Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-07-19

Bi'eh Whpio ~ was lhlObblDlb IOT MIN 10
fear anything-he was too thoroughly ex-
cited but he was afraid that Thunderbolt
would "cut up some of his antics" and
thus delay their arrival at Northport. He
pulled sharply on the lines and pounded his
heels into The horses sides, calling out au.
thoritatively to him.
The man on the last wagon had jumped
down and was running up.
:" Don't touch him !" cried Fred, who was
anxious above all things not to be detained.
BY this time his blood was boiling, and he
felt as ii he could be a match for a hundred
Thunderbolts.
The man fell back from before the paw
ing feet, looking with amazement at the
fiery-eyed boy who sat upon the horse. AT
the second sharp command, the colt, as If in
surprise, dropped his feet and darted away,
leaving the man staring.
"Good graciousl' he exclaimed, as he
walked back to his wagon. "Was that ere
a real horse m boy, or n appearance /
hope t aint forewarnin' of nothin'."
As Fred passed through the next village,
the clock was striking the hour, and the
sound sent thrill Of apprehension through
him, for it was ten minutes later than the
time at which he had calculated to be in
that place. lie had come fast enough-it
was not that it must be that the clock at
the farmhouse had been too slow. And
what a fatal slowness that might be He
thought Of Clara-of her father stepping on
board the boat, never to see her again and
then came a remembrance of cart-path
which went across piece of woodland and
came out on the main road mile nearer
Northport than it was by the travelled way.
The path must be close by here he was
sure he had not passed it. Yes, there it was,
and without hesitation he turned his horses
head in that direction and rode on beneath
the low-drooping trees. When about half
way through he saw ahead of him fallen
tree, lying directly across the path. Can
you imagine the pang that went through the
boys heart as he saw that No time to go
back, and on each side thickly-growing
wood, filed with heavy growth of brier
and underbrush Again he thought Of the
girl lying at home there, moaning and call
ing for her father, and he resolved not to
give up without an effort. He no more
thought Of himself than as if he could not
be hurt
"Go on, Thunder !" he shouted.
The colt was not half broken in any way,
and he knew nothing of leaping; but he
saw an obstacle before him, and his instinct
was to jump over it. He flew on ; he gath
cred his four legs under him, he rose in the
air like some winged thing, and went over
the tree, landing on the other side without
having touched a twig of it. AS for Fred,
was there any breath left in him He
thought it did not come back for several
minutes after the horse had landed but he
was conscious of swelling sense of mag
nifcent triumph. The colt was as wet as
if he had been in the water the perspira-
tion dropped off him as he went his blaz.
ing eyes protruded, and seemed to emit
sparks.
Three minutes more, and the horse and
his rider had entered the outskirts of
Northport. Thunderbolt was running
now. Everybody stopped and gazed. 1t
was as if some demon horse had gone by.
Did he have wings, or was it mortal
steed2 In two minutes more they had
reached the depot. Fred was off his back al
most before the animal had stopped, and
had dashed into the station.
"Telegraph p he gasped out to the opera
tor, who instantly put himself in readiness,
seeing how urgent the case was. "TeIe-
graph to Charles Roth, wharf of Cunard
steamers, East Boston. Clara is ill. Come
back Have you got it ?"
The man nodded.
"Make it go, then. III watt" whispered
the boy, and he gave his name; then he sank
back, helpless and trembling, on a settee.
The reaction had come. Something CUR
gled up to his lips. He fumbled for his
handkerchief He heard some one say
Mercy what's the matter with the boy !"
And then he had his handkerchief at his
mouth and saw that the linen was stained
with blood.
He dimly knew that two or three people
hurried to him. He smelled hartshorn and
tasted brandy; but he was not conscious of
anything but " Would Mr.. Roth get it ?"
Some questions were asked him, but he
did not try to reply.
Outside half dozen men were caring for
the dripping horse.
How much time passed Fred did not
know. He was placed on a lounge, and he
was glad to lie there very quietly. No more
blood came, and he dropped into kind of
doze. He started up instantly, however,
when voice said
" Here's your answer"
He took the paper and read:
" Am coming. c. Roth"
Now I'll CO." said the boy, getting on
his feet. "Where's Thunderbolt ?"
"You are not going on the horse" said
man, speaking authoritatively. "I'll take
you in my buggy"
1t was the doctor who had been sum-
moned. He carefully questioned Fred as
they drove homeward, the colt having been
put in stable until he should be called for.
Contrary to the doctors fears, Fred was
not i'll, though he had to be very quiet for
week or two. When he reached the house
and was allowed to tell Clara himself that
her father had not sailed, but was coming to
her, he thought the look on her face paid
him for his journey. And when, next day,
he saw her lying in her fathers arms he
was more than ever glad.
{" should never have forgiven myself if
had sailed" Mr.. Roth said to the boy. al
owe you more than can tell. The doctor
says Clara's joy at my return has given him
hope that her system may rally from the
injury"
The gentleman was holding Freds hands
in both his own as he spoke, and his eyes
were glistening.
Thunderbolt won |" said Fred, gaily.
"Now | think of it, it really seems as if
did not ride horse, but some sort of imp in
the shape of one. Nothing else could have
made such time, though"
When next Fred came near the colt, it was
evident the animal was glad to see him,
and soon the whole household learned that
he would obey Fred better than any one
else, while the boy began to have an affec-
tion for the beautiful horse that had carried
him so well.
A few weeks later Mr.. Roth came upon
Fred as he was sitting in the barn, looking
over some fishing tackle.
"What do you think have just done ?"
said the gentleman.
Fred looked up.
Z" How can l guess 2" he asked.
"Pve bought Thunderbolt of Mr.. Morris"
Fred's face fell.
"You will take him away, suppose 2"
he said in low voice.
"No. have bought him for dear friend
of mine."
Something in Mr., Roth s tone made Freds
cheeks flush, but he said nothing, and Mr..
Roth went on:
"Will you take him, Fred bought
him for YOU"
Fred's eyes danced He sprang to his
feet.
"I'd rather have him than anything else
in the world |" he cried, excitedly. Then
he added, hesitatingly, "But isn't he
rather expensive present2 Perhaps ought
not"
"Let me be the Judge of that" said Mr..
Roth. "All you have to do is to take the
colt and be careful of yourself and him."
Fred sprang to the side of the colt, and
thraxu his anna around tho ob;n;no oaob