The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-04-17
CIHILDIIEN'S COLUMN.
"ShOOting the Esasin.'

.sShOOting tho Basin
Oliver OPTICS Magazine.
Rogues river, the base Of Bcckys future
operations, was damned at three points.
The lower dam was at the forsidc, the
middle dam Just above the school-housc,
and the upper dam at the corner Here
was located Small's paper mill, not very
extensive affair but which employed a
dozen men and as many girls. In the
middle of the river, about a quarter of
mile above this mill, was a small island,
scarcely twenty feet in circumference, on
which llourished wild growth of unpro-
ductivc bushes, with one solitary sentinel
Of tree in their centre and above this
was the basin. Into this basin, after a
winding flow of ten or twelve miles, in
creased by several minor streams, the wa
ter poured with considerable power. 1t
lay in the form of heart, so often depic-
ted on valentines, or moulded in sugar
for the sweet-toothed. 1t was about thirty
feet from bank to bank, and about the
same distance from the point of entrance
to the island, which shooting into it, gave
it resemblance to the emblem of alfec-
ton. DIVIDED by this island, the water
swept along on either side in strong, swift
currents. When Harry Thompson, II lead
er of the boys of Cleverly, had exhausted
all the known IN cans of amusement his
daring spirit suggested difficult feat, cal
culpted to carry dismay to the hearts of
his followers, and cause uneasiness to
those parents who had an interest in the
safety of their children. He not only sug.
gested it, but himself performed it. and
succeeded in inducing a few of the boldest
to follow his example. This feat was
known as Shooting the Basin" Into the
winding river he launched a log, of which
there were many lying along the banks, a
mill-hand being employed at this point to
draw them out of the stream, Upon this
he stepped, with long, narrow strip of
board to serve as a rudder, with which to
guide his craft. The force of the stream
swiftly carried him into the basin and to-
wards the island. 1t was only necessary
to keep "her head" straight, and the island
was reached.
He accomplished the feat, well-kMowing
the danger he incurred for, had his craft
swerved either to the right or left, he
would have been capsized or carried down
the river.
OF course there could be no returning in
the same manner. But, to prevent his be-
coming Robinson Crusoe, a tree on the
bank was felled so as to bridge the stream
from the bank TO the island, and there it
had remained ever since.
Becky Sleeper, having seen Harry per
form this feat had desired to undertake
it; but Harry had strongly objected, and
the tomboy having accepted him as
leader, was Obliged to postpone the at
tempt.
Some recent conversations on old sports
between Teddy and herself had awakened
desire to attempt this feat, and trip TO
the. basin had already been arranged for
Monday, when the school programme was
promulgated.
A short session, and Becky's escape had
made the old arrangement possible and
The young Amazon and her faithful squire
were now on the banks of the upper stream.
after quick march, ready to launch their
barks upon the tide, careless of conseoucn
ces.
" Now, Teddy" said Becky, I'm 60
iist you must watch me closely, and do
just as do. You amt scared are Won ?"
Teddy, to tell the truth, was looking
rather anXiously at the rushing stream, the
broad Basin, and the two foaming chan
nels beyond The stream had swollen by
heavy rains, and the feat seemed more
difficult than he had imagined before he
set out
mo, Of course not, he said slowly IF
you GO, I'm bound to, anyway"
Because, If you are, Teddy, you'd bet
Ter not try it.
Il will try it, Becky; amt goin' to
be stumped by n girl"
"All right. But don't you start until
reach the island and be sure to keep
youi log pointed right straight at the
tree
While speaking, Becky had rolled
short, stout log into the water, picked up
a light slab, and was ready for the dash.
Stepping lightly and quickly on the log,
she pushed it into the middle of the stream.
headed it for the tree, and carefully guild
ing her craft, shot across the Basin, and
struck the island fairly and suuarelv.
'Hurrah I've done it Teddy" She
shouted, as she eaped upon the ground.
"All right. I'm comm. IIooray :" an
swered Teddy, as he jumped upon his
log, which instantly darted down The
stream, Teddy dancing rather lively to re-
gam his equilibrium, which had sustained
shock by the sudden dart of his log. He
was so busly engaged in this mannyer
that he failed to head his bark as he
should, and, instead of going straight
across the Basin, he swept to the right.
Teddy, Teddy, what are you about ?"
shouted Becky. "Turn her head quick.
quick !"
But Teddy was frightened his log was
rolling over and over, aud he dropped his
rudder, fell upon the log, and clasped it.
with his legs in the water, and round into
The swifter of the two currents it went.
very near the island. Seeing his danger,
Becky ran to the edge of the island, and
attempted to rescue him. She leaned over.
lost her balance, and fell into the stream
Bungling Teddy caught the bushes as he
passed, let the log go, and pulled himself
70 land but Becky was swept past the
island, and went floating down the river
Teddy, seeing the danger of his sister,
shouted Justify for help. Two men at
work near the bank, ran down to the wa |
ter, saw the struggling girl, but could af |
ford no assistance; but they started off at n |
swi pace for the mill. Becky was an ex- |
cellent swimmer. She was not a bit |
frightened, but struck out bravely in a |
vain attempt to reach the bank. The |
stream was strong ard swift, and bore her |
on faster and faster toward the dam. Skill |
fully she kept her head above water and |
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