Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1861-01-03


to any person who would climb the staff
and draw the chord through the wheel.
The utmost silence reigned for several
minutes, but no one advanced to make
the daring trial.
"Will no one volunteer" shouted the
Judge, strongly excited as peal of laugh
ter went up from the ranks of the oppo-
sition.
The chuclle had scarcely died away,
however, before George, with his cap and
shoes off, stepped before the Judge, and
with confident look exclaimed
"Yes, sir; I'll climb itP'
"You, my lad; are you strang enough?"
"Oh, yes sir; am used to climbing"
Then go ahead my little Spartan"
said tho Judge, at the same time giving
him an encouraging pat upon the shout
der.
Steadily hand over hand his feet
clutchng tho pole in manner that prov
cd him an expert climber, George made
his way to the very top of the staff, which
was so slim that it swayed to and fro
with the weight. Nothing daunted, he
wound his legs right and left around the
pole, and with his right hand untwisted
cord. Shouting fearlessly to those be-
low to hoist away, he clung on till the
flag fairly reached the top, and then slow
ly descended.
The cheers that now rent the air were
terrilc-evcrybody, opposition aud all,
joining in with one universal shout.
Alter the excitement had somewhat
| a. Ill J,1. a.,
boy with admiration, and took out his
pocket book to pay the promised reward.
George noticed the action and eXclaim-
ed
"Kcep your money, sir, / want no pay
for helping to raise the American Flag"
"Nobly said, my little man; what 5
your name?" inquired the Judge.
George Wentworth, sir; am an
orphan and have just arrived here in search
:. of employment" replied our hero, his
bright eyes giStcnng with u tear,
"Wcll YOU shall live with me, "cx
claimed the Judge; Il will take care o.
), you for the future"
Il Il i: X Il .:
Five years have passed away since
George Wentworth had been II member
of his benefactor's family. In the mean
time Judge ). has been defeated by his
political opponent and George has been
initiated into the mysteries of the cart
Of Arts" He had become IL great favo-
rite with the citizens and was looked up
on as the adopted son Of the Judge, 1T
| was whispered in private circles that he
was to be the cnvcd husband of the beau
y tiful and accomplished Ida, the Judgc's $
only daughter. But this George had not
dared to dream Of; it is true he never felt
so happy rs when in her presence, and it
did make him twitch to see the ioppisl
' students from the college swarm around
the unacknowledgcd idol of his heart
Poor youth had hc known the real stat
OF ida's feelings, the thought would hav
almost turned his brain; and could h
have interpreted the gleam of joy tina
H. flashed from her eyes whenever he uttered
noble sentiment or sally of wit, woul
have filled his soul with ecstacy and de
light.
One fine day in the latter part of June
Ida, her father and George. were enjoy
ing II sail on the lake in their trim littl
yacht, the "Swan, which had wo
the "cup" at the last regatta, under tn
management of our hero, who was stant
ing with his hand on the mast gazing Il
d. the beautiful scenery on the opposit
Shore the Judge held the tiller and Id
was leaning over the side of the boa
- trailing her pretty hand through the clea
water of the lake, when sudden gust
wind carcercd the yacht so that she los
her balance and fell into the water
- George heard the splash made by Id'
Y and before the Judge could utter cr,
he had kicked off his light summer shoe
and plunged in to her rescue. Being
skillful and vigorous swimmer. he can
Ter up with the struggling girl before h'
ar cloths allowed her to sink, and cntwinC
- her waist with his left arm, struck o.
ew with his right, kept her above water ii
tie the Judge turned the boat and came
OF their relief. In n few moments they we
al safe in the boat again. and Ida soon I
'rs covered from the effects of her uneXpect'
rs, bath The old Iudgc embraced Geor;
gr and exclaimed with tears streaming fro
me his eyes:
ol "Goa bless you, my dear boy, yc
have saved my daughters life; how can
mn ever repay you?"
er' "1y saying nothing about it," repl
ave George
cw al owc you now thousand tim
rt' more than ! can ever repay, and am T.
Shl happy in being able to render this slig
raj service"
ont The lovely Ida could say nothing h
at heart was overIlowing; but she gazcd n
me on her prcScrvcr with an expression til
ne told volumes. Her father even ohserv
to her earnest, loving glance and began
axe guess the true state of affairs. lie "
not prepared for it and in silence he turn
pal the boat toward the shore. They reach
ing home with feelings far different from tho
raj they had started with.
rs. The following morning George recci
led cd notice to meet the Judge in |
in library, His heart beat wildly-wl
On can it mcan9
$ The Judge had determined to put h
of to severe test. AS soon aS GeoI
rty entered the library he commenced
"Sincc becoming an inmate of !
wd family, George, you have conducted yo'
md self ia an honorable and worthy mann
tcs performing every duty chcc,fully and II,