" When the
company assembled, it was customary for Paul, who was their chosen
chief, to detail parties to different duties. While some would be
cutting and collecting wood to burn in the huge fire-place in the lower
story, others would be off through the surrounding farms on a forage
for chickens, potatoes, apples, etc., etc. All the money in the
society would be entrusted to a committee of the most reliable
members. These would be dispatched to the village store to purchase
cheese, crackers, ginger-bread and other delicacies for the banquet.
The village store was owned by an old fellow by the name of Philip
Hardtsoe. He had expelled both Paul and Stockie from his territory on
account of an incident which had happened some time previous. The two
chums went in one day to buy a few cents worth of candy. They were
difficult to please and insisted that Philip should hand them some from
a jar on an upper shelf. While his back was turned Paul reached far into
a barrel where a few nice, red apples lay on the bottom. As he balanced
on his stomach over the chime of the barrel, Stockie saw his
opportunity for mischief and gave him a push that toppled him down on
his head. The noise caused old Philip to turn around. He thought the
lads only intended to fool him when they asked for the candy.
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