The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-09-17

they want to make such a fuss about il
for? I'd like to KNOW
i told you it was fathers private desk"
Ralph responded, land when father is an
cry he's angry" He went back to his
chair.
Come backr' Hortense called. "Why
don't you tell them it was me, them"
she asked.
Because I amt a sneak" Ralph an
swered. Even if I am a 'fraid-cat," he
added and shut the window. And he heard
Hortense retreating, whistling in a high
pitched tune.
When Ralph's father came home. he
called to Ralph that he might, if he want
ed TO- go and help the hired man. Ralph
worked the rest of the afternoon in peace
Of mind; the hired man, at least, had no
knowledge of Hortense De Wits latest
prank and its result.
Nobody, indeed, but the hired man
brought a cheerful face to the supper
table. Hortense De Witt was quiet. She
watched Ralph furtively; and when they
rose and nudged him.
You're a great goose she whispered,
frowning. Being blamed and scolded for
something you didn't do! Why don't you
tell emp"
Ralph frowned back at her, his chin
high. Maybe you think I'd squeal on
grip said he
He played checkers with the hired man.
His father believed that he had done
foolishly mischievous and dishoGsrable
thing; he had lost a good part of his conf
dence, and 1t might not be easy to get
it back. His father was reading some
thing aloud 20 Ralph's mother and Hor-
tense.
I'm not in it," Ralph thought; and he
said goodnight soberly.
But when boy is IA and has a good
appetite and haDtually a light heart. ii
Is hard to remember unpleasant things,
even over night. When Ralph went down
TO breakfast next morning he was think
ing chiefly of something agreeable and
something that lay near his heart
Father" he said, IF you don't need me
to help Hiram, L want to go and see the
horse trainer"
His father stirred his coffee
Hes had a big tent put up, and he's
going to give an exhibition. He's got some
horses to sell, too, beauties they say. I
want to see the whole thing"
well" his father responded dryly,
there's the pumpkins over In the west
lot waiting to be hauled to the barn. 1
don't know as boy that opens other
folks desks when they are out of the
house ought to be trusted to go off out
of sight anywhere. Maybe home is the
best place for him."
oh" said Ralph. He did not look at
Hortense De Witt
But Hortense looked at him. Her cheeks
grew red, and the redness spread TO her
hair and to her very ears. And suddenly
She threw herself back in her chair
''Pumpkins! said she. Pumpkins! lie
needn't, either. He can go to the horse
training if he wants to; l say so, and
and you'll say so in a minute"
She pushed back a stray lock from her
flushed face vigorously Ralph had not
stopped to think whether Hortense was
pretty or not, but he decided now that she
was.
He hasn't done anything said Her
tense. 1T was me. He didn't open your
desk at all; did. He told me not to, but 1
felt like doing something / hadn't ought
to. I generally do feel like doing things
l oughtn't to do" said Hortense. candidly.
you did it?' said Ralph's father; and he
fairly stared, in his establishment and I'M
belief, at Hortense De Witt. He swallow
ed half his cup of coffee. your
II had on your coat and the key was
in the pocket; your best coat, the one you
wear to funerals and wedding said Hor
tense, slurring no part of the appalling
truth Il got it out of the closet and put
it on
Ralph's father gazed for a further mo-
ment; and then, against his will, he burst
out with an irrepressible great laugh.
Upon-my-word," said Ralphs mother.
"Hortense De Wittr'
Yes. 1 was afraid you'd be-surprised."
said Hortense, land 1 let you blame him
all this time, because hated awfully-oh,
well, I've been an awful sneak, that's
what
pumpkins" said Hortense. eff any
body's got to haul pumpkins it ought to be
me. Hadn't it?" She looked at them all
with a smile of apology and appeal, sun
ny smile which marked her cheeks with
two deep dimples, and which seemed some
how to lend brighter and more hopeful
aspect to the whole dubious affair.
well, wellr' said Ralph's father, his
eyes still glued to Hortense, incredulously.
And his mother rested her chin on her
hand, thoughtfully.
There was your Uncle Frank Gale
she said. He was a terribly mischievous
boy always. He got himself expelled from
two schools. 1 shouldn't wonder, after all,
if it's your uncle Frank you take after,
instead of your aunt Martha" And she
began, considerably, to talk about the
frost of the night before.
But she looked now and again at Ralph
with something more than the warmth of
a mothers affection; she looked at him
with pride. And Ralph's father, when he
rose from the table, held out his hand to
his son.
Il was unjust to you, Frank. I'm glad
to know it, but sorry enough that I made
such a mistake. You'll forget it, won't
you?'
YES, sir" said Ralph. Eyes, sir. And
can 1 60"
ITO the horse training? OF course"
said his father, heartily. GO and enjoy
1t. and learn how to break Betsey's colt.
If you break that colt Wen call him yours,
Ralph" And that, Ralph knew, was to
make up to him for having misjudged him;
and great thing it was.
"I'H break him. he said, rejoicingly.
Hortense was waiting for him in the en-
try. She flung an mpulsive arm over his
shoulder, and her saucy face was serious
for once.
'You see'' she said, 81 was the 'fraid-
cat. 1 was afraid to tell. I was too quick
about calling you that. You're not a bit
of a onev'
Nor you. either" said Ralph; mot
now"
Your father and mother will want me
to go home" said Hortense. dismally.
mo, they won't. Wen have a first
rate time. I like a girl that's got some
snap, anyhow" said Ralph. Wont you
rr, NTH mo To tho bOrea traininoo ate