
We'll. yeh might come along with me
an watch" said the major. -Four eyes is
better'n two"
IF had a gun" began Peter.
''Oh yeh don't need no gum" interrupted
the major, waving his hand. "All I'm
afraid Of is that 1 won't find i'm. My eyes
amt so good as they was'
"Well-'
Come along" whispered the major. "Yeh
hain't afraid. are yeh?"
ter with yeh?'
Peter climbed the fence. He paused on
the top rail and took a prolonged stare at
the inscrutable woods. When he Joined the
major in the cornfield he said, with a touch
of anger:
We'll, you got the gun. Remember that
If he comes for me 1 haint got blame
thing"
"Shucks." answered the major He
haint a-goin' t. come for ych"
The two then began a wary journey
through the corn. One by the long
aisles between the rows appeared as thew
glanced along each of them 1t seemed as
If some gruesome thing had Just previously
vacated it. Old Peter halted once and
whispered: Say look here. supposin'-
"Supposin' what?" demanded the major.
Supposin-' said Peter. We'll, remem-
Der you got tn gun an hain't got any
thin"
Thunder" said the major.
when they got to where the stalks were
very short because Of the shade cast by
the trees of the wood, they halted again.
The leaves were gently swishing in the
breeze. Before them stretched the mystic
green wall of the forest, and there seemed
to be In 1t eyes which followed each Of
their movements.
Peter at last said: Il don't believe there's
anybody in there"
Yes. there is, too,' said the major. "Tn
bet anythin' he's in there"
How d yeh know" asked Peter. 'Ill
bet he amt within a mile O. here"
he major suddenly calculated: Ills
TEN"
They bent forward, scarce breathing.
their mouths agape. their eyes glinting.
Finally the major turned his head. Did
yeh hear that?' he said hoarsely.
No. said Peter in a low voice. What
was it?'
The major listened for moment. Then
he turned again. Il though. | heercd
somebody holer." he explained, cautiously.
They both bent forward and listened once
more. Peter, in the intentness Of his at
titude, lost his balance and was obliged to
lift his foot hastily and with noise. SSH"
Kissed the major.
After a minute Peter spoke quite loud
ly. "Oh, shucks, 1 don't believe yen
heered anythin.'
The major made frantic downward ges-
ture with his hand. "Shet up, will yeh!'
he said, in an angry undertone.
Peter became silent for a moment. but
presently he said again: "Oh, yeh didn't
hear anythin'."
The major turned to glare at his COM
panion in despair and wrath.
Whats tn matter with yeh? Can't yeh
shet up?'
ooh, this mere hain't no use If you're
goin' in after i'm, why don't yeh go in
after inn?
well. gimme time, can't yeh?" said the
major. in a growl. And as If to add more
to this reproach he climbed the fence that
comprised the woods looking resentfuIy
back at his companion.
Well said Peter, when the major paus-
The major stepped down upon the thick
carpet of brown leaves that stretched I'M
der the trees. He turned then to whisper:
You wait here, will yeh?'' His face was
red with determination.
We'll, hor on minnet," said Peter. you
lived better"
No" said the major. You wait here"
He " ent stealthily into the thickets. Peter
watched him until he grew to be a vague
slowmov1ng shadow. From time to time he
could hear the leaves crackle and twigs
snap under the majors awkward tread
Peter, Intent, breathless. waited for the
peal Of sudden tragedy. Finally the woods
grew silent in solemn and impressive hush
that caused Peter to feel the humping of
his heart. He began to look about him to
rake sure that nothing should spring upon
him from the somber shadows. He scrutin-
lied this cool gloom before him and at
times he thought he could perceive the NOV
ing of swift, silent shapes. He concluded
that he had better go back and try to mus
ter some assistance to the major.
AS Peter came through the corn tho u,o-
men in the road caught sight of the gilt