The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1879-12-11

good luck. but it then occurred to me that
by going over with them could attend
to certain business in the opposite village
and save a journey at some future time
for that purpose only.
As stepped into the boat noticed an
expression Of surprise on the faces of my
recent guests, and in moment, in fact
before had taken my seat, enc of them
asked "if intended to go, too, and up
on my saying that did, and giving MY
reasons for having changed my calcula-
tions, the other inquired, rather sharply,
"if I couldn't arrnnge my matters at
some other time"
co." I replied, II hardly suppose it
would make any difference to you, and
80 L"
eyes; but we have special business on
the other side," interposed Gordon.
"rhen shall not trouble you after we
leave the boat" answered, for by that
time was provoked, and immediately
added: "Pull away, Tom,"
Tom did as directed, and the long
strong sweep of his oars Qor he had
grown to be y powerful fellow during the
time he had been with me) was soon
placing goodly distance between us and
the Canada side. ~--.,. s--~
Although I could see that my presence
was anything but agreeable to my late
guests, yet we were soon talking about
the probabilities of having a clear day
on the morrow, ETC., and would thought
no more of our little difference at the
start, had not my previously awakened
suspicious caused me to notice, particu-
larly, everything that was sald and done
by them.
When about two-thirds across the river.
Gordon, (more to keep up the cenversa-
ton than any thing else, l thought asked
it l had any tobacco, and, upon being an
swered IN the negative, turned with the
same question, to Thompson, who replied
that he "had little Kaintuck."
Hardly had the words been uttered
when terrific yell, rivalling that of
Comanche Indian, came from the boat,
followed by loud splash, and-Tom was
gone.
In the growing darkness it was impos
slble to distinguish him from floating
cake of ice. Whether he had struck one
and was stunned, or whether he was held
down by one, was equally uncertain, as
no answer came to my frantic and oft-re..
peated "Tom, Tom, where are youf'
My attention was now drawn to my re-
naming companions. For a moment
they could not understand the turn af-
fairs had taken, but when they fully real
lied the full import Of what had occurred,
their rage was without limits. Language
utterly failed to express their chagrin
that Tom should have escaped when they
could have secured him SO easily Qor l
now understood the true business of these
"lumber dealers from Vermont" and re-
collected that, two or three months be-
fore, a Southern gentleman, upon seeing
Tom, inquired particularly concerning
the circumstances under which had en-
ployed him.
Nothing was left for US to do but te
reach shore, which We did after short
pull at the oars. After the first burst OF
anger, my companions maintained dog
ged silence, and as We touched the shore
were Joined by two other "lumber deal
ers," who appeared to be expecting them,
They left me without word, and were
soon lost to view.
As could not think Of returning at
night, alone. I went at once to the house
Of a friend, to whom related the whole
affair. After talking the matter over, we
concluded that we could render Tom no
assistance that night, and that the best
course to pursue was to keep the matter
quiet for q few days, and see if he would
not turn up on Canada side again. This
was more than likely, as he was capital
swimmer, and as unconcerned under a
boat as in one generally.
On the following morning II
crossed the river and came directly
to the house. How to account
for my being alone was a problem
that was called upon to solve. Tom
would be missed at once, was confident
of that. And whether it was advisable
to tell the whole story at once, or to ex-
plain his absence in some other way, I
could not decide. If he were still on the
New York side, he might be detained by
parties that I knew to he in sympathy
with my disappointed visitors. But once
on British soil no harm could beiall him.
Guided by these reasons, I determined to
say as little as possible concerning the
manner in which he had so suddenly
disappeared.
However it was not made necessary for
me to invent any plausible explanation
in order to stide inquiry, for entered
the hotel only to be met and welcomed
by Tom:
Surprised beyond measure, could on
ly grasp the honest fellows hand and
gaze in mock astonishment into his round,
laughing face. He was the first to speak
swell, sal" said he, =" neber suppos-
ed anything war wrong wild dem fellahs
till I jes heah dat ar one word 'Kaintuck,
an then it went right through dis chile's
head to wonst, an climb out OBJ dat ar
boat an heah I is,'' and the way in
which Tom danced around the room was
remarkable.
swell, Tom," I now managed to say,
"you are no more glad than l am because
| OF your narrow escape, and in the future
shall never expect you to cross the
river under any circumstances"
"Much obliged to you, sab, much
obliged to you," said Tom shut 1 don't
stay in dis yeah place no mo-, and in
spite of all said he collected his things
into bundle, and thanking me with
tears in his eyes for what had done for
him, shouldered his pack and started
north to seek home anew.
"And you have never heard from him
since?' 1 inquired, as the landlord COM
pleted his story.
20, yes; when the war closed lie went
to Chicago, where he is doing a good
business; has five or six thousand dollars
ahead and anticipates no trouble from
Vermont lumber dealers. I hear from
him occasionally. He is coming out to
see me in the spring.
The Paris Editor.
Paris editors take their professional
duties easily. Many of the mest conspic-
of +ho,r~ l,oro 1>on,> a.,k:,,n