The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1900-08-23
up. And I'll 60 with you, for fear you
might be tempted to run away, you

might be tempted to run away, you
know"
IL tell you did not mean to-" pro-
tested hugh, wringing his hands. But
/ will go with you to Judge Winters.
if you think that is the right thing
to do"
"Of course do," replied Mark, de.
cidedly.
The two boys hurried on toward the
village very silently. As they went
they met Il number of people, to each
one of them Mark ofliciously whis-
pered:
Hugh Balm has shot Mr.. Carver
our teacher He said he would this
morning, and we are going to tell
Judge Winter
These people Invariably turned, no
matter which way they had been 60
ing, and accompanied the two boys.
SO, by the time they reached Judge
Winters residence, there was n large,
Mortified crowd surrounding Hugh.
Mark knocked at the door. and, on
S'tlIS 'l' 'l'N' anu ms 'hN
news, the girl who had opened it flew
back and acquainted the judge with
what had occurred.
lie came out instantly, and after
asking where and how the shooting
had happened, and telling Hugh to
lead the way to the field, they all
started off toward the scene of the
crime.
Presently. Hugh felt his hand
grasped, and. glanciug up, saw his
father. Even in the dim light he
looked white and troubled.
Father, father" whispered Hugh,
"you believe | did not mean to shoot
poor Mr.. Carver?'
His father silently pressed his hand,
and through all the rest of that dread
full journey kept close to him.
Hugh felt as though he were in q
dream, and that Mark Crow was the
blackest of all the shadowy phantons
in that dream, and kept repeating:
"Yes, he did it-Hugh Balm did it,"
Hugh heard murmurs of pity from
the men who were following rs they
passed Mr.. Carver's little cottage.
Some one was playing the piano and
singing gay little song-his daugh-
ter. probably.
The tears started TO his own eyes
as he thought what misery he had un-
Intentionally brought upon this happy
home.
On they went. Now there was but
n stone wall between him and that
awful sight, and Ilugh's limbs trem-
bled under him at the thought of hav-
ing to face it.
He climbed over. however. the judge
and all the rest following him in pro
found silence.
AS Hugh pointed to dark, motion
less object on the ground, the judge
said, in q low, solemn voice: Stand
baclt!" and taking a lantern from one
OF the men, went carefully forward.
The crowd drew back and formed q
semicircle, and many removed their
hats and stood bareheaded under the
wan moonlight.
TIE =. 1t for I'd and raised
the liant rn. As he did so, the thick
bushes near the wall were parted, and
familiar voice broke the silence:
whats the matter? What are you
all doing here?"
The judge stepped back, with a
shout Of laughter. The owner of the
voice scrambled over the wall.
At that moment, the moon sudden
ly peeped out bright and clear, and re-
vealed the form and features of Mr..
Carver himself!
Hugh sprang forward. as did all the
other spectators, with cxclamations
of amazement.
There, lying at his feet, Hugh saw
an absurd-looking object, dressed in
coat, trowsers and shoes, but with Il
head made of straw!
what have you been doing with my
scarecrow?" said MIR. Carver, in n
puzzled tone. "And what does this
crowd mean?"
A loud burst Of laughter drowned
the answer.
Judge Winter explained the mistake.
Then there was another loud laugh.
in which everyone joined but Hugh,
who had passed too many miserable
moments TO forget so quickly.
He went up to Mr.. Carver, and. seiz-
;pr b;c hand cria6.