The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-28

as to thrust the mat into it. But the lace, being on the top half covers the opening. Such mats for hot dish- es not only help to decorate the table, but keep the tabletop underneath from blistering or marring. When the covers are soiled they may be re- moved and laundered and replaced over the mats for use again. Some young girls make good supply of these little hot-dish mat covers dur ing their vacation hours, and keep their mothers linen closet we'll fitted out with them.
 Another interesting and useful idle day work is the embroidering of in- itials in the corners of napkins. If this is done artistically it adds great ly to the beauty of the soA, white pieces of table linen which one loves to have inviting. The prettier ones table linens are the more appetizing is the meal served with them. A lit- tie rich, heavy embroidery makes a decidedly plain bit lool, artistic. SoCooc
 Will hung onto the ghost, dragging 1t towards the front door. It vainly struggled to keep itself in the room, but after about three minutes Will had it on the porch, and was calling to the committee in the Simpson cot tage.
 Its Will calling" cried Harry, who had remained on the porch of the Simpson cottage, listening. Let's go as fast as we can." But the others seemed reluctant and hung back. Tt might get us with it's sword" said one old man.
 Say, it's this way" explained Harry. Twill gave me his word of honor that if he saw a real ghost he'd make no alarm; but if he caught live man-which he thought he'd do-he'd call to us to come as fast as we could. I'm going" So off went Harry and two others of the committee followed at a safe dis tance.
 When Harry reached the haunted house his cousin had the ghost on the ground and was holding him down by main force. As soon as help ar- rived, Harry and his two followers. Will said: Make a light, boys Then help me to unrobe the ghost Let's SCc II iO tdI lHto tiih di.
 Well. when the white sheet and the piece of tent-cloth were off the ghost there was disclosed the face and form of George Simpson. son of the gar dener who had discovered the Lane end House ghost. The shamed fellow got to his feet and made the best ex- cuse he could for his conduct, after Harry and his two followers had ex- a. l. were not at home this evening. Your wife thought you had gone fishing. Ah-ha, so you're the ghost!"
 Its this way, boys" said George. hanging his head. Father loved ghost stories. and he liked to make people believe the stories he invent ed. So he thought out one about this old house. and people believed him without Investigating. So when this young Teller decided to prove there was no ghost here, I made up my mind not to let him make Dad a liar. so l come here in this sheet to scare the life out of him. I had an idea that when he saw a tall white form coming towards him he'd run like sixty. and the Lane-end House ghost would still live. But it's all up. boys. and I'm caught"
 You're not so much to blame as your daddy observed one of the committee for he taught you this deception when you were a little sha- yer. So come Hong and promise never to do it again."
 Just then the others of the com mittee and half the town besides, came up to the gate cautiously. peer ing over it. And they heard and saw enough to know the truth. and as Will passed out the gate each com had to grasp him by the hand. You had more courage, young feller. than the whole town put to- gether. It took a boy like you to send the ghost into smithereens."
 So spoke the old cobbler. head os the committee.