The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1878-10-25

a jig now and then, but was never
known 70 exert himself In any other
way, save when some ugly or obstinate
horse had exhausted the skill and pa
thence Of the horsemen Of the place,
when he would frequently put forth q
judgment and dexterity that made him
in manner famous.
But Wash was not boastful; and with
great physical power. when he saw tit IN
make use OK il, he was by no means
quarrelsome- Neither, strangely enough
under the circumstances, did he often
drink deeply, never 10 intoxication.
These we're the features OF young
Jones's life known TO every boy, and
Ellen Brent had often heard thu m dis
cussed by those who earnestly desired
that the young man might be won 10 bet
ter ways Of life as well as by those who
were confident that there was no posi-
bility of Improvement in the fellow. Did
his features furnish any clew to the inner
life Of so worthless being? She could
not see that they did; and while gazing
intently and recalling the many things
she had heard Of him, the girl became
quite indifferent to the little OF active life
TRANSPORTING about her.
She did not even notice that light
handkerchief, dropped from an upper
window Of the nearest building had been
caught by passing zephyr, and carried
some distance in the air. As it descend
ed it drifted directly toward her. The
horse, catching glimpse Of the white
moment it struck full in his face, and
with bound of fright the animal sprang
into the air. The girl, not as yet alarm
ed, spoke TO the horse and reached for
the reins, but the first movement caused
them to drop about the animals heels,
and now with a wild rush he darted from
the spot, the handkerchief being entan-
gled about the bride and fiuttering in
his eyes as he ran. There was no one
to stop the runaway while il was easy TO
do, or rather the few who might have
done SO were quite as badly frightened
as The trembling girl who now chung to
the careening vehicle and strove to ar
rest the demoralized horse by her voice.
Loud shouts of "Whoal- from the side
walk do not accomplish much at such
times.
Wash Jones saw the handkerchief
fiuttering down toward the horse, as it
stood in front Of the village bank, and
made a iesting remark that brought
roar of laughter to the lips Of those who
heard 1t. But when the mischief which
had been wrought was apparent, a very
sudden change came over the manner
of the loafer.
$50 in and save the gall- shouted
fellow-loafer.
The words Were spoken in jest, but
Wash caught at the idea, and with a
bound away he went through the rolling
dust in fierce pursuit Of the flying horse.
Hearty cheers Of encouragement rang
out as he passed, but no attention was
given to aught save the one object OF
his desire. Surely there was something
heroic in the efforts lie was putting
forth, but was it possible hat be could
maintain his fearful speed long enough
to reach the horse and check him ia lis
night9 For moment the animal slack
ened his speed, then changed his course
toward the river, bringing him almost
within reach of his pursuer's hand. But
as Wash gave a mighty spring, hoping
to grasp the flowing reins, his foot
struck loose pebble and he fell heavily
to the ground.
"A cry Of despair went up at this mis-
hap, but even as it rose he was upon his .
feet again, and comprehended how ,
many precious yards IF distance he had
lost. "Clear the way, therel'' be .
shouted, and with series Of springs !
which seemed more like those OF some |
desperate wild animal than of human
being, he was alongside the runaway |
again. And not alongside only He
caught the reins, wound them about
one strong hand, and then, by great I
spring forward, the other hand grasped |
the bits. For moment only was the Z
result in doubt, then the mastery was J
won, and half dozen hands seized the :
trembling horse. Wash Jones relaxed
bis grasp, dropped upon the ground, Z
and reaching out his hands drew him. I
self along till his face rested in the wa !
Ier Of the splashing river. \
Ellen Brent was saved, but not an in i
slant had there been 70 spare. Before 4
his last mad plunges ceased the horse !
'tood knee-deep in the margin Of the y
stream, and some Of those who held him 4
we're f0undering about up to their waists I.
n the water. BY main strength the i
lorse and carriage we're pulled back to Y
point Of safety. and then the trembling b
maiden, who mad crept back upon the =
eat and relapsed into state Of uncon- n
ciousntss. was lifted out and carried 4
nto the most respectable Of the adjoin- a
NJ houses. =
While this was being done, her father a
rrived on the spot, excited and breath
sss, hourishing in his hand quantity y.
crumbled bank-notes. He had Just n
eceived them from the teller at the
ank, and was about to count the r.
mount. when the runaway was noticed. n
lis first Thought was for the safety ~ N