The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-12-22

ploslon that rent the heavens and the
earth, and a skyroeket shot into the air,
Kissing and splitting fire as 1t assembled.
Instantly an answering rocket was sent
from the tree across the road; but Bert
had not waited for that. The instant he
caught sight of the grinning face he had
uttered a yell that would have done
credit to a Comanche Indian on the war
path and he started on the home route
with loud command to his companions
to follow for their lives This frankie,
May and Helen did with all the strength
Of their legs and lungs. losing much
of their paraphernalia in their Wild
flight. Never once did Bert look back,
but kept shouting to his followers to fly
like the wind. but as he had the advan-
tage over them in length of legs he
soon left them far behind.
stop. Helen, stop Stop. kids; It's
only mel" called a familiar voice in pur-
suit. TITS just us fellows; don't fan in
cat-fitel"
"Oh. it's brother; it's brother" joy
ously exclaimed Helen. slaekening her
pace. rs it you honest. Ned?" she
called to the leader of the pursuers.
Bet your life it's me-" answered the
aWIul-iOOklnB appdfltlOn tnaL proved IN
truth to be Ned Gray. But, say" he
went on as he overlook the children,
and laughing till he could hardly talk,
locke at that spook. sprinting it for
cover. Now. wouldn't il kill your" And
Ned fairly doubled up with a paroxysm
of mirth as he looked after the flying
figure on stills, Its white robes flying in
the air far behind. At this minute the
three Bailey boys looking like COLLINS,
came up out of breath They, too were
enjoying hearty laughter at the expense
of brave Bert, who was now out of
sight.
where did you all come FROM" asked
frankie, as soon as they could stop
laughing long enough to answer ques-
tion.
Prom the trees; are you blind?" re-
What did you all get up there for?'
asked May, disappointed at the failure
of their undertaking, and mortified on
Berts account.
ITO do to you kids just what you all
meant to do to us" answered Ralph
wits out of us. But we turned the
tables. you see.'
Yes. there's nothing like being john
ny on the spot you KNOW added Ned
still laughing.
Then the three Baileys laughed so
hard that 1t really seemed they must
injure their internal works. They fairly
doubled up when they recalled the yell
that issued from Bert as he took to his
stills In dead earnest. And to Helen's
dlspleasure Ned laughed just as heartily.
IT think it's mean, so | do" she said
as she trudged along in the dust hold
ing up her disarrangcd draperies Il
mean to tell mamma on you, Mr.. Ned
so | do.
When Bert reached his own home gate
he stopped to catch breath and look
down the road for his companions. AS
they were nowhere in sight he became
uneasy and hurried in the house to ex-
plain matters to his mother. He found
her busy in the kitchen, ana as he
poured out the tale Of terror to her she
could not hide her amusement from
sat down and laughed till the tears
rolled down her cheeks. Tain't so
funny" growled Bert, the truth slowly
out who those kids were Who put up
that joke on me I'll"
You'll surrender the glory to the
victors," put in his mother, still laugh
ing. "rhey were only bent on the same
harmless sport that took you out this
evening, and you must be gallant
enough to accept your defeat gracefully.
my dear boy. 1t was
But a great shutting of feet on the
front porch, accompanied by hubbuo
of childish voices, interrupted Mrs.
Whites remarks. and the hall door was
thrust open by May who. led in the
crowd. They were merry but insight
ly lot. with their hdeous falsefaces and
strangely arranged attire. The Bailey
boys and Ned Grey were rugged out
much after the fashion of BerS and
Frankie, except that they wore genuine
falsefaees instead of cloth masks. These
falsefaces, like the White childrens
masks. were made goblinlike by the use
OF phosphorus. which glowed with an
unearthly light when out in the dark.
At first Bert hung his head a bit sui
lenly, for he felt ashamed to have been
caught by his chums in the act of run
ming from 'spooks;" but all the others
were so good-natured about 1t that
within a few minutes he was laughing
at the joke on himself. saying: We'll.
you fellows will admit l am al expert
on stills"
After they had all Invested themselves
OF their ghostly and spooky faces and
apparel Mrs White called them to the
dining-room. where a great pan of hot
popcorn and plates of freshmade taffy
We're set out for them to enjoy.
Thus Halloween night was passed till
10 o'clock In. merry tatty-puiing, and
the tales of spooks and witches were
told by the older ones. who gathered in
10 share the fun of the youngsters.