The age-herald., 1900-02-18
CHAPTER VII.

boys and girls was equaled by their de- light to see coming toward them three weary-looking, foot-sore, wornout pedes- trins. No other than the three boys of the nine M. M. Ms, who had been left in Bir- mingham.
 The tramps, as they might not inappro- priately have been called, were also happy to meet the exeursionists for, tired out as they were, it was gratifying indeed to meet their friends and be taken straight home instead of having ito enquire of strangers directions thither
 Jim Bruce and Wilburt were too fatgued to pause moment here to rest, as the oth- CTS seemed inclined to do, but insisted on going directly to Mrs. Clay's little house, which the boys pointed out to them, nest ling in the peaceful shadows of a clump of trees just in sight.
 There they found Fred awaiting the ar rival of the six who, on departing in the morning, left messages for him to be sure ito wait and hear the account of the days trip; but he was by no means prepared for the number of surprises they had to com municate, nor for the great one of seeing with them the new arrivals.
 "Well!" he exclaimed, 'have you been all the way to Alabama? Where did you find these dirty tramps? Well. boys, where ever you come from,' he said, turning to them, i've glad to see you. Here is meeting of the Ms. sure
 "No business though, if you please" re- piled Jim Nothing but rest, sweet rest"
 Come in and see mother" began Tom.
 Please take us somewhere for a bath first" plead Wilburt. Don't let Mrs. Clay see us yet.'
 Seeing how very tired the boys were all questions of how and whence they came were postponed, and the others kindly and not unwillingly either spared them by do- ing the talking. They could the more easily content themselves to wait for the interest ing narrative since they were eager to give an account of the day as they spent it.
 Fred was expecting to hear again of the many important secrets in the keeping of the Indian woman, who lived near the cave, and who because of frequent visits to this Subterranean world was supposed to have valuable information concerning it. This the boys were trying to induce her to impart to them. She had hin.ed darkly of treasures stored there, of gold and silver, and of mys- teries known only to herself.
 This time she does not receive the usual amount of attention. Her prophecies or prognostications of the future are not the theme uppermost in the minds of the boys They tell of the adventure with the bear of the rough, almost impossible route to the falls, something of its beauty, the nu- merous spotted trout which, according to Bert were as plentiful as the rockc them- selves but chiefly they discuss the pecu- liar old man who had given his name to them as Uncle Dick, and who, because of the air of mystery about him, was the most interesting result of all the days adven- lures.
 The hearers of course were so impressed by the thrilling account of this eventful excursion that all declared their intention of repeating it at as early a day as their tired frames may be able to undertake it.
 Long before these topics had been ex- hausted. Mrs. Clay had insisted that all must retire to rest from the days unusual exercise, and wait till morning to hear from Jim, Bruce, and Wilburt of their journey, to which the boys themselves were quite willing to accSde, knowing It would Do a lengthy narrative.
 The following afternoon, all feeling some what recovered from their fatigue. they repaired to large rock under some beauti- ful spruce pines between Mrs. Clays home and the hotel, the usual rendezvous Of the six This time all the mine boys met, Fred even being there promtply at o'clock to listen to. the account Of what they felt sure must be a wonderful experience.
 Jim began the story: "We decided" he said, "after getting home and seeing the folks that it would not only be easier but
 
 for you 10 come home; so we set about arranging it. To bless us we could not raise enough money to come on the train, and we were aching for lark anyway; so when we found that there was only money for one and one-half fare, We"
 And the captain had most of that. Will and barely scraped together--"
 "Oh, nonsense, that's no matter As I said, we were crazy for something unusual and concluded that nothing could be more enjoyable than to take the trip on our wheels. So we begged and plead, till there was no refusing us, that We be allowed to come up here on our bicycles. Dear boys gewhkins-you have heard nice httle stories of those long bicycle trips but let me say to you this is one case where found sufficient proof that the pleasure of possessing a privilege Is not so great as its anticipation. I for one never wish to hear that old chestnut debated again. Last year when Tom here had a debate on that subject I actually thought that the joy of possession was greater than that experi- enced in the pursuit of it. I know better now.
 "Whew. interposed Wilburt 'if Tom