The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-02-05

splendid offer for their services, and they
jumped on board with alacrity and man
ned the oars. The distance by water was
a little less than by land, and although
Stephen had considerably the start of him,
he believed be should be able to reach
the schoolhouse first, especially if
Stephen should not see him and quicken
his pace. In one minute after he arrived
al 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 fn1 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
hand, he shook his fist resolutely at
Charles, as much as to say, I 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 and gaining his point. He several
times caught glimpses of Stephen through
the trees, aud as well as he could Judge,
the boat bad little the best of it. But
when they came out into the last open
ing, where for little way they had a
fair view Of each other, the case seemed
doubtful.
"Now," said he, 1--WE have not min
ute to spare. If we gain the point will
give you dollar apiece"
The boys strained every nerve, and
Charles paddle made the water fly like the
tail of a 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 it in
two. The first pull OF the other oar head.
ed the boat from land. Charles saw a.
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 be was able to pres
through the water. He flew up the banl
and along the road, till he reached tn
schoolhouse. Several children were a
play round tae door, who, having seer
Charles approach with such haste, stoot
with mouths and eyes wide open, looking
at him.
"Where's the schoolma'am9" sal
Charles hastily, to one of the larges
boys.
SWhy?" said the boy, opening his eye
, still wlder,s'sis any of the folks dead?"
"You little rascal, say, where's tn
schoolma'am?"
''She jest went down that road,'' sal
, the boy,':two or three minutes ago."
, "Was she alone?" said Charles.
) sShe started Alone" said the boy, ''an
2 a man met her out there little ways, an
! turned about and went with her."
! Charles felt that his cake was all doug
g again. and that he might, as we'll give
, up for a. bad job, and go home. Stephe
). Jones and Lucy Brown walked yer
/, leisurely home through the woods, an
4 Charles and the boys went very leisurel
/ in the boat across the pond. Miss Luc
, Brown, en- her way home through til
}, woods. had undoubtedly been informe
}. of the proposed tea-party for the evening
e to which she was invited, and to whic
= Stephen Jones and Susan Jones were nc
invited; and when Miss Lucy's invitatio
i came, she sent back word that she W.
$ engaged"