The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-05-27
little rascal was pretty we'll used up,

little rascal was pretty well used up,
though"
"Hes devotee of yours, I believe"
"He2 Why do you think so2
go, it's the same fellow. I've seen
him standing about here, staring at you
like little OWL"
Windham laughed.
81 must send this morning and find
out how he is. Jackson, here's your
soup. Smith--Armitage- Wilbur-and
your health along with it. Here's to our
victory to-day !"
At this instant quick, staggering steps
were heard upon the porch without; the
door was pushed open, and wild little
figure rushed in. 1t was Tom.
"Stop stop % he gasped, holding
his hand to his side. "Stop stop
Don't eat don't /" and Immediately he
fell down on the floor.
The young men could not account for
this strange visit. Was the boy crazy
His bare feet were covered with mud,
his clothing was torn, and his face and
eyes looked ghastly and terror stricken.
Windham sprang toward him.
"What is it, Tom ?" and he passed
his arms around him, and tenderly lifted
him up.
The broth is poisoned !"
"Poisoned2"
Every one started to his feet.
"Yes," painted Tom. "Itll make you
sick Twas put in a purpose-I-I'm
so tired-I ran most all the way. Did 1
get here in time 2"
Time !'' cried Windham; "youre
right on the dot, my boy. A minute
more and it would have been all day with
us. Fellows, look here This little
chap ran all the way from his house to
warn us against an enemy's meanness.
He has saved us the race Here's hero
for you. Look az him.
The young men gathered round Tom
and shook hands with him, and praised
him for his friendship and true grit.
Windham placed him in a chair, and
they gave him water to drink, and bathed
his face. In few words he told them
what he knew about the drugged soup.
Just then another step was heard on
the porch, and the evil face of Toms
uncle looked in. He was greeted with
cry of rage, and two or three of the
young athletes rushed forward, as if
they would tear the man to pieces. But
he did not wait till they could lay their
hands on him for as soon as he saw
that his villainy was known, he took
himself out of the way with all haste.
Men," said Windham, after they
had questioned the boy, and learned his
brief story, little Tom has paid his
debt. He and are quits. But we all
owe him good round reward. He is
an orphan. That rogue of an uncle
never has treated him decently, and it
won't do now to leave him in reach of
his revenge. The man shall be indicted
for this business, but we'll take care of
the boy. We can afford to start him in
the world. What say you-shall we
adopt him2"
"Aye, aye, aye!" burst out all the
crew in chorus. And fortunately the
generous purpose of these brave youths
did not end in boys play.
Passing over the day of triumph on
the lake, that made Windham and his
classmates glad passing over the trial
and conviction of the two rascally suffers,
again we see our friend Tom, ten years
older, a senior at st. GATHERINGS, and a
member of the University crew.
He proved one of the first men of his
class, and is to-day studying hard in his
profession. If industry and faithfulness
deserves reward, the world will yet hear
of him in his chosen calling. Youths
COnlpani on