The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1872-07-11
A RACE FOR LIFE.

a TRUE STORY OF THE MAINE WOODS.
One hundred years ago, there lived
upon the shores Of Stephens River, a
(small stream emptying into Caseo Bay
man named Peter Jolif An honest,
upright fellow, good neighbor and
friend, but with one abominable habit,
that won him many enemies and caused
much discomfort and even suffering to
those around him. This fault was an
almost irresistible fondess for practical
joking, that would not allow him to let
an opportunity pass unimproved, where
in he could crafty this special passion
Of his being.
There came tine, however, when
the exercise of this popularity brought
upon him an ordeal SO sharp that it
cured his unfortunate propensity, to the
great jow of his family and friends. The
process was disagreeable, bus the cure
was effectual and permanent.
O2e day Peter had been at work
few miles from s.home. After his days
labor was finished, his employer invited
him to partake of the evening meal with
him, this invitation Peter accepted, and
then, his system fortified by a hearty
supper, he commenced his journey home
ward.
The path which Peter tro1 that night
would lead one to-day through cultivated
fields and by many pleasant farm houses,
but then it was an unbroken forest.
1t was Ozark, cold Dacembe night,
the wind swept ftfully among the great
pines and beaches, strange, mourning
sounds went sobbing through the forest
now and then an owl uttered its hoarse
cry, or the sudden rafting of the dead
leaves told when some timid animal
scurred away from the sound of foot
steps.
But Peter was strong and stoutheart-
ed, and trudged quietly along, without
paying much attention to the sights and
sounds around him, until he had
achieved perhaps one half of his journey
when suddenly his ears caught the sound
of horses feet descending the rocky path
behind him. Gradually the sounds
drew nearer, until the sharp, peculiar
voice Of the borseman could be heard
urging the beast to faster gait
All, ha - said Peter to himself as
he heard the familiar tones, that is IN
Gle Tom Barry
Uncle Tom, and Peter were neighbors,
that is to ssy, their clearings lay about
mile apart, and none knew better than
Peter, that the old man was naturally of
timid disposition, and Furthermore,
that nothing inspired him with greater
fear, nothing which he had not rather
meet than a wolf. No sooner, there
fore, had Peter become convinced that
the horsemac behind him was his neieh-
Dor, than he resolved TO use this trait of
Uncle Toms as the means Of working
cut what he considered would be
capital joke. His plaus we're soon laid,
and he proceeded to put them into exc
cutlon. Creeping through the under
growth which bordercd his path, he
erouched down and patiently awaited the
approach of his victim. He had not
waited long before Unle Tom, his horse
at sharp trot and himself casting tim
ID glances around, arrived opposite his
place of concealment Peter allowed
him to pass a few PAGES, and then
springiug forward on his hands and
knees, ne uttered one or two snarlins
yelps, instantly followed by the loud,
clear, gathering cry of the wolves.
The effect upon Uucle Tom was elect
trieal. Springing half way out Of his
saddle, he uttered scream of terror. /
and then STOPPING until his head nearly
touched the name, he plunged his spur
into the hore's TANKS. and was off down |
the road like shot. AS for Peter, he |
rolled over on his back and kicked his |
heals IN huge enjoyment of his success. /
Loud and long he laughed, occasionally
varying the performance by making the !
forest ring with a REPETITION of the wolf, |
savage cry that had struck terror into |
Uncle Tom timid heart. But there is |
an end to ali things, and so, alter whileat
there wac an end to Peters mirth, and |
lie, wiping his eyes, regained the path, !
and was about to resume his Journey,
when he hard sound that sent the cold |
shivers coursing over his body, and al |
most froze the blood in his veins The
wolves had heard his successful imitation |
of their music, and were coming down,
full cry upon him. |
La an instant be realized his position |