The Washington herald., 1911-06-25
Methuselah
CONTINUED FROM PAGE -FOUR

"Can you fasten it safe Maggie!" he cali
ed.
eyes, to the cedar, if Alice can hold to
me-" replied Maggie, quickly comprehending,
Eds plan.
"Fastcn it tight. Tie those bottom ropes
with that strong knot l showed you right
around the bulge in the tree. 1t can't clip.
Here it comes. Pull it in"
Methuselah had scrambled downward, and
the clothesline about him was within her
reach.
Carefully working il clear of the boughs,
Maggie drew down Ebs ladder, which he
followed directions, while Methuselah watched
head.
Now wait minute" Eb pulled at the
ropes That is all right.
NO; 1t can't turn a mite the way / told
her to fix ito Mr.. More, who doubtfully
regarded it.
With the help of those who appreciated his
scheme Eb shook the ladder free from the
Uverhangng tree, took turn of the top ropes
around a large trunk near by, and drew it
taut There 1t was-a santing, slightly lean
ing, but reasonably firm passageway from the
cedar base to the cliff above.
Get ready" called Eb, cheerfully. let
Alice come first"
II thought you were going after them:
They can never come up that alone!" cried
Mr.. More, his fears renewed
"Pshaw! No need Of my going. They'll
and keep looking up"
Maggie bravely sidled past Alice, and en-
couraged her to go on. 1t seemed an age to
those waiting above as she clambered up
ward; but she chung to the once familiar
ropes and rungs, and, as she neared the top,
her father reached and drew her up.
Now, Maggie! Only unite Methuselah
first"
Maggie obeyed and started; but she did
not come alone, though she was unaware Of
any company. But those watching saw a
slim shape slide down to her vacant place,
wait a moment, then cautiously follow at a
distance.
The men holding to the ladder above tight
ened the tension at the sight involuntarily,
and Eb paled for fear a misstep in some way
would unbalance Maggie.
But Methuselah knew what he was doing.
Every step was like hers, and as a half dozen
strong arms seized her, Methuselah, with a
chatter of delight, swung himself on to one
Of the side ropes and scampered up it in utter
abandon, like IruebOrn sailor. amid the
cheers of every one. But he did not care for
cheers. He leaped on the girls, he chartered,
he sat down and hugged himself in an ecstasy
of delighted satisfaction.
1t was Alice who spoke 6rst. She had kept
silence in her fright
Don't you ever say a word against Methu-
selah nor Eb ever again, papa More!" she
My child, Methuselah is a-a--jewel," ad-
mitted Mr.. More, "and as for Eb," turning
admiringly to him, you are certainly older
than Methuselah. and with judgment and dar-
ing enough for him, too. Accept my apology,
and it is given to both you and to hm,"
"Oh, that's nothing!" laughed Eb in happy
relief, as he took the hand held out to him,
adding slyly, "T'he girls knew what they could
do, thanks to the lessons on the old barn with
Methuselah"
Shake hands with Methuselah, too" insist.
ed Alice, as her father smiled good humoredly
at the allusion; and he turned willingly, but
doubtfully toward his former enemy and ex-
tended his hand.
Methuselah eyed it askance far second,
then slowly reached out his own brown claw
like hand and gave Mr.. More's quick hearty
slap,
THAT must mean that we are quits" said
he, graciously.
And Methuselah grinned and chattered, but
his future friendliness seemed to prove that
he had so agreed to consider it.