The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1872-08-16
II RACE FOR LIFE!


One hundred years ago there lived upon
the shore of Stephens river, small stream
emptying into Casco Bay, a man named
Peter Joliff an honest, upright fellow, a
good neighbor and friend, but with one
abominable habit, that won him fnahy
enemies, and caused much discomfort and
even suffering to those around him. This
fault was an almost irresistible fondness
for practical joking, that would not allow
him to let an opportunity pass unimproved,
wherein he could gratify this special pas
sion of his being,
There came time, however, when the
exercise of the popularity brought down
upon him an ordeal SO sharp that it cured
his unfortunate propensity, to the great joy
of his family and friends. The process was
disagreeable, but the cure was effectual and
permanent.
One day Peter had been at work a few
miles from his home. After his days
labor was finished, his employer invited
him to partake of the evening meal with
him. This invitation Peter accented. and
then his system fortified by hearty sup
per, he commenced his journey homeward
The path which Peter trod that night
would lead one to-day through cultivated
fields and by many pleasant farm houses,
but then it was an unbrollen forest.
1t was dark, cold, December night
the wind swept fftfuiy among the great
pines and beeches strange, momnful
sounds went sobbing through the forest
now and then an owl uttered its hoarse cry,
or the sudden rattling of the leaves told
when some timid animals scurried away
from the sound of footsteps
But Peter was strong-and stout-he arted
and trudged quietly along, without paying
much attention to the sights and sounds
around him. until he had achieved perhaps
one-half his journey, when suddenly his
ears caught the sound of horses feet des=
cending the long, rocky path behind him.
Gradually the sounds drew nearer until
the sharp peculiar voice of the horseman
could be heard urging the beast to faster
gait.
''Ah ah ~ said Peter to himself as
he heard the familiar tones .that is
Uncle Tom Barry
Now uncle Tom and Peter were neigh
bors ; that is to say, their clearings lay
about mile apart, and none knew better
than Peter that the old man was of a timid
disposition, and furthermore that nothing
inspired him with greater fear, nothing
that he had not rather meet than a wolf
No sooner, therefore, had Peter become
convinced that the horseman behind him
was his neighbor than he resolved to use
this trait of uncle Toms as means of
working out what he considered would be
most capital joke. His plans were soon
laid, and he proceeded to put them into cx-
ecution. Creeping through the under
growth which bordered his path, he crouch
ed down and patiently awaited the ap-
long before Uncle Tom, his horseat sharp
trot, and himself casting timid glances
around, arrived opposite his place of con
cealment. Peter allowed him to pass few
PAGES, and then springing forward on his
hands and knees he uttered one or two
snarling yelps,. followed by the loud, clear,
gathering cry of the wolves.
The effect upon Uncle Tom was cleo
trical. Springing half way ont of his sad
die, Ire uttered a scream of terror, and
then, STOPPING until his head nearly touch
ed the name, he plunged his spur into the
horses flanks, and was off down the road
like shot. As for Peter he rolled over
ON his back, and kicked his heels IN huge