Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1875-10-22
For the VERMONT FARNER.
TWICE RESCUED.
BY PAIL PAsTNoR.

r.
y Our little red boat lay moored at the
boarding house wharf, awaiting sunrise on
the 9th of August. 1877. An excursion up
the cove had been planned for that day. and
all things were in readiness for our departure.
Already the first hasty cup of coffee had
been drained, and the smoking plate Of
breakfast cakes before us was visibly dimin-
Ishing under our vigorous appetites.
"Sun's nsingp' suddenly cried Harvey,
springing to his feet. Let's be off," and in
another minute, two heavily laden boys
might have been seen descending the slope
to the wharf; carrying, among other things,
light, double-barrelled gun and ammuni-
ton. Our luggage having been deposited in
the boat, we showed off into the stream, and
spread sail IN the direction of tho cove. Be-
fore VIC had gone mile. the wind died
away, and we were obliged to resort to the
oars, in order to make any progress what
ever.
AS we silently rowed on, each wrapped in
contemplation of the delights in store for
us when we should reach the cove, large
shadow fell suddenly over the boat, causing
us to cease rowing and gaze up in astonish-
ment. There, about fifty feet above us, u
huge eagle was seen struggling laboriously
through the air, bearing whatappeared to be
large roll of cloth in its talons. But, as
we continued to gaze, a crycame from above.
which chilled our blood. 1t was the voice of
a child. The eagle was bearing it away to
its nest What could we doP Should we
fire at the bird, there was imminent risk of
hitting the child. Should we allow the eagle
to pass from our sight, we would probably
see it no more that day.
The only thing that could be done, under
the circumstances, was to follow the heavily
laden bird al the best speed we could; per-
haps 1T might settle somewhere to rest, be-
fore out sight, and we could creep near and
get better shot than from q moving boat (.
with the child in its pres ent position.
The breeze fortunately spinging up again
at that moment, we spread the sail and fol-
lowed swiftly in the direction taken by the
eagle. Burdened as the latter was, we soon
found ourselves gaining upon it, and even
got so close asto clearly distinguish the faint,
frightened cries Of the child. The course of
the chase was directed toward the mouth Of
the cove, which now opened to sight, be-
tween banks thickly wooded with pine.
Should tho eagle gain upon US here. we knew
that all chance of resculng the child would
be lost. as In tho thick branches Of the forest
we might quickly lose sight Of them.
take the oars, Harvey" cried. sand
will keep her headed tor the cove" Under
this additional impulse. the boat moved for
ward with increased velocity. Keeping my
eyes fixed upon the great bird, Steered ms
straight ms an arrow for the dark opening
ahead. The eagle was evidently doing It's
best. and l knew we we're, for the breeze
was now quite fresh, and our little crait
seemed TO realize that some great issue was
at stake, and she sped along at an almost in
credible rate. w Q had no taking TO do as
the wind was exactly behind us;-all de-
pended upon its holding out.
could see that the eagle was growing
fatigued, and noticed that its speed. II any
thing. was decreasing. 1t seemed probable
that IL would make an attempt 10 descend
somewhere in the forest ahead. in whish
case It would be almost impossible TO dis
cover IFS hiding place
A sudden thought occurred 10 me-could
we not cause the bird to drop its victim, IN