The Batesburg advocate. [volume] (Batesburg, S.C.) 1901-1911, 1905-08-25

a strict investigation was made into
the cause Of the fire, but as IL was
purely an accident Mr.. Crawco sharp
ly reprimanded Jack and put a stop to
any further fireworks. Still he was
very much annoyed and drove over to
Willow Copse Hall the next day to see
Mr.. Bedington, whom he intended to
ask for check for the damage. as the
Insurance did not cover the studies,
which had been built since he effected
IT.
Mr. Crawcour soon told what had
happened.
Certainly you shall be paid for any
loss my son has put you to-" said Mr..
Bedington. az will send a competent
surveyor to act with one appointed by
yourself to estimate the extent of the
damage"
'I fear" remarked Mrs. Bedington,
''that John is irrepressible. He is al
ways doing something"
Always, ma'am," replied Mr.. Craw-
cour, "and yet I can't help liking the
lad"
'I'll tell you what 1t is. Crawcour."
said Mr.. Bedington. II shall have to
send him to sea Just to knock some of
the nonsense out of him. know what
the sea Is. The life is hard, and boy
gets more kicks than halfpence"
Jack will grow out of his bad hab-
it's" said Mrs. Bsdington.
1T doesn't look like it."
'The sea-" observed Mr. Crawcour,
"is all very we'll in its way. should
be sorry to part with Jack, but when
1t comes to setting the school On fire,
why. you know, one must draw a line
somewhere. ind much as 1 like the lad
and esteem you, sir. I think I should
be bettSr of II he did go to sea-"
THANK you for being candid" re-
piled Mr.. Bedington. with laugh.
After a little conversation. which re-
suited In nothing being settled, Mr..
Crawcour took his departure, saying
he hoped he should be able to give q
better account of his uDruly pupil at
the end of the half. Getting into his
trap, he drove off. He had not started
from Tomona House until past 4. and
it was quite dark when he left for
home.
About mile from the school he had
to descend steep hill. Having nearly
reached the bottom, his horse STUN
bled. the trap turned over on its side
and the principal was gracefully pitch
ed out on to the top OF n quick set
hedge. His temper was not improved
by the numerous scratches he received
in getting down from his uncomforta-
bic position.
In the imperfect light he saw stand
ing before him two masked figures.
Could they be highwaymen?
Money or your lifev' cried a Sc
pulchral voice, and at the same mo-
ment what appeared to be a pistol was
presented at his head.
Sinking to his knees In the muddy
road, Mr.. Crawcour, before whose aw-
full nod his boys We're wont to tremble,
sa M in al inGistones: Spare me,
good gentlemen; spare me: = -
Door schonlmnster. whose profits IN
the education Of youth are SMALL
may say they are entirely swallowed
up In pampering my pupils. Silver or
gold 1 have but little, but that little ]
VIII freely give you, good, kind gentle
men, II you will let me depart in peace
and continue my way"
1.-THE money! demanded the fore.
most highwayman.
Take 1t, kind sir" answered Mr..
Crawcour. emptying his pockets.
THAT watch and chainr'
was gift from my grandmother"
Bother your grandmother! Hand IL
out"
The pistol cleaned again with its pol
ishcd barrel in the uncertain light, and
Mr.. Crawcour delivered up his watch.
THAT ring" continued the masked
robber.
sis my signet."
"Fork it outr'
The ring was handed to the highway
men.
Now, one word more" said the high
wayman. You say you are n school
master. Have you boy named Hark.
away under your care?"
II have, sir"
'Reware how you answer. Have you
not been to his parents to complain of
him, meanly telling tales behind his
back? No falsehood. He is my first
cousin"
Indeed, Mr.. Highwayman, SIR" an
SWereN the principal aStonlShed, Il
was not aware OF that important fact"
Treat him with the utmost kind
ness" continued the robber, "and in
three weeks time your watch, ring and
money shall be returned to you, but ut
ter cross word, frown upon him even,
and dread the vengeance of Turpin the
Second. Dick, are you readyf"
"Yes," replied the other masked vii
lain.
ITO horse, then, and let this r>isera-
bic worm crawl home as best he may"
Suddenly the sound of horses hoofs
was heard and the lights of n carriage
appeared rapidly approaching. The
principal OF Pomona House gained cour
age. In the darkness his terror had
magnified his assailants into the size of
giants. but when he came to look at
them again they seemed understood.
Help. help" he cried.
The trap stopped. and two men got
out.
What is IT," asked one.
Thieves! Murder! Help! Help!
Thieves" roared the principal.
He was engaged in deadly struggle
with the foremost robber, whom he had