The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1859-10-13

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once that the question must now be reduced
to game of speed. If he could not by any
means gain the school house first, he should
feel good deal of uneasiness for the conse-
quences. Stephen was walking very leisure
ly, and unconscious that he was in any dan
ger Of a competitor on the course, and it was
important that his suspicious should not be
awakened Charles therefore remained per.
fectly quiet till Stephen had got little out
of hearing, and then threw down his bushes
and flowers, and ran to the wharf below the
store with his utmost speed. He had one
advantage over Stephen. He was ready at a
moments warning to start on an expedition
of this kind, for Sunday clothes were an ev-
cry day affair with him.
There was light canoe belonging to his
father, lying at the wharf, and couple Of
stout boys were there fishing. Charles
hailed them, and told them if they would row
him across the pond as quick as they possi-
bly, co,ld, he would give them quarter Of a
dollar apiece. This, in their view, was a
splendid offer for their services, and they
jumped on board with alacrity and managed
the oars. Charles took paddle and stood
in the stern to steer the boat and help her
ahead. The distance by water was a little
less than by land, and, although Stephen
had considerably the start of him, he believ-
ed he. should be able to reach the school
house first, especially if Stephen should not
see him and quicken his pace. In one min
ute after he arrived at the wharf, the boat
was under full way. .rae"..u ......
The DO, laid down to the oars with right
good will, and Charles put all strength upon
the paddle. They were shooting over the
water twice as fast as man can walk, and
Charles already felt sure Of the victory But
when they had gone about half mile, they
came in the range of little opening in the
trees on the shore, where the road was ex-
posed to view, and there at that critical mo-
moment,was Stephen pursuing his easy walk
Charles heart was in his mouth Still it
was possible Stephen might not see them, for
he had not yet looked around. Lest the
sound of the oars might attract his attention,
Charles had instantly, on coming in sight,
ordered the boys to stop rowing, and he
grasped his paddle with breathless anxiety
and waited for Stephen again to disappear.
But just as he was ON the point of passing
some trees where there the boat would be
out of sight Stephen turned his head and
looked around. He stopped short. turned
square round, and stood for the space ofa
minute looking steadily at the beat. Then,
lifting his hand. and shaking his fist reso-
lutely at Charles, as much as to say, under
stand you, he started into a quick rum
"Now, boys" said Charles, ''buckle to
your oars for your lives, and if you get to the
shores so | can reach the sch ,ol-house be-
fore Stephen does, I'll give you half dollar
apiece" -.-...r ~
This, Of course, added new life to the boys,
and increased the speed of the boat. Their
little canoe flew over the water like bird.
carrying white bone in her mouth, and
leaving long ripple on the CLASSY wave be-
hind her. Charles hands trembled but still
he did good execution with the paddle. Al
though Stephen upon the run was different
from Stephen at slow walk, Charles had
tstill hopes of winning the race and gaining
his point. He several times caught glimnses
Of Stephen through the trees, and as he could
judge, the boat had little the best Of it
But when they came out into the last OPEN
ing, where, for little way, they had fair
view of each other-Charles thought Stephen
ran faster than ever; and although he was
considerable nearer the schcol-honse than
Stephen was, he still trembled for the result.
They were now within fifty yards Of the
shore, and Charles again appealed to the
boys love Of money. :aa.t. -@shE ,@s
"Now," said he, i've have not minute
to spare. If we gain the point, TN give you
dollar apiece" 5s .aa r."s.w % sff.aaf.s7st
The boys strained every nerve, and Charles,
paddle made the water fly like the tail Of a
wounded shark When within half dozen
rods Of the shore, Charles urged them again
to spring with all their might, and one Of the
boys making desperate plunge upon his
oar, snapped it in two. The first pull Of the
other oar headed the boat FROM land. Charles
saw at once that the delay must be fatal, If
he depended upon the boat to carry him
ashore. The water was but three feet deep
and the bottom sandy. He sprang from the
boat and rushed towards the shore as fast
as he was able to press through, the water,
He flew up the bank and along the road pn-
til he reached the school-house. The door
was open, but he. could see there was no one
within. Several children were at play about
the door, who having seen Charles approach,
with mouth and eyes wide open, stared at
him. rs- ,ts s..,,.
Where's the school ma ?" said Charles
hastily, to one of the largest boys. .ra,,esllo,
"Why," said the boy, opening his eyes
still wider, sis any of the folks deadg'
"You little rascal, say where's the school
ma'am~ '* ~-' 1
UShe inst went down tha rosd c.;d tha