The Washington herald., 1911-08-06

@OHNNY WILSON was the worst boy
in town-at least, that is what every
body said, and when the people of a
" unit in opinion there must be some
thing in what they say. Not that
he was really bad. No, far from it, but his
mschief-lovng propensities were such that
he was continually getting into scrapes, and
1t may be added, getting out Of them with
remarkable ease.
That boy" Farmer Bumpson was prone
70 observe, with much vigor, "is on the road
TO destruction. He won't never amount to
nothin, If he keeps on this way"
BY which remark it may be inferred that
the good mans early education had been
much neglected
"1 don't know that" mild Mrs Bumpson
would reply: II once knew boy that was
considered just as bad as Johnny, and he
lived in this town"
AT this the farmer, who often boasted that
he had lived, man and boy, in Bolton "for
nigh onto forty years, would grow red in the
the e-nothin'-nothin' at ALI"
But, to return to Johnny Wilson, it may
be said that he was one Of those impusiye
youths who rush into anything that promises
a, good time, without giving due thought to
the consequences.
On a bright Saturday, in the latter part of
July, he was walking along the principal
street OF Bolton, when an acquaintance nam
ed Hugh Fryer. hailed him.
Say, Johnny" he said impressively, "1've
stumbled on the biggest thing yet. At first.
! was going to keep it to myself, but III
let you In, provided you wont give it away"
"Of course l won't" replied Johnny, i'm
patiently, IF you'll let me know what it
eseenen ae 'a sne. H"s xh ns :a'ss OF
supper, back of old Bumpson's barn, and
we'll talk it over"
Then, with mysterious sign to caution
secrecy, he was off, paying no heed to John
ny's call to come back. OF course, the lat
ter was much interested.
81 wonder what it can be-" he unused, as
Mr.. Bumpson, won't be in it. The row he
made, When I dyed his cat red and green
AT length supper time came and 1t is need
less to say that the moment he was through
Johnny slipped out of the house and wended
his way toward the appointed place.
Twilight was deepening over the Bolton
Hills, as he hurried across the lots toward
the antiquated barn. After climbing several
fences, he reached the structure, and found
Hugh waiting for him.
Don't make any noise," he whispered, "but
follow me-"
Leading the way toward the cornfeld, they
were soon seated on the fence that sklrted It,
II tell you, Johnny" began Hugh, as he
drew from his pocket a roll OF paper, which
was apparently much discolored by age, you
must first promise me, honor, bright, that
you wont speak to anyone OF what am
about to tell you"
The promise being duly given, he held up
the paper, and, tapping it, said:
johnny, this is worth five thousand dol
lars!"
Without needing the gasp of astonishment
his companion gave, Hugh continued in a
low tone, as he spread the paper out over his
knee:
"You see, this reveals the hiding place of
a buried treasure"
"Phew" whistled Johnny, his eyes spark
ling with excitement. How on earth, Hugh
Fryer, did you get hold of it,"
an come to that directly,"', answered Hugh.
Don't interrupt me, and III tell you"
Then he went on rapidly:
yesterday, Sam Jackson Farmer Bump
sons hired man, asked me to help him in the
barn. When we were up in the loft, clearing
out lot of rubbish, we came across an old
earthen Jug that was showed away in cor
ner. Say, Sam, says l, let me have that,
will you? I want to set it on a stump as l