Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1882-06-29
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and asked him il he was hurt. Thenhe
opened his eyes to find his head on some
ones shoulder. and crowd Of strange
faces around him.
Here. little chap, what did you stop
US for?' asked an important man in blue
uniform and brass buttons, coming up
to the group around Johnny.
"Rock' tumbled down Just across the
bridge" answered Johnny, wondering
why he felt so tired and weak. Where
is my machine?" he added, trying to
look around
The conductor looked puzzled
Reckon this is it." answered the en-
gineer, coming up with the bicycle and
standing it against tree.
: "Well. he's a plucky chap, sure's I'm
alvin. an can tell you some of Us
came pretty near gettin' dished." went
on the engineer, who had been taking
n view Of the situation, and had learned
from the other Whirligiggers what a
narrow escape the train had had; for
the boys had run swiftly across on the
foot-bridge. and had now reached the
scene. out of breath from their rapid
climb up the steep bank.
=. If il hadn't been for him. we'd all
"a been down there" finished the en-
gineer, with an expressive wave of his
sooty hand tow ard the creek. and nod
to the crowd of passengers
Johnny did not hear the words of ex-
PLANTATION and praise which followed.
for when the conductor tried to help
him to his feet, he tainted away again.
LET me see-I am q doctor. He
has had a rough tumble, and am afraid
he has broken some bones" said a
passenger. stepping forth from the
crowd.
The doctor was right; for Johnny's
ankle was badly sprained, and one arm
had been broken by striking against a
stump as he fell.
But Johnny knew nothing more OF
what went on around him, until he
opened his eyes again in his own room,
in his own bed. The first thing he saw
was his mothers face bending over him,
and the first thing he heard was old Dr.
Clark's voice saying: Hell do now"
81 know We oughtn't to have gone
without asking leave" said Johnny, at
the end of a confidential talk with his
mother. few days later, when he was
beginning to feel better. "Tll never
go again, that way, but I'm glad was
there then"
"rm not afraid of my boy breaking
his promise" said his mother, "but
proud as we are of your courage, there
are two kinds of bravery, Johnny, and
it may be harder for you to keep your
promise than it was to cross the bridge"
II don't know" said JOHNNY, shak-
ing his head, doubtfully. Il was badly
scared, and my heart just thumped all
the time was going over. It's good
thing practiced so much at the GYM
nasium. and walking beams and things.
or could not have done it." added
Johnny. hoping to reconcile his mother
to the ruinous wear and tear his clothes
suffered from athletic performances.
1t was weeks before Johnny was able
TO be out again; for the ankle got well
slowly. and for a time he had to use
crutch. even after his arm was well
enough for him to leave off the sling.
The members of the Club were faith
full in their visits. and came every day
to see him. as soon as he was able to
have company, They brought him all
the school news, and did everything
they could think of to make the time
pass more quickly.
One day, about two weeks after their
eventful ride. a box came by express,
marked John X. Ellis" When it was
opened, there appeared great roll of
mink cotton and nestled SnuUly in this