The Bolivar County Democrat. (Rosedale, Miss.) 1887-1969, 1922-12-30
BOYS WILL BE BOYS
BY EVELYN WHITMORE

Mother Weston was continuously on
the move, as well as her restless lads.
One busy afternoon, as she was fit
ting a new dress to daughter Belle, a
deafening racket commenced just
above them in the attic.
They're playing Indian" comforted
Belle, giggling.
"Mercy me, do go up, Belle, and tell
them to stop Immediately"
After Bellies departure the COM
motion seemed to lessen somewhat,
then broke out anew.
Mother dropped her sewing and
hurried up the stairs. At the top she
was met by a dishevelled Belle who
ran past her screaming, go back, ma.
quick They'll lasso you'll"
ma" bravely advanced to the attic
door. When the boys saw her they
pushed forward with rush, winding
the lariat and sending it ahead. The
rope missed it's target and mother
stood her ground.
Look here, you boys" she expostu-
lated, retreating as they came on
again, bowling with joy, ''if you don't
stop this instant I'll" Here her
threat was cut short for, as the men
acing coil a second time hurtled
toward her, she turned precipitately
and fled.
Belle had hardly reached the living
room when the door flew open and in
rushed mother, followed by howls OF
triumph She sank into a chair,
breathlessly, while Belle laughed until
the tears came.
Ere long, absolute stiffness pervaded
the house. At last, when the silence
became so intense that it fairly shout
ed, Belle went up to investigate.
There on the floor lay figure tied
hand and foot and gagged. From a
beam above hung a rope that was
made fast to the recumbent object.
Belle ran across and looked down
upon brother Francis, as securely
bound as a bale Of hay. Screaming
with merriment, she loosened the gag.
Francis grunted in relief.
"Quick," he urged. "get me out Of
this! l can't mover
"N1ove!" Belle shouted, you're tied
so solid / can't unfasten you in 10
years" !"
Belle, do hurry and get busy. tell
you my arms are broken"
Belle stifed her mirth and "got
busy" She united the rope suspended
from the beam and began on the cords
that held his wrists.
"Did you lie down and let him fas-
ten you up like this?"
Francis looked sheepish. Il thought
he'd let me loose again. Get wiggle
on, can't your"
The imprisoned wrists were not only
doubly wound and knitted with cord,
but a wire had been effectively used,
as well.
"Good land!" Belle exclaimed when
she discovered this, and the laugh she
yainly tried to smother rippled forth.
"Will you hurry?" Francis begged.
Finally, after pulling and twisting
Belle managed to free the groaning
victims arms.
Then, with as much haste as numb
hands would permit, he unwound the
ropes that secured his feet.
"Where's Frederick" asked Belle,
watching him.
"Outdoors, l guess. Say, Belle
mo. shan't promise not to tell,
she interrupted. Next time you're
such ninny-" but laughter chokea
the remainder, and she ran out, leav-
ing him to his own reflections.
There was brief lull ''in the days
occupations" at supper time, 1or even
active boys are obliged to eat, and
ofter a hilarious evening mother sent
them to bed early.
She had but settled herself for
much-needed respite when, from ABOVE
came a series of bangs and thumps,
and Bellies voice calling urgently:
MA. ma, come up here, quick!
They're tearing everything to pieces !?
Mother flew upstairs andsfound pam
demonium let loose in the boys room;
It. was a pillow fight in full session.
Both boys, wild with excitement,
were racing around the room, jumping
on bed and chairs and streWlng the
bed covers about, while pillows sailed
in every direction, regardless OF
breakable objects.
Unable to make herself heard, MOTH
er rushed into the melee.
Look out, you'll break a WINDOW J.
she called, capturing every pillow she
could reach. "And just see that peo
Frederick Weston, give that to me!
and she separated Frederick from the
pillow he had caught over his head.
The boys were too exhausted Dy
their exertions and laughter to battle
further, so they subsided and listened
with intermittent chuckles to mothers
lecture. She remade the bed and saw
her mischievous sons safely tucked
therein before leaving them.
Peace reigned in the Weston mousse
hold.
Taking No Chances.