The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1909-08-20
The Flag of
District Seven
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Naturally 1t was dark and still
about District School Number Seven;
why not, when the eight day clock on
the wall inside marked nine forty-five
p. M, and was ticking on toward ten
as fast as 1t could go. "Time for all
honest folks to be In bed" the Doc
tors grandfather would have told
him. The Doctor was supposed to
have gone there an hour and half
before.
But the Doctor had matter on
hand which he felt required caution
and the shades of night; therefore he
and Jimmy crept stealthily out from
their respective homes, met where the
road forked, and stole across lots, TAX
ing advantage Of every bush and
clump of weeds, though 1t was as dark
as the Doctors pocket. At last they
were crouching close against the
southern wall Of the brick school
house. e.
Said the Doctor In stage whisper:
This here shutter isn't really shut.
! stuck wad Of paper In the hinge,
and Miss Colwell pulled like forty
trying to hook 1t. It's the only win
dow where the lock doesn't catch
Now, I'll boost you up, and then you
can haul me-"
mo, siree," said Jimmy promptly;
"Ill boost and you haul"
But you're the heaviest" urged the
Doctor. "It's easier to boost than to
haul"
Il don't care. l don't go in there
first. You're the fellow that's doing
this, l Just come along for com.
uany."
You're an old 'fraid cat"
'Frald cat yourself"
well, here--boost away" said the
Doctor, and up he went. 1t was dark
outside, but as he sat astride the win
dow sill somehow 1t looked a good
deal darker within.
Give me the lantern" 1t was un-
lighted, but the speaker was we'll pro-
vided with matches. Now, catch hold,
quick" He reached his arms out of
the window, making a heroic effort to
conquer the queer, creepy feeling that
Something might reach out of that
awful blackness behind and catch hold
of him.
ut won't need two Of us to 20 up
into the loft" was whispered from be-
low. You just light the lantern and
put 1t on the window.slll, and I'll
wait here till you come down. Ouch
--quit!"
For the Doctor came down then and
there, landing squarely on top of him,
and though Jimmy might weigh few
pounds more, everybody knows that
momentum counts for more than
weight. The Doctor had momentum
to spare.
Say, are you comm along like
white man, after promising and prom
Using 30 t wouldn't ask any other
fellow? Say, are you--ARE you, jim
iny Neebles?"
"Yepl Get ofr'n me-" The dark
schoolhouse was possible danger, the
Doctor positive one, Jimmy went
in first that time, but he speedily
jerked the Doctor In after him, and
the latter was daring and reckless
enough to close the shutter before he
struck match,
The first lost Its head, the second
sputtered and went out, the third flz-
zled and did the same, BY the time
the tiny fame threw gigantic shad.
ows of themselves upon the ceiling.
both conspirators were In q CULVER.
There's nothing and nobody here"
said Jimmy. looking fearfully about
him.
who said there was?" bravely
scoffed the Doctor. "Now for the step
ladder"
1t stood In the closet where the
girls hung their hats and cloaks, The
two brought 1t out, somewhat hinder
ed in their progress. not only because
the ladder was heavy. but because
they seemed to feel Obliged to carry
the lantern with them wherever they
went When the ladder was at last
firmly planted under the trap door
leading to the loft, the Doctor with
an air OF being nonchalantly willing
TO share the honors of the expedition,
inquired: Well, who goes up?"
YOU" Jimmy replied with prompt
ness. basely unmoved by ambition for