The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1902-05-22

oullulng IL Is, but it's near the
square, that's evident
he ran to the hall, secured his hat
and opened the door. A mellow glare
was cast over the scene without, and
a man was discovered fastening along
the road.
"Hello!" cried Mr.. Vlandingham.
whats burning?"
"The courthouse!" was the start
ling answer flung back by the man
as he sped on.
"Oh, dear!" cried Miss Betty, with
a sharp note of regret. II had
planned to do something in the morn
ing, before the polls open-something
which would have knit Concord and
Harmony in closer bonds and have
insured peaceable election, but now
it is impossible"
"The best laid plans of mice and
maids gang aft agley, you remem-
ber,' observed Guy. "For my part,
I hope that ill-fated courthouse will
be burned to the last stick. It has
caused trouble enough"
Together they sat on the porch
watching the yellow flames leap high
and toss their sparkling, star-like
cinders. Then gradually the fiery
tongues sank down and down, the
glare faded out of the sky and they
knew that the courthouse had ceased
to be factor in the contest.
The squire returned, by and by,
and with him walked youth who
was wheeling bicycle.
"Let us go in for a minute" they
heard the squire say. "You can leave
your wheel at the gate.'
They entered the house, whittier
Miss Betty and Guy had preceded
them, and Guy then discovered that
the youth who was accompanying
the squire was none other than Lem
uel Bilkins. Notwithstanding a GER
tain air of bravado and triumph, it
could be seen that Lemuel was very
much agitated and frightened.
GA fellow-townsman of yours, Mr..
HERBERT" remarked the squire, a
grim smile fitting across his face.
''This young man." he laid his hand
on Lemuel's shoulder, "came over
from Concord and burned the court
house. He was caught while at
tempting to escape. The people were
strongly tempted to make an exam
pie of him, but I reminded them of
our new policy"
''Of my new policy, father" inter-
rupted Miss Betty.
''Quite so, my dear. I reminded
them of your new policy and the in
cendiary was turned over to me. His
name is Lemuel Bilkins and he has
probably done brave thing, as his
people will look at it. That was
very bright idea of yours, Mr.. Bill
kins.'
There was sarcasm in the squire's
voice, but Lemuel could not detect it.
ut was the Colonel's idea," an
swered Lemuel, falteringly but
proudly. "He said if I'd do it could
have Simpsons place in the Office"
HAS Sampson left Keevers en-
ploy?" queried the squire, with sud-
den interest.
why" returned Lemuel, che set
on the Colonel like tiger an if the
Colonel hadn't held himself in he'd
jest naturally have killed Samp"
'This is news indeed!" exclaimed
Guy.
II have brought the young man
here, Betty" resumed her father, $50
that you might tell him what you in
tended doing with the courthouse to-
morrow. He will see, then, that the
building was sacrificed to no pur-
pose"
won't you sit down, Mr. Bilkins ?"
asked Miss Betty.
I'D ruther stand,' returned Lem
uel, fidgiting. eff it's all the same
to you, I'd ruther go right off, too"
You are in no danger, Mr.. Bilkins,"
went on Miss Betty. II give you my
word. Stand if you like, for I will
detain you only few moments The
purloining of the courthouse was my
plan. I did not intend to steal it,
but after Harmony had legally &C.
quired the county seat I was going
to have the building paid for. Had
l not done this, I hardly see how
CldSA COulu nave DcCu dVOuuGO, TOT
the Invincibles we're organized and
drilled, and it was their avowed in
tention to march upon Concord and
take the records by force. I had alb
solutely no power over them. BY
allowing them to work off their ar
dor in a more theatrical way their
purpose was accomplished without
violence. We bear no i'll will toward
you or your people, and I had ar
ranged to have the courthouse hauled
back to its original site in the early
hours of the morning. I am very
sorry, indeed, that you have made
this impossible. If you will remem-
Der what I have told you, however,
and tell your fellow-citizens about it,
they may perhaps accept the inten-
ton in lieu of the Decd"
Lem Bilkins, when the squire con-
Quoted him from the house and start
ed him homeward on his bicycle, ap-
rooro1 oro CT Nv.