Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-01-27
A Race for Life.
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A Race for Life.
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One hundred years ago there lived upon
the shores Of Stevens river "a small stream
emptyiug into Casco Bay) a man named
Peter John. An honest, upright fellow, a
good neighbor and friend, but with one
abominahle habit that won him many enc
mics, and caused much discomfort and even
suffering to those around him. This fault
was an almost irresistible fondness for prao-
teal joking, that would not allow him to let
an opportunity pass wherein he could crafty
this special passion Of his being.
There came time, however, when the
exercise Of this peculiarity brought upon
him an ordeal so sharp that it cured his un-
fortunate propensity, TO the great joy Of his
family and friends.
One day Peter had been at work 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 accepted and then, his
system fortified with a hearty supper, 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 II was an unbrOken forest.
It was dark, cold December night the
wind swept fitfully among the great pines
and beeches, and strange, moaning sounds
went sobbing through the forest now and
then an owl uttered its hoarse cry, or the
sudden rattling Of the dead leaves told where
some timd animal scurried away from the
sound Of footsteps.
But Peter was strong and stout hearted
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 de-
scending the long, rocky path behind him.
Gradually the sound drew nearer, until the
sharp, peculiar voice of the horseman could
be heard urging the beast to faster gait.
"Ahl ha said Peter to himself, as be
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, ard none knew better than
Peter that the old man was naturally Of
timid disposition, and furthermore, that
nothing inspired him with greater fear
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 a means of working
out what he considered would be most cap
ital Joke. His plans were soon laid, and he
proceeded TO put them into execution.
Creeping through the underground which
bordered his path. he crouched down and
patiently awaited the approach Of his victim.
lie had not waited long before Uncle Tom,
his horse at sharp trot, and himself casting
timid glances around, arrived opposite his
place OF concealment Peter allowed him to
pass few PAGES and then springing for
ward 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 electrical
Springing halfway out of his saddle, he ut
tered scream Of terror, and then, STOPPING
until his head nearly touched the mane he
plunged his spurs into the horses nanks, and
was off down the road like a shot. As for
Peter he rolled over on his back and kicked
his heels in huge enjoyment of his success.
Loud and long he laughed, occasionally va
rying the performance by making the forest
ring with a repetition OF the wild, savage cry
that had struck terror into Uncle Toms
timid heart But there is an end to all
things, an So after a while, there was an end
TO Peters mirth, and he, wiping his eyes, re-
gained the path and was about to resume
his journey, when he heard sound that
sent the cold shivers coursing over his body.
and almost froze the blood in his veins. The
wolves had heard his successful imitation OF
their music, and were coming down in full
cry upon him
In an instant he realized his position and
peril From the sounds he knew that the
/ al oil lar of1 10 Nf
the path he had Just travelled therefore the
nearest point Of safety was his own clearing,
more than a mile away.
All this passed through his mind at a fash,
and then, calling all his energies into play he
dashed down the path with scarcely less
speed and terror than Uncle Tom Barry
himself. Peter was famous runner, and
had come off victor in many trial of speed
when the people had come together at rails
ing or log rolling, but this was no holiday
game. lie was not taxing his muscles 10
win the applause Of admiring friends, or to
crafty an ambition to excel.
The race was for life.
Down the long slope that led TO Pilkin',
Hollow, and up the ascent beyond, fed Peter
while hardly hundred yards behind came
a snarling pack, hungry and fierce The life
Of an unarmcd man would not be worth Z
minutes purchase could they once surround
him. This Peter acknowledged to himself
as thought entered his mind Of standing
on the defensive so he abandoned tn,
thought before it was fully formed, anC
braced himself anew for flight.
Down another long slope across broad
sheet Of ice at its foot, and Letherbeei
Hill, with its long, steep ascent, lay befo,
him. He shuddered as he glanced up il
rugged side, for he felt that his strength
would scarcely suffice TO carry him TO th,
top. The perspiration streamed from ever,
pore, his breath came in short, wheezin.
gasps, his steps were becoming unsteady
and once, striking his feet against a loos,
stone, he preserved himself from falling onll
by an exertion so great that the blooc
spurted from his nostrils, and flames SCENE,
10 leap before his vision.
Still he kept on, though it seemed mad
ness to hope, for his pursuers had gained OF
him fearfully; he knew it by the beating o.
their footsteps, but with energies inspired
by mortal terror, he ran on, hoping to gair
only the brow of the hill, for there tn,
ground became more open, and his owl
cabin was but a few yards beyond lie fell
sure that his pursuers would not follow hin
beyond the summit, but could he reach il
before they would close upon him?
No, not by his own exertions, for just a,
the thought passed through his mind, hi,
foot caught under a gnarled root that ex
tended across the way, and he fell heavily
forward his head struck the frozen ground
and be lay senseless.
When Peter recovered consciousness he
found himself hanging over the broad
shoulders Of his brother John, and about tc
enter his own door. Here he soon collected
his scattered senses, and was able TO listen
TO his brothers account of his rescue.
Uncle Tom Barry, in his flight, had stop
ped at the cabin long enough 10 shout
through the window that the wolves were