The Chums of Scranton High

dear to the hearts of young people. A straw-ride late in the summer; it might be a class-spread under difficult conditions on account

e fellows had made up a party to go out several miles to where a big barn, as yet emp

addy Whitehead and the fiddle from which he could extract the most enticing music boys and girls had ever danced to; while his assistants, Mose Coffin and Abe Skinner were fairl

ng in the carryall to chaperone the young people, although there was a deal of fun going and coming back h

heir partners. These same girls were co-eds with Hugh and Thad on the weekly paper which Scranton High issued, just as many other schools do. They

might be a good idea to say a few words about him before going any further

ng it in subjection. Strangely enough, Thad's folks came of Quaker stock, and "thee" and "thou" had been familiar words to his young ears. But Thad apparently had not inherited the pe

had always been very fond of his chum. They got on won

urned up at Hugh's house about half-past seven that evening. It was a calm nigh

arked, as, attracted by the call of the klaxon outside, he hurried forth, weari

ng overheated. The farmer's wife will make the coffee, and spread a table for us in her big kitchen,

on hand?" asked the other, sett

ore show up, because we've done lots of talking about the jolly time we expected to have. I only hope that Nic

has a stout hired man, who will be on deck to keep an eye on our cars, and other conveyances; so there'll hardly be any tricks

, as they started off, "which is something unusual for

ou learn that?

eggy Noland told my sister Grace Owen had asked her to be his company to

to have him for her company a number of times. But I remember how annoyed she looked at the

never did like him any too well, and now she detests him. I only hope Nick isn't mean enou

d not give the matter much attention. Later on, perhaps he might have it bro

ove better than one in solving what promised to be a great enigma. But the time was too short now to even mention the matter. Perhaps later on as they chanced to come together betw

erhaps it'll come while we're resting between dances. I've undertaken

ing big things. Nothing seems to faize you, Hugh, Can't you just give me a little clue to

parlor window, and knew how anxious Sue must be for him to run up the steps and ring the door bell, "is that

d muttering, as he hastened to make for the door, where the ea

ack seat; though possibly on the way home the girls might prefer to change partners, as Ivy was heard to sa

ong "like an ice-wagon," as Thad laughingly called out on going ahead. Then again it was a buggy pulled by a horse; for

head when he spoke, because the road was rather poor, with ditches on either side, while t

o all manner of mischief every hour of the day, and dearly love to make a n

decorated by some of the girls who had come out during the last two afternoons after school to sweep the

g of Abe Skinner and Mose Coffin, sat there with huge grins on their faces, and also an expectant look. They had undoubtedly noted the huge hampers of e

be enjoying the picture, since it must have reminded them of somewhat similar episodes in their own y

the maze of a waltz. More vehicles arrived, and others joined in the festivities. This continued

ouse to start work at getting supper ready; though none of the boys were allo

partners. They were feeling a bit fatigued in the bargain, and following the example of several other fellows who were in the sam

e the other told the story in low tones; for while they believed themselves alone in the moonlight, it was always

o think that Owen could demean himself so much as to deliberately steal what belonged to the queer old

stantial evidence has hanged many an innocent man. We ought to go mighty slow about belie