The Weber Literary Journal down stairs as quietly as possible to the kitchen, where they knew Lizzie would be working. The kitchen door was open, and Lizzie's back was turned toward the door, so they set the ghost down in the door very quietly. Then they gave it a quick push and together they yelled, "Ghosts! Ghosts!" Poor Lizzie turned just as the ghost was face to face with her. She gave a sharp scream and then sank to the floor in a heap. The two boys didn't stay to see what would happen, but went again into the back yard. "We've paid old Lizzie back now," said Jim. After wandering about for a few minutes, Bill said, "Let's have an Indian battle." "A'right! But what can we have?" "I can get me a bow and arrow." "Yeah! What'll I have, tho?" "You could have our hatchet, only dad won't let me play with it." "Then I won't play." "I'll tell you! You take that flat, sharp rock there. It looks just like one of them stone hatchets Indians used to use." When at last Jim was pacified, the two boys daubed their faces with mud, and began an elaborate battle accompanied by incredible shrieks and yells. Bill shot innumerable arrows at Jim, and Jim danced back and forth, swinging his menacing stone hatchet over his head. At last Jim captured Bill, and as he squeezed his neck hard Bill screamed, "Don't do it so hard, Jim. It hurts." "Come over here to these steps while I scalp you. Indians always scalp their prisoners," commanded Jim as he led his prisoner over to the cement steps of the house. "Now, lay your head on those steps," ordered Jim. "Now Bill, because you're my cousin I'll be better to you than the Indians would. I'll hit you in the head first so it won't hurt while I scalp you." "Oh, please don't," pleaded Bill, as he tried to free himself and couldn't. "The Indians don't plead with nobody," roared Jim. 10 The Weber Literary Journal At this juncture, Lizzie came hurrying out of the back door. She had recovered from her fright, and, mustering enough courage to investigate the ghost, had discovered the boys' trick. She was hopping mad, and came out muttering to herself. "Ghosts nothing! I'll show them scamps there, you" with a scream, as she caught sight of Jim in the act of braining Bill with a rock "Oh Lordy! Lordy! What you kids doin' now?" Jim dropped the hatchet and Bill jumped up. With Lizzie after them, they ran to the tree and climbed to the garage just in time to escape her. Lizzie tried to climb the tree, but couldn't. "Yo little debbils! Your Ma's shall hear ob dese pranks. Yo' just wait till the Missis comes." Bill and Jim made faces at her as she sat down on the grass under the tree to keep watch. It was dark when Mr. Gray, Mrs. Gray, and her sister came home, and found Lizzie still guarding the tree. Lizzie explained the situation to Mrs. Gray and her sister while Mr. Gray rescued the boys. He found them both asleep on the top of the garage. Mrs. Gray took Bill in her arms, and Jim's mother took him in hers, and both kissed their darlings as they went into the house. Lizzie followed, muttering and talking to herself. Memory Elizabeth Seppich Just back a day I wandered; In yesterday I dwelt; In fanciful dreams I pondered; And the joys of youth I felt. Further into those childhood days, In memory I roamed, Today was lost in a misty haze In the prodigal's thots of home. 11