The Afro-American advance., 1899-09-09

under great oak tree that stood nj the
roadside n little way on. OF course
they discussed the knife.
at must have been stolen" John said,
as he deftly peeled the shell from a
hard-boiled egg.
"Think so?'
It was Charlie Smith who spoke, and
there was such an unmistnlable sneer
In his voice that Johns face Redeemed.
"Well. guess the thief amt far OF"
"What do you mean?"
Charlie waited to take a huge bite
from the molasses cookie he held in bis
hnnd before replying. The other boys
held their breath. There was no sound
save the signing of the wind in the
green leaves far above their heads.
Just what l said"
John sprang up, his eyes blazing.
DO you mean that ] stole the knife.
Charlie SMITH Dare TO say II, and I'll
lick YOU. I'm no thief"
Didn't say you were" Charlie de-
clared, a little hastily. Its strange
where that knife went 10, though"
John could not deny this. neither
could he force quarrel upon his school
mate. Yet he plainly saw that suspi-
cion was directed towards himself. His
position was a difficult one. He felt
that the taking Of the knife was laid 10
him. Voieing his resentment only made
matters worse. One thing comforted
him-Bert believed him innocent. The
parents of the boys were warm friends,
and while Elsie Miller greatly regretted
losing her knife, she never thought
John guilty Of theft.
Weeks passed by. AZ that time the
Eo-called Summer term Of school was
continued through all the hot weather.
As the work ON the farms increased. the
older boys were obliged 10 remain at
home and help.
Late In August there came a rainy
morning, and the pupils were again all
In their places. Before noon the sun
was shining. The boys hurried through
their dinner. as they had planned a
game Of ball. The mir was cool. and the
game was played with much spirit. a
clever stroke of Bert's sent the ball hy.
ing through the air. II rose. passed
through one Of the panes Of glass in the
tiny window Of the schoolhouse loft and
disappeared from sight. A moment
later Miss Larr looked up from her book
into Bert's flushed face
please. teacher, I'm sorry. but I've
batted the ball through the upstairs
window I'll pay for the glass. It's
Charles ball. new one. Can we go
up and get it?"
As the mischief was already done, Ap-
mes lnrr saw no reason why she should
scold about u. She ghyc permission for
the boys To ascend TO the loft. The
only way this could he done was to place
n chair on a desk. stand upon this. and,
putting one hand on each side of the
opening In the ceiling, swing up. This
was not a difficult task for these strong.
active boys. In few moments John.
Charlie and Bert were in the loft. and
only the teachers commands prevented
the other boys from following. They
psered about in the dim light. STOPPING
to avoid the rafters.
Here's the bnlll" Bert cried. "Why.
hN'h HfA'f htNhf NhhA AnlA
He pointed to an opening In the wall.
The next moment they all sprang back.
for from the creyice tiny animal
spranR. ran across the room aud disap.
peared In hole.
"A gray squirrel" Charlie shouted.
II knew they had nest MP here"
The children were accustomed to Inv.
ing their recitations interrupted hy the
curious chaitering OF these little ami.
mails, aud often caught gllmpsvu OF
them aS they hurried 20 or from their
strange home.
Little ones are grown up and zone,
amt they9" John asked
Charlie stopped down and looked.
ayes. There's nothing here but nut
shells and--what's that2"
He inserted his hand Ia the opening.
A moment later hc WIS extending IL
towards his companions. There, I'm the
upiurned palm. lay the missing knife.
For moment no one spoke. Then John
said, quietly;
II am glad"
And /" Charlie commenced. then
stopped I've got something to say"
he went on. "but guess I'll wait until
We get down"
The boys climbed down. There were
many ordinations of wonder, much ar.
guing ms TO why the squirrel should
have carried oft the knife, and argu-
ments to prove that 1t was lighter than
some nuts AZ last there came a iuli In
the conversation. and Charles held out
his hand TO John.
TIN sorry and ashamed that hinted
that you were thief. old fellow. For.
give me, won't you?"
As he was cleared Of suspicion. John
found II easy TO do this. The mystery
was solved, and the thief was allowed
to 20 unpunished.- Detroit Free Press.
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