The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-07-24

esned still. "Oh. Buddie, please catch 1t liKe you said you would when you went a,,hunting: I'm afraid it will eat us up. Oh, oh, oh! And poor little June fefl to wailing piteousIy.
 Then thought came 10 Bert Climb h tree, he muttered in a voice so noafse that June could scarcely under stand him, Quickly they ran to a tree nearby and attempted to lift their little eeoales up, but they made poor progress. Tor their clothes caught on the rough bark and the stiffness of their shoes caused them to slip. They could hear the great dark beast breathing as it crushed through the grass and leaves no mistake. and Bert, with one brave e1ort, peeped round from behind the tree and looked full in the bright eyes and had approached so near that Bert might have touched 1t with an out stretched hand. It was resting on it's haunches, snapping at fly that tor mented It's nose Bert stood notion less, his eyes starting from his head, while his poor little heart kept thump- ing against the bosom of his clean white blouse with the force of hammer.
 June no longer cried, but crouched in dumb terror behind the tree, covering her eyes with her apron thinking thus to hide herself from view. And in her mind she offered up baby prayer for their deliverance from the horrid beast now come to devour them. How long this awful suspense lasted no one will a minute or two, though to Bert and June 1t seemed million years. when 1t was ended by a quick, shrill, ehattering noise; and through the woods leaped another dark body small and full of queer antics, and, to Bert's great as- tonishment, a monkey sprang nimbly on the back of the huge black bear who did not deign to notice 1t. The monkey wore little cap and Jacket of brown velveteen trimmed gaily with bright braid and buttons.
 Berts fear was now mingled with wonder, and he began to think that he was in an enchanted woodland. AS for June. she neither saw nor heard the new arrival.
 "Oh, ho, Bruno. you old scamp, so you thought you would give me the slip, eh? But Sancho, the little heather, fol- track"
 These words came from behind Bert and June and caused their hearts to leap with. joy. At last there was help at hand, and they would not be eaten. Both children turned quickly to see from whom the voice came, and there stood a tall, slim, dark young man with an Italian harp across his shoulder looking at them. He understood the chiidren's situation at a glance and hurried up to them.
 queer accent and smiled gaiiy, showing fine white teeth.
 He must be the Prince Of this en- chanted wood" said Bert to himself.
 Well" continued the dark young man, they won't harm you. They both like kids It's the little chaps that give us the pennies, isn't 1t, Sancho, you heathen?" Then, to the surprise of Bert and June, the strange young man took from his pocket muzzle attached to long strap, and going to the black bear slipped 1t over hls nose throwing the looped end of the strap over his right wrist. Now, come, old sport" he com manded, and the bear reluctantly rose to., obey. The. monkey was darting hither and thither, chattering great deal of nonsense, to which neither Bruno nor his master paid any heed.
 Wont they hurt us?" ventured Bert, still keeping close to the tree, with June half hiding behind him.
 Not bitty,. little chap. Didn't tell you they like kids?" answered the
 a oh ever se far a1 o61 o in vS Maryville with our papa and mamma. But now we are visiting grandma, who lives in the big white house with the tall fence. Do you know where it Is. mister? We're-were lost" This last admission shamed Bert and he hung his head. He felt it was unmanly to be lost.
 "Oh. that great place down across the hollow, where they keep fierce watch
 ''Yes, yes" eagerly answered Bert and June In prea.h Hlease take us
 Sure. if you'll promise to have that dog kept close and feed poor Bruno and Sancho. They're both hungry, can tell
 "oh-o-ol" whispered June. close to Bert, "spose they'd take notion to
 But Bert had suddenly grown brave. Bruno was a tame fellow. and his mas ter, big and strong, had him muzzled and held him by a strap so he turned to June with an ,d indifferent e.pL toss of his be silly I ain't afraid. I wouldn't mind going up and touching Bruno. Sure" said the man. ..come up and shake hands with him Come Bruno, up with your fist, shake the little gents hand" And he .jerked the strap at tached to Bruno's muzzle. Bruno at blinkfng:. but Bert seemed to change his mind, You may shake his hand first, Junie,' he said, with sudden gall him. But at present June felt a serious objection to such familiarity on so short acquaintance and she decided to before putting herself in too close con tact with old Bruno.
 So they all set out over the wooded hill, turned sharp angle in a hedge, the ravine. In few minutes Bert and June led their strange companions up to the front gate, where old Dexter was on watch. When he saw them he snarled and showed two rows of very
 'T'fl go in and take care of him. said Bert. "Then you can all come to the off" He hurried in the yard. with June following, and together they managed to coax Dexter to his kennel. where they locked him safe and sound. In another minute they led their visitors through the gate and up to the front porch, just as grandma opened the door and came forth. ...-.
 When her eyes fell on the strange pro- cession she thought she must be dream ing. There in the lead came proud Bert. followed by the dark young man carry ing his harp: then came Bruno, with Sancho capering at his side. and in the rear little June, her face radiant, though tear-stained- and dirty, After hearing the whole story and seeing June's wounded knee, grandma forgave her little dears for falling outside the yard. but she gently cnided Bert for chasing the butterfly.
 Then Bruno danced to the music his master made on the harp, the monkey cut up the funniest oapers and passed his little cap for the contributions which grandma so literally gave to the chill dren. Ana then food was brought TOT all and regular picnic luncheon was enjoyed on the porch, Bert seated on one side of Bruno and June on the other.
 After the luncheon was over the dark young man, Bruno and Sancho bade hearty farewell to their host and host esses. nd departed, promising to call there again if their wanderings ever brought them to that part of the world.
 So ended the first thrilling adventure in the lives of Bert and his sister Juna