Mark Elmer, Jr., as he wrote his name, was as merry, harum-scarum,
mischief-loving a boy as ever lived. He was fifteen years old, the
leader of the Norton boys in all their games, and the originator
of most of their schemes for mischief. But Mark's mischief was
never of a kind to injure anybody, and he was as honest as the day
is long, as well as loving and loyal to his parents and sister
Ruth.

Although a year younger than Mark, Ruth studied the same books
that he did, and was a better scholar. In spite of this she looked
up to him in everything, and regarded him with the greatest
admiration. Although quiet and studious, she had crinkly brown
hair, and a merry twinkle in her eyes that indicated a ready humor
and a thorough appreciation of fun.

It was Monday when Mark and Ruth walked home from the post-office
together, reading the paper, for which they had gone every Monday
evening since they could remember, and they were to leave home and
begin their journey on the following morning.

During the past week Mr. Elmer had resigned his position in the
bank, sold the dear little house which had been a home to him and
his wife ever since they were married, and in which their children
had been born, and with a heavy heart made the preparations for
departure.

With the willing aid of kind neighbors Mrs. Elmer had packed what
furniture they were to take with them, and it had been sent to
Bangor. Mark and Ruth had not left school until Friday, and had
been made young lions of all the week by the other children. To