Il8 THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
disparagement is precluded under peril of most 
condign punishment. If young men will tum¬ 
ble into ditches and frog-ponds at night, they 
must expect that there will be some question 
as to the cause.” 
“ Though we could invite the closest scrutiny 
as to the cause of our late mishap,” Davidson 
replied, “ yet we pledge an honorable conform¬ 
ity to the terms of our contract, and hereby 
commission Miss Ella to make prompt and true 
report of any failure to meet the conditions of 
our treaty. In case of any such violation, the 
the punishment will be that Miss Minnie Dean 
must sit on a tussock of grass in the middle 
of the muddiest bog on the lake, and sing alto 
to a concert of bullfrogs.” 
“ In which case,” was the quick reply, you 
can give me the keynote from the experience 
which you had the other night, when you both 
were taking so prominent a part in their vocal 
entertainment.” 
Just then the boat touched the shore, and 
put an end to any further banter, and soon the 
whole party were on the way to the humble 
abode where their coming was to bring so 
timely and welcome relief to the suffering. 
