i68 
THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
“ And you may be sure,” interposed the 
sprightly Minnie, “ that in doing so papa as¬ 
sumes a very grave responsibility, for, as all the 
neighborhood can testify, my tongue is very 
unruly and runs at both ends; and generally, 
when I am trying to carefully guard one end, 
the other lets the secret out.” 
“ We shall have no fears,” was the compli¬ 
mentary reply of Rudolph. “ When the pledge 
of honor is given we are sure that the tongues 
of this family will be kept under perfect con¬ 
trol.” 
“ Well,” was the bantering reply, “ you are 
marvels of credulity, and I hope that nothing 
will occur to shake such extraordinary faith in 
woman’s ability to keep a secret.” 
“ I will give bonds,” said the father as he 
smiled at the raillery of his daughter, “ that 
your matters will be safe hidden if they are 
never made known until my daughter shall 
make them a subject of gossip.” 
“ We have no fears of Miss Minnie,” was the 
response of both the young men, and ask no 
security for the safe-keeping of our secret by 
her.” 
“ But now to business,” continued Davidson. 
