Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1897-01-01
A oriolet at tho roadside exnloded

ment went through the group of wom-
en-. They jumped and gave vent 90 sud-
den screams. With the fear still upon
their agitated faces, they turned 10 be-
rate the one who had shrieked.
my, what goose yeh are, Sallie'
Why, it took my breath away. Good
ness sakes, don't holler like that again "
"EIol on minnet," Peter Witheby
was crying TO the major as the latter
full of the Importance and dignity OF
his position as protector of Migglesville,
paced forward swiftly. The veteran al
ready fe,t upon his brow wreath form
ed of the flowers of gratitude. and az
he strobe he was absorbed i'll planning
calm and self contained manner of
wearing it, "Hol on minnet, piped
old Peter in the rear
AT last the major. aroused from his
dream of triumph, turned about wrath
fully.
"Well. WHAT"
Now look a-here," said Peter
"What che goin to do?"
The major with gesture OF supreme
evaporation, wheeled again and went
on. When he arrived at the corrlell,
he halted and waited for Peter. lie ST /.
denly felt that indefinable menace in
the landscape
"Well?' demanded Peter, painting.
The majors eyes wavcred "A trifie.
"Well," he repeated. well, I'm
goin i'll there an bring out that there
rebel.
They both paused and studied the
gently swaying mass of corn. and be-
hind them the looming woods, sinister
with possible secrets.
WELL, " said old Peter.
The major moved uneasily and put
his hand to his brow. Peter waited III
obvious expectation.
The major moved through the grass
at the roadside and climbed the fence
He put both his legs over the topmost
rail and then sat pelched there, facing
the woods. Once he turned his head
and asked:
"Well?"
Il hain't said anything" answered
Peter.
The major clambered down from the
fence and went slowly into the corn,
his gun held Ill readiness Peter stood
in the road.
Presently the major returned and
said III IA cautious whisper:
If yeh hear anythln. yeh come ~
runnin, will yeh?"
We'll, l hain't got no gun nor ruth
in, said Peter in the same low tone
what good nd do:"
well, yeh might como along with
me an watch, " said the major. -Four
eyes is better'n two.
IF had gun began Peter.
"Oh, yeh don't need no gun, inter
rupted the major, waving his hand.
"Ail I'm afraid of is that l won't find
i'm. My eyes amt SO good as they
was "
"Well"--
Come along, whispered the major
"Ych haint afraid are yeh?"
"No, but
well, come along then. What's tn
matter with yeh:"
Peter climbed the fence. He paused
on the top rail and took prolonged
stare at the inscrutable woods. When
he joined the major in the cornfeld, he
said, with ii touch Of anger:
well, yeh got the gun. Remember
that. If he comes for me, l hain't got a
blame thing.
"shucks" answered the major. "He
hahn I a-goin t come for yeh. "
The two then began wary journey
through the corn. One by one the long
aisles between the rows appeared az
they glanced along each of them. 1t
seemed us if some grcwsOme thing had
Just previously vacated 1t. Old Peter
halted once and whispered:
say, look a-here. supposin-sup-
posin -
''Supposin WHAT" demanded the ma
jor
"Supposin'- said Peter. "Well, re
member you got tn gun, an hahn got
anythin. "
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 halt
ed again. The leaves w re gently swish
ing III the breeze. Before them stretch.
ed the mystic green W; II of the forest.
and there seemed to be i'll it eyes which
followed each OF their movements
Peter at last said
Il don't believe there's anybody
there.
Yes there is, too, j." said the major.
III bet anythin he's there. "
How d yeh know" asked Peter.
"I'll bet he ain t within mile o. here. F"
The major suddenly calculated:
"Listenp'
They bent forward, scarce breathing,
their mouths agape, their eyes glinting.
Finally the major tn ned his head
did yeh hear that he said hoarse-
ly.
NO" said Peter in low voice.
"What was it?''
The major listened for a moment.
Then he turned AGAIN.
Il thought l heercd somebody hol-
Ter, he explained cautiously.
A. L. IL