The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1917-02-02

I
But the twins had stared her out of
, countenance, and Connie realized that
she had committed serious breach OF
secret society etiquette.
But here was the letter! Her fin.
gers trembled as she opened it. It was
decorated lavishly with skulls and
crossbones, splashed with red ink. sup
posedly blood, and written in the same
suggestive color.
Skull and Crossbones, great in mercy
and In condescension, has listened graci-
ously to the prayer of Constance, the
Seeker. Hear the will of the Great Spirit
IL the Seeker will. for the length of two
weeks, submit herself to the will of Skull
and Crossbones. she shall be admitted in
to the Ancient and Honorable Order.
The week that followed was a 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 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
Skull and CrossbOnes that the damsel
do this" they would say. And the
damsel did it,
Prudence did not feel it was a 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 mellow world. Con-
stance was in the yard, reading fairy
story, The situation was 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 l 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"
"Hes, 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 will of
Skull and CrOssbOnes that you HE We
to yOnder Orchard-Averys l mean
and bring hither some of the golden
apples basking in the sun"
What" calculated Connie, startled
out of her respect.
Carol frOwned.
Connie fastened to modify her tone.
Did they say you might have them?"
she inquired politely.
"That concerns thee not It's for thee
Dnly to render obedience to the orders
If the Society. Go out through our
ield and sneak Tnder the fence where |
he wires are loose, and hurry back. |
We're awfully hungry. The trees are |
lear the fence There isn't any dan
.er"
But it's stealing" objected Connie.
What will Prudence"
"Damsel - And Connie turned to
hey with despair in her heart.
Bring twelve" Carol called after
er, "that'll be four apiece. And hurry
)onnie. And see they don't catch you
'hile you're about it,"
After she had gone the twins Law
ack thoughtfully on the hay and
tared at the cobwebby roof above
lem in silence for while. Something
as hurting them, but whether it was
leir fear Of the wrath of Prudence, |
r the twinges of tender consciences-
hO can say?"
shes an unearthly long time about
," exclaimed Lark at last. do you {
oppose they caught her?" '
This was an awful thought, and the
rls were temporarily suffocated. But |
ley heard the barn door swinging be- |
cath them, and sighed with relief. It /
as Connie She climbed the ladder {
and poured her golden treas
'e before the arch-thieves, Skull and
rOssbOnes.
There were eight big, tempting
,ples. {
Hum! Eightp said Carol sternly. t
said twelve" q
ayes, but l was afraid someone was !;
ming. | heard such a noise through G
e grapevines, SO | got what | could v
ID ran for it. There's three apiece a
r you, and two for me-" said Connie, u
ting down sociably beside them on
e hay.
But Carol rose. "Damsel, beeone."
e ordered. "When Skull and Cross
nes feast, thou canst not vet share Il
e festive board. Rise thee, and s.
eed." Ii
Connie rose, and walked soberly d
ward the ladder. But before she dis W
peared she fred this parting shot. d
don't want any of them. Stolen II
pies don't taste very good, reckon" q
Carol and Lark had the grace to j