Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-23
TWO SEATS IN A LOFT. BY I'VE

The secret society in DR.. Mains school
had certainly stirred up a great deal OF
hard feeling. 1t had been organized by Jim
Dawson, the most most popular boy in the
school, and he naturally, had asked only
his own special friends to belong. Conse-
quently Dick Street had not been invited
to become a member. as he and Jim never
had been on good terms. There were plenty
of other fellows who hadn't been honored
with an invitation from the L. E. MS,
either, but nobody took 1t so much to heart
as Dick did.
The more 1 think of it, said he to him
self. the madden 1 grow and yet down
deep in his heart he knew he wasn't mad
at all, only hurt. The club f1ourshed, and
the relations between the l.. E. MS and
the non-members were getting more strain
ed every day.
One afternoon at the close of school Len
Dwight came up to Dick and said he had
something to tell him. Ordinarily, Dick
would have nothing to do with Len, for he
was something of a sneak. But in these
troublous times Dick was rather glad of
any society, and quite willing to hobnob
with anybody. So he hailed Len pleasantly
and the two went arm in arm down the
long hall.
Say" began Len, cautiously looking
around, first 1 want you to promise not
to tell
moments hesitation.
We'll, then continued Len. at the same
time drawing mysterious looking book
from his pocket. II found this on the floor
in the coat room yesterday: It's prize
What do you think of it? Well,' as Dick
failed to guess its the constitution of
the L. E. Ms. and now 1 know all their
old secrets!'
What cried Dick aghast, you haven't
read it,"
Every word,' replied Len calmly.
II think you're a big cheat, and don't
amt hiylcy mr. x
claimed Dick.
"Oh, all right" laughed Len, not in the
least Disconnected and starting to walk Off
down the hall, then l don't suppose you
care to take part in the scheme I've thought
of to get even with the l.. E. MS? Just as
you say, of course
All the wrongs and indignties showered
upon him by the society flashed across
Dicks mind and he weakened. Il say,
Len" he called family after the retreating
figure, what's your scheme, anyway"
slowly back. We'll If you really want to
| know and will help me, I'll tell you,' and
| then he proceeded to unfold his plot. I've
| found out from this book that they're going
| to have a special meeting next Friday night
| in Jim Dawson's barn, at o'clock. and
what I propose Is that you and hide up
| in the loft, listen to all their old secrets,
| and then let EN- out all over the school:
| 1t won't be a secret society any more, II
every one knows all about it,
THAT seems awfully mean," demurred
Dick and I wish l hadn't promised to
| help you"
But you have" hastily interposed Len.
Selling his opportunity, ''and you can't go
| back on me now. Wen meet in Jim's barn
| next Friday by 7:3O. and will be we'll hid
| den by the time those smart Alecs come
| In"
The conspirators held no more meetings,
and Len put the L. E. MS book on the
study table where Jim Dawson would be
sure to find it, so the club never had an
| idea that is had been read by an outsider s
| eye.
| What week poor Dick spent! He could
not decide whether to break his promise
| to Len or to play spy on the L. E. MS
IF I hadn't gone so far" he said to
| himself. miserably, II could back out now.
| And why should l do anything for those
L. E. MS? There hasn't one Of 'em been
| decent to me all winter
| Friday came. and at 7:30 Dick and Len
| secreted themselves in the hay loft of the
| Dawsons' barn and awaited events.
| BY five minutes of all the L. E. M
| we're present, and at Jim called the roll.
| After few prelminaries they at last came
| down to business, and discussed some i'm
| portant matters of the club At least, the