The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1917-03-23

Iowa" and in the lower left-hand cor
ner was n suggestive drawing of n
Skull and CroSsbOnes. The eyes of the
misChievous twins twinkled with de-
light when they saw IL, and they car
ried il 10 the barn for prompt perusal.
1t read as follows:
Miss Constance Starr humbly and re-
spectfully Graves admttance into the An
Cient and Honorable Organization OF
Skull and Crossbones.
The twins pondered long on n fitting
reply. and the next afternoon the post
man brought letter for Connie. wait
ing impatiently for IL. She had ap-
preached the twins about il at noon
that day.
Did YOU get my applications" she
had whispered ncrvOusly.
But the twins had stared her out of
cOuntcnancc, and Connie realized that
she had committed II serious breach of
secret society etiquette.
But here was the letter! Her fin
gers trembled as she opened IT, 1t was
decorated lavishly with skulls and
croSsbones. splashed with red ink, sup
poscdly blood. and written I'm the same
suggestive color.
Skull and Crossbones great I'm mercy
and in Condescension, has listened graCi-
ously TO the prayer OF Constance. the
Seeker. Hear the will OF the Great Spirit!
If the Seeker Will, for the length of two
weeks. submit herself TO the will OF Skull
and Crossbones she shall be admitted in
10 the Ancient and Honorable Order.
The week that followed was gala
one for the twins of Skull and Cross.
bones. Constance swept their room
made their bed, washed their dishes
did their chores and in every way be
haved as a model pledge of the ancient
and honorable. The twins were gra-
cious but firm. There was no arguing
and no faltering. 1T is the will of
do this" they would say. And the
damSel did IL.
Prudence did not feel 1t was case
that called for her interference. So
she sat back and watched, while the
twins told stories, read and frolicked
and Constance did their daily tasks.
A week passed, ten days, and twelve
Then came a golden October afternoon
when the twins sat in the haymow
looking out upon a mellow world. Con
stance was in the yard, reading fairy
| story. The situation was a tense one
for the twins were hungry. and time
was heavy on their hands.
"The apple trees In Avery's orchard
are just loaded" said Lark. And
there are lots on the ground, too.
saw them when was out in the field
this morning"
Carol gazed down into the yard
where Constance was absorbed In her
book. Constance oughtn't to read as
much as she does" she argued. "Its
so bad for the eyes"
"Yes, and what's more, she's been
getting off too easy for the last few
days. The time Is nearly up"
That's So" said Lark. Lets call
her up here" This was done at once
and the unfortunate Constance stood
before them respectfully, as they had
instructed her to stand. The twins
hesitated, each secretly hoping the
other would voice the order. But Lark
as usual, was obliged TO be the spokes.
man.
"Damsel," she said, at Is the viii of
Skull and Crosshones that you HE ye
20 yOnder orchard-Avery's | mean
and bring hither some Of the golden
apples basklng In the sun"
what" CALCULATED Connie, startled
out Of her respect.
Carol frowned.
Connie FASTENED 20 modify her tone
Did they say you might have themT
she inquired politely.
THAT concerns thee not; 'tis for thee
only 20 render obedience 20 the orders
Of the Society. Go out through our
| field and sneak under the fence where
the wires are loose, and hurry back
We're awfully hungry. The trees are
near the fence. There isn't any dan.
ger"
"But it's stealing" objected Connie
"What will Prudence"
"Damsel :" And Connie turned "a
obey with despair In her heart.
"Bring twelve" Carol called after
her, "thatll be four apiece. And hurry
Connie. And see they don't catch you
while you're about IT,"
After she had gone the twins lay
back thoughtfully on the hay and
stared at the cobwebby roof above
them IN silence for n while. Something
was hurting them, but whether IL wos
their fear Of the wrath of Prudence
or the twinges Of tender consciences-
who can sayl"