Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-27
CHAPTER w. Continued. }

HIN CHAPTER ~. (COntlnueu.)
Constance did so-and her breast
with rapture and awe In ming
hing.
Then a horrible thing happened
The fame of the Eternal Light" was
+ suddenly extinguished, and Carol ex-
SBclaimed. "The ceremony Is ended.
Il Return, damsel, to thine abode"
A. sound of scampering feet-and
Il sConstance knew that the Grand OFF,
I cials had fed, and she was alone In
1.-THE dreadful darkness. She called
after them pitifully, but she heard the
ISLAM Of the kitchen door before she
kShad even reached the ladder.
II was a sobbing and miserable neo-
phyte who stumbled into the kitchen
m Few seconds later. The twins were
BLENDING earnestly over their Latin
erammars by the side OF the kitchen
I IRE and did not raise their, eyes as
the Seeker burts into the room. Con-
Sstance sat down and gasped and quiv-
Egered for q while. Then she looked
down complacently at the little black
how with It's smudge of red ink and
Esighed contentedly. !.
The week that followed was gala
Zone for the twins Of Skull and Cross
|bones. Constance swept their room,
made their bed, washed their dishes,
ibid their chores and in every way
kbehaved as model pledge of the An
Rcient and Honorable. The twins were
Gracious but firm. There was no ar
s4uing and no faltering. 1T Is the
Twill Of Skull and Crossbones that the
s6amsel do this" they would say. And
Ethe damsel did it.
NJ Prudence did not feel it was a cast
That called for her interference. So
Eahe sat back and watched while the
ttwins told stories: read and frolicked
lind Constance did their daily tasks.
So eight days passed and then came
EVaterloo. Constance returned home
latter an errand down town and in her
Inland she carried great golden pear.
kPerhaps Constance would have pre-
4 ferred that she escape the notice or
1 the twins on this occasion, but as
RIuck would have 1t, she passed Carol
Iln the hall.
"Gracious! What pear! Where did
You get it?' demanded Carol covetous-
Il met Mr.. Arnold down town and
|sfhe bought it for me. He's very fond
8]of me- It cost him dime, too, just
Ee1Or this one Isn't it beauty?' And
Connie licked her lips suggestively.
Carol licked hers, too, thoughtfully.
EThen she called up the stairs, "Larkle,
Sfcome here, quick"
4 Lark did so, and duly exclaimed and
3fAdmired Then she said significantly,
ssESsI suppose you are going to divide
with us?"
n "Of course said Connie with some
Indignation. I'm going to cut 1t In
ave pieces so Prudence and Fairy
slcan have some, too"
A pause, while Carol and Lark
a gazed at each other soberly. Men
tally each twin was figuring how big
n Aer share would be when the pear was
8Nivided in f1ves. Then Lark spoke.
1T Is the will Of Skull and Cross
/: bones that this luscious fruit be
sSturned over to them Immediately"
Constance faltered, held it out, drew
ait back.
ST I do, suppose you'll give me
IL part OF 1t. anyhow she said and her
Saeyes glittered.
Not SO. damsel," said Carol omin-
IA ously. 1.-THE Ancient and Honorable
n takes-it never gives"
For moment Constance wavered
Then she famed into sudden anger.
gssI won't do 1t. so there" she cried.
sssI think you're mean selfish pigs,
#that's what I think! Taking my very
aown pear and-but you won't get 1t!
s3i don't care If I never get into your
s#0illy old society-you don't get bite
~ this pear, I>can tell you that
And Constance rushed upstairs and
1slammed door few seconds later
1.-THE door opened again and her cher
Eished badge was flung down upon
dSkull and Crossbones.
There's your old black string
ssmeared up with red ink!" she yelled