The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-12-30

remove his beauty mark 7 reached
the seminary just the same In one
way, the storm was in my favor; there
was no one out and the wind and sleet
made SO much noise, no one heard my
whistle. Tn afraid the girls Wouldn t
! have, had it not been, they We're eX-
pecting one of us When they opened
their window, / lost no time IN throw
ing in our note and here is the an
swer.' concluded Jack. taking from his
| pocket a dainty little missive, which
was Immediately snatched from his
hand by Hal. who read in his most
elaborate style:
Dear Boys:-We girls will be de-
lighted 20 accept your invitation to go
sleighing at O'Clock tomorrow even
ing. We viii spend the evening with
Lilly's aunt Mrs. G. w. Brooks. 800
Willamette street.
Hoping you boys will have no trou-
/ BILE getting away. we remain. as ever,
LILLY. MARGARET, MARIE"
20 that had an aunt in my hour
of need sighed Hal.
You seem willing enough to be
counted in now" laughed Dick.
what was that ABOUT a lantern?'
questioned Jack. You know l never
| took one with me-
Hal and 1 saw some one in the
grounds answered Dick "and we were
afraid it might be YOU
NO, said Jack. Il think we're safe
enough. I was very careful and I never
saw anyone"
Maybe it was some one else plan
ming a lark" said Dick. Now to our
lessons boys, and let's study hard to
make up for tomorrow night
Promptly at o'clock the next even
ing, a sleigh drawn by two spirited
horses, drew up before the door of Mrs
Brooks. Out jumped three happy BOYS
while almost at the same instant, the
door was thrown open by three merry
girls. followed by Mrs. Brooks, who
greeted them warmly While the girls
hurried into their wraps, Mrs Brooks
remarked, by the way, I didn't know
Prof eCIayborn ever allowed the stud
ents asway from the academy.
The boys were spared the embarrass-
ment of reply, for just then the girls
entered the room saying they were
ready. Bidding Mrs. Brooks goodby
the party wGs eff singing gaiiy as they
went The sleet of the lay before had
made the sleighing fine and it seemed
that never before had the moon shon'7
so brightly. Every now and then SHOUTS
of laughter, or EXPLANATIONS of delight
from the girls, told the boys how much
they were enjoying the ride. Dick mad
promised Mis-. Brooks, they would De
back by half past s, so their pleasant
ride must be brought to an end. After
bidding the girls good night, the boys
ha tened toward the academy so as TO
be in their room before taps We're SOUND
ed. They stealthily made their way 10
the window and to their great relief
found the rope as they left it and has
lily climbed to their room
Safe once more said Hal with
sigh of relief: nov when the Prof.
comes around he will near our limo
cent voices answer sweetly, "Aiis-
but Hal stopped abruptly, for just at
that moment, Dick turned on the light
and revealed to them, Prof. Clayborn,
sitting comfortably in their large arm
chair Each boy with a groan, sank
Imply into the nearest chair.
GOOD evening, young gentlemen,
said the professor calmly I see that
you prefer leaving the room by way
of the window, instead of the stair
way
At this Hal and Jack snickered, but
Dick groaned in despair.
young gentlemen this is no laugh
ing matter said Prof Clayborn, look
ing sternIy over his glasses at Jack
and Hal, land I would like an explain
alton of these very strange proceed
ings.''
Both Hal and Jack remained
speeches., while Dick after clearing
his throat several times. finally gained
courage and gave the desired explain
alton. 1t was given in manly,
straightforward way. not one thing
did he keep back. When he had fin
ished he said, prof Clayborn, it is all