Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1865-07-29

Usher oil the Journal, then Candidate Tor
Congress, offered fifty dollars 10 any per.
son who would climb the staff and draw
the cord through the wheel. The utmost
silence reigned for several minutes, bu.
no one advanced to make the daring trial.
Nv i'll no one volunteer o. shouted the
Judge. strongly excited, as peal OF
laughter went up from the ranks of the
opposition.
The chuckle had scarcely died away,
however. before George, w;tIl his zap and
shoes off, stepped before the Judge, and
with a confident look exclaimed
yes, sir; I'll climb ii !"
"You. my lad; are you strong e.
nough 2
40, yes, sir; am used TO climbing"
"rhen go head. my little Spartan" p"
said the Judge, at the same time giving
him an encouraging pat upon the shouI-
der.
Steadily hand over hand, his feet
clutching the pole in manner that proved
him an expert climber, George made his
way TO the very top Of the staff which
was so slender that it swayed to and fro
with the weight. Nothing 6aunled, he
wound his legs right and left around the
pole, and with his right hand untwisled
The cord. Shouting fearlessIy TO those
below 10 hoist away he clung on till the
flag fairly reached lhe top, and then
slo WY descended.
The cheers that now rent the air were
terrific, everybody, opposition and all,
Joining in with one universal shOIi.
After the excitement had somewhat
subsidized, Juoge s. looked upon the
boy with admiration, and took ou, his
pocket. book to pay the promised reward.
George noticed the action and exclalm
ed:-"Keep your money, sir; | wan. no
pay for helping 10 raise the American
| Aag."
"Nobly said, my little man. What is
your name?" inquired the Judge.
George Wentworth. sir ; ] am an or
phsn, and have just arrived here in search
of employment" replied our hero, his
bright eyes glistening with tear.
well. you shall live with me" ex-
claimed the Judge; shall take care Of
you in the future"
Five years have passed away since
George Wentworth had been member
of his benefactor's family. In the mean
time Judge s. has been defeated by
his political opponent, and George has
been initiated into the mysteries Of the
"An of Arts He had become real
favorile with the citizens and was looked
upon as the adopted son Of the Judge. II
was whispered in private circles that he
as to be the envied husband Of the
beautiful and accomplished Ida. the
Judges only daughter. But this George
had no. dared dream OF. 'Tis true he
never fel, so happy as when in her pres.
ence, and il did make him witch 10 SEE
the foppish students from the college
swarm around the accomplished idol OF
bis heart. Poor youth had he known
The real state of Ida's feelings, the
thought would have almost turned his
brain; and could he have interpreted the
eleam Of ray that flashed from her eyes
whenever he uttered noble sentiment or
sally of wit, il would have filed his soul
with ecs,acy and delight.
One fine day in the latter part Of June,
Ida, her father and George were enjoy
ing sail on the lake in their trim little
Yacht, the "Swan," which had won the
"cup' at The last regatta. under the man
agement of our hero, who was standing
with his head on the mast, gazing a. the
beautiful scenery on the opposite shore;
the Judge held the ,iller, and Ida was
leaning over the side Of the boat trailing
her pretty hand through the clear water
OF the lake, when sudden gust of wind
csreened the yacht SO aha. she lost her
balance and fell into the water. George
hea,d The splash made by Ida, and before
the Judge could utter cry, he had kick
ed OIL his light summer shoes, and plung.
ed in TO her rescue. Being skilful and
vigorous swimmer, he came up with the
struggling girl before her clothes allowed
her to sink, and entwined her waist with
his left arm, struck out with his right
snd kept her above water ill the Judge
turned the boat and came TO their relief
In few moments they were safe in the
boat again, and Ida soon recovered from
the effects of her unexpected bath. The
old Judge embraced George and exclaim-
ed, with tears streaming from his eyes:
GOD bless you, my boy. you have
saved my daughters life; how can ever
repay you :"
by saying nothing about il, sir" re.
piled George. II owe you a thousand
times more than / can ever repay. and |