The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-05-27
ham. ellie still now, and don't talk,

"
ton and boy idolatry of manly strength,
all he could feel of affectionate gratitude
spoke in his eyes, and beamed from
every feature of his face. How could he
ever do anything for his hero, to show
how much he thanked and loved him
that tall, strong, self-reliant young
athlete.
Windham was touched by the clinging
look of the boy, and seemed to divine
what was in his mind.
"There, must go now, little fellow, ="
he said. Like enough you'll save my
life sometime, and then we'll be even.
Good bye"
The night came on. Tom was out of
pain, but very weak. He lay staring up
into the darkness, thinkingof Windham,
and wondering what he could do to serve
him when he got out again. Tomorrow
the race would be rowed, and then Wind
ham would go away.
How deserted he would feel then
The brave, handsome champion of st.
Cathe rine's had kindled his heart, and
brought glory into his dull life; and
when he went the world would be empty
and lonesome. Tom even thought of
SOlhS ocSlculy dlttT I'LL, anu staying
near him. Perhaps Windham would
take him. If he would, he would will
ingly be his slave.
Nine o'clock strickland so did ten
and so did eleven-and SO did twelve
and yet Tom did not sleep. He lay ner-
vously awake, thinking and pondering
and imagining. ..
All was still save the chirping of the
crickets and the voices of the frogs on
the shores of the lake. The moon arose,
and its pale beams came in through the
tops of the tall spruce trees, and trembled
upon the rough floor.
Still Tom thought and thought. Just
at three o'clock i'll the morning he heard
a hoarse half whisper. 1t was pretty
loud, and it came from the adjacent
room, occupied by his uncle and one of
his uncle's cronies-the two men whom
Windham had met upon the lake. These
persons were caterers, or rather suffers,
who made money by selling pastry and
drink at boat and horse races, and large
field assemblies. Like every one else,
vhey had their preferences among the
rivals of tomorrow, and had risked their
bets on favorite crews.
"Maxwell Maxwell! are you awake?"
said the voice.
Yes,' replied another voice, in
horse whisper.
"When do the clubs eat breakfast 2"
About five o'clock"
"Be you sure that soups doctored 2"
Yes, no mistake"
" Good q dose of that vii. settle
Windham-blast him He's the back
bone of his crew; and if we can only
weaken him, they'll lose the race sure.
It'll weaken 'em all, I'm thinking. Well
rake in our money, eh 2"
"That's so -
There was pause, during which Tom
his ears to hear more.
"Say, Maxwell, did ye shake the can
when ye put the stuff in?"
eyes, punched a bit of hole, and
blowed the powder in this little quill
then l shook 'em lively. Ibid SO to 'em
all. They're fxed!"
"And Betsy won't get the wrong
ones 2"
"She's more coniurer than cook if
she does. I hid all the rest of the cans"
"Then we've got 'em sure %
By this time Tom was sitting bolt up
right in bed, with his eyes and mouth
open to their widest extent. The horror
of his discovery chilled his blood. His
uncle, then, had arranged to drug the
st. GATHERINGS crew! He sat minute,
and trying to think what to
do. He did not hesitate long. His
opportunity had come TO do something
for Windham !
Carefully displacing the clothing that
lay upon him, he put his feet out of bed,
put on his pantaloons and
MS jacket. That was all. He did not
lare to take his shoes. His hat was in
jhe lake somewhere.
He crept towards the door. He feared
hat his uncle was awake. He raised
;he latch very softly, and felt the night
iir upon his face. 1t was moonlight
and beautifully clear. He
closed the door behind him, but to his
great alarm, the latch clicked. He
thought he heard a stir in his uncle's
'oom. Then he ran like frightened
leer. His body was weak, but his heart
vas full of desperate resolution.
Two skiffs, with their oars in them,
ay upon the beach. Tom grasped the
'ars of his uncles skiff, placed them in
lis own, pushed off upon the lake, and
owed with all his might towards the
,oat-house of the St. GATHERINGS crew.
lie had hardly taken dozen strokes
yhen the door of the cottage burst open,
nd his uncle leaped out, calling, in n
errible voice
"Tom ! Tom Tom -
But Tom pulled furiously on, and |
Uttered no sound. He heard his uncle |
ush toward his boat, and he heard his |
rightful curses when he discovered that |
lis oars were gone.
The next moment Tom was hidden
rom view by the foliage at bend in
must fail him soon on the water, and |
low turning sharply in, he ran his boat
nto the bushes, and hiding his oars,
ook to the land and the forest.
He had long run before him. His |
lead was dizzy, and his limbs trembled.
lie feared he should be too late.
He heard in the distance the calls of
lis enraged uncle and Maxwell, but he
urned resolute face toward the st. |
quarters and pressed ON.
The crew of st. GATHERINGS had gath
red for breakfast. Before them was
heir plain and simple food, and they
we're all merry and hopeful. The serv
ng woman came in, bringing their hot
,roth. 1t was steaming and savory, and
he mems sharp appetites welcomed it.
The golden light of the coming sunrise
ested like glory on the fine muscular
orms of the six young boatmen. They
lad rested well, and were in splendid
lsti1,,a 70 min Windhnnn hnndcnr,ne