"Well, I never!" exclaimed Jack, in surprise. The torups manifested their dissatisfaction by snapping viciously as the boys came near them.
After that the box was set several times with varying results, and the boys did a good work in destroying a large number of torups; for not only do they make it almost impossible for fish to live in a pond, but they will also destroy young ducks by catching them by the feet and dragging them beneath the water, where they devour them alive.
[HOW THEY HELPED THE DEACON.]
BY ADA CARLETON STODDARD.
"Cherries? I should say so! There's no end to 'em—trees are loaded, and red's a burning-bush. I was by there to-day."
It was an intensely eager voice, and Davy Kent, the speaker, ended his little speech with an expressive smack of the lips.
"He'd never miss the few we'd take, would he, boys?" That was Ned Rogers. It was upon a straw pile behind Mr. Rogers's barn that the boys were holding an earnest consultation.
"Miss 'em? No, not if we took twice as many as we will."
"A bushel will be enough to treat the whole crowd, won't it?"