River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1879-02-06

village. As i'll luck would have ii,
Charles Robinson had been out in the
same direction, and was returning with
an armful of green boughs and wild
flowers to ornament the parlor for the
evening He saw Stephen and noticed
his dress, and the direction ne was going
and he at once smoked the whole busl-
ness. His first impulse was to rush upon
him and collar him. and demand that be
should return back. But then he recol-
lected that in the last scratch he had
with Stephen, two or three years be-
fore, he had little the worst of it, and
he instinctively stood still, while Stephen
passed on without seeing him. 1t flash
ed upon his mind at once that the ques-
ton must now be reduced to game of
speed. If he could by any means gain
the schoolhouse first, and engage Miss
Lucy TO walk home with him. he should
consider himself safe. But il Stephen
should reach the sehoolhouse first, he
should feel good deal of uneasiness for
the consequences. Stephen was walking
very leisurely, and unconscious that he
was in danger of a competitor on the
course, and it was important that his sus-
picions should not be awakened. Charles
therefore remained perfectly quiet till
Stephen had got little out OF hearing,
and then he threw down his bushes and
flowers, and ran to the wharf below the
store with his utmost speed. He was
ready at moments warning to start on
an expedition of this kind, for Sunday
clothes were an every day affair
with him. There was a light canoe
belonging to his father lying at tue
wharf, and couple of stout boys were
there fishing. Charles hailed them, and
told them if they would row him across
the pond as quick as they possibly could,
he would give them a quarter of dollar
apiece. This, in their view, was a
splendid offer for their services, and they
jumped on board with alacrity and man
ned the oars. The distance by water was
little less than by land, and although
Stephen had considerably the start ofhim,
he believed be should be able TO reach
the schoolhouse first, especially if
Stephen should not see him ana quicken
his pace. In one minute after he arrived
at the wharf the boat was under full way.
The boys laid down TO the oars with
right good will, and Charles put on all
his strength upon the paddle. They
were shooting over the water twice as
fast as man could walk, and Charles
already felt sure of the victory. But
when they had gone about half mile
they came in the range of little opening
in the trees on the shore, where the road
was exposed to view, ana there, at that
critical moment, was Stephen pursuing
his easy walk. Charles heart was in his
mouth. Still it was possible Stephen
might not see him, for he had not yet
looked around. Lest the sound of the
oars might attract his attention, Charles
had instantly, on coming in sight, ordered
the boys to stop rowing, and he grasped
his paddle with almost breathless anxiety,
and waited foI Stephen again to disap
pear. But just as he was upon the point
of passing behind some trees, where the
boat would be out of his sight, Stephen
turned his head and looked around He
stopped short, turned square around, and
stood for the space of minute looking
steadily at the boat Then lifting his
Charles, as much as TO say, understand
you, and started on quick run.
Now, boys" said Charles, buckle TO
your oars for your lives, and if you can
get to the shore so can reach the school |
house before Stephen does, I'll give you |
half dollar apiece"
This of course added new life to the |
BOYS, and increased speed to the boat. |
Their little canoe flew over the water al |
most like bird, leaving long ripple on
the waves behind her. Charles had |
still had strong hopes of winning the
race ana gaining his point. He several
times caught glimpses of Stephen through |
the trees, and as well as he could judge, |
tic boat bad little the best of it. But |
when they came out into the last open |
ing, where for little way they had |
fair view Of each other, the case seemed |
doubtful.
Now" said he, 1--WE have not a min
ute to spare. If we gain the point will |
give you a dollar apiece
The boys strained every nerve, and |
Charles paddle made the water fly like the /
tail of wounded shark. When within /
half-a dozen rods of the shore, Charles !.
urged them again to spring with all their |
might, and one of the boys making des- |
perate plunge upon his oar, snapped 1t in |
two. The Iirst pull of the other oar head |
ed the boat from land. Charles saw at |
once that the delay must be fatal if he de |
pended On the boat to carry him ashore
He sprang from the boat, and rushed |
for the shore as fast as he was able to press
the water. He flew up the bank
and along the road, till he reached the
Of
play round tle door. who, having seen
Charles approach with such haste, stood
with mouths and eyes wide open, looking
at him.
"Wheres the schoolmaMm9" said
Charles hastily, TO one of the largest
boys.
"Why2" said the boy, opening his eyes
still wider, ''is any of the folks deadl'
You little rascal, / say, where's the
am2"
'-She Jest went down that road" said
the boy, 'two or three minutes ago"
eWas she alonel" said Charles.
''She started alone," said the boy, land
a man met her out there little ways, and
turned about and went with her"
Charles felt that his cake was all dough
again. and that he might, as well give it
up for a bad job, and go home. Stephen
Jones and Lucy Brown walked very
leisurely home through the woods, and
Charles and the boys went very leisurely
in the boat across the pond, Miss Lucy
Brown. on her way home through the
woods. had undoubtedly been informed
of the proposed tea-party for the evening,
TO which she was invited, and to which
Stephen Jones and Susan Jones were not
invited; and when Miss Lucy's invitation
came, she sent back word that she was
engaged"
Phpn1cIan Art.
Strictly speaking, Phenicia had no art
-, - le.--r..oJ