Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1882-07-21

lie WIS 2 tai. powerful unromprOmis.
ia.r-ioo%n@ fellow Of ahout tiyc and
forty, MUS MAR rnougn 10 have thrown
me over The bridge into the shining
water hcnra'h. | commenced to walk
over the bridge rs the man approached
II it-pas>cd him slowly, and felt sure it
was the man.
After going Two or three wards. J
turned back. Hearing nv step. the
puriO;ner of state documents turned
round.
"Wcll. mate, what is it?''
SO all YOU oblgc me with q pipe of
'baccy?' iasked.
"Oh. yes;' handing me his pouch.
Nv hat are you doing about here? You
don't look over brisk. Broke?"
"Pretty nearly" | replied.
"New arrival, | suppose?'
"AlmOSt.'
"Ah. there are too many carpet
knigh flooding Melbourne. Come out
expecting to make pile. got disap-
pointed, and don't like to work for
your grub, Ell? Put screw of tobacco
in your pocket-you IL find it pleasant
company on the road.
nearly emptied the pouch, and
handed it back; and as the owner put
out his hand for it. slipped my foot
behind his heel and pushed him. He
tripped aud fell splendidly | was
prctt, quick in wrestling, and took
mold of the mans throat with my left
with MY right hand felt i'll the breast
pocket of his coat. He struggled vio-
lently, but | thought should succeed
lgot my hand on some papers, but rs [
was drawing them from the pocket, the
rnt,ian got hold OF nv right knee-cap
with his left hand. and gave it such a
terrible wrench, that | believed he had
dislocated the joint. Then feeling my
hold relax, he suddenly hois,ed him
self with his right hand, sprang up.
caught hold Ct my wrists, and hurried
me to the bridge. Holding me thus in
an iron grip,and glaring iiercely at me.
he said: Il see your game, there's only
one way of dealing with the police.
Dead men tell no tales; so its over
you re going. youngster." Suiting his
action to the word. he released my
hands, and i'll the same instant grasped
me ilrmly and holSted me.
My last chance seemed TO me to lie
in an old twist had learned ut college.
AS the man raised me. l placed my
feet on the brickwork of the bridge,
pushed my self back with all my strength
and jcrked little forward, lowered
nv head. and then fairly twisted under
my captor's arm from right TO left.
My school experience had saved my
life; for the man let go his hold with Il
cry of pain, and quick as thought, ]
sprang on him.
''It's all right. old fellow, take the
papers and read them"
But in the mad excitement of the
moment, and. Remembering my mission,
thought this surrender was only a
ruse on the part of the ruilan. lie sal
down in the road in the most undigni-
fed fashion and handed me the papers.
The first one that met my eye was q
headed piece of police-oilice paper, or
which was written: This is YOUR test
for entering the force;' and was signed
by the Superintendent.
"Well. young man." said mine enc
my. You have passed the last exam
with honors. You have nearly broker
my wrist. But my horse is at the first
roadside hotel. If you'll come Will
me I'll have drink with you, and ge
some collotion for this sprain. l beliey,
it will be a case of splints and sich
leave; but you have done your worl
well. Bother the arm-how il achesr'
$50 did my knee.)
The report was satisfactory, and
was appointed permanently. Mr.. Su
perintendent' s test caused me to be sen
on various duties which let me int,
many rough experiences; but neve
believed myself TO be 50 near death a.
when was deciding my future will
my superior officer. Chambers jour
| tOl