Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1882-04-20
He no more remembered himself chan
if he could not be hurt.
ssGo on, Thunderlp he shouted.

way. he knew nothing of leaping
but he saw that there was an obstacle
before him and his instinct was to jump
over il. He few on he gathered his
four legs under him, he rose in the air
like some winged thing, and went over
the tree and landed on the other side
without having touched twig Of it. As
for Fred. was there any breath left in
him? he thought that it did not come
back for several minutes after the horse
had landed; but he was conscious of a
swelling sense Of magnificent triumph
The colt was as wet as If he had been in
the water the perspiration dropped of
him as he went and his blazing eyes
protruded and seemed to emit sparks.
Three minutes later, the horse and
rider had entered the outskirts Of North
port. "Thunderbolt" was running now,
Everybody stood and gazed. 1t was as
if some demon horse had gone by. Did
he have wings, or was it mortal steed?
In two minutes more they had reached
the depot. Fred was of his back
almost before the animal had stopped,
and had dashed into the station.
Telegraph r he gasped out to the
clerk, who Instantly put himself in read
mess, seeing how urgent was the case.
Telegraph to Charles Roth, Wharf Of
Cunard Steamers, East Boston. Clara
is ill. Come back. Have you got it p
The clerk nodded.
SNAKE it go, then. I'll wait" whis.
pered the boy, and he gave his name,
and then sank back helpless and trem-
bling on settee. The reaction had
come. Something gurgled up to his
lips, He fumbled for his handkerchief.
He heard some one say: ssMercy.
What's the matter with the boy |" And
hen he had his handkerchief to his
mouth and saw that the linen was stain.
ed with blood.
He dimly knew that two or three per-
sons hurried to him. He smelled harts-
horn and tasted Of brandy. but he was
not conscious of thinking of anything
but "Would Mr.. Roth get it?
Some questions were asked him, but
he did not try to reply.
Outside, half dozen lnen were clus.
tered about the dripping and painting
horse.
How much time passed Fred did not
know. He was laid on lounge and he
was willing to lie very quietly. No
more blood came, and he dropped into
kind Of doze. He started up instantly,
however, when he heard voice saying:
"Here's your answer"
He took the paper and read
Sam coming. G. ROTH"
Nov. I'll go" said the boy, getting
on his feet. 'Where's sThunderbolt?
'sYou are not going on the horse,
said man, speaking with authority.
''I'll take you in my buggy"
It was the doctor who had been sum-
moned and who carefully questioned
Fred as they rode homeward, the colt
having been put in stable until he
should be called for.
Contrary to the doctors fears, Fred
was not i'll, although 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 and that he was coming to
her, he thought the look on her face
paid him for his journey. When, next
day. he saw the girl lying in her fathers
arms, he was more than ever glad.
81 should never have forgiven myself
il had sailed" said Mr.. Roth to the
boy. ST owe you more than can tell.
The doctor says Clara's JOY at my re-
turn has given him hope that her sys.
tenn may rally from the injury"
The gentleman was holding Fred's
hands in both mis- own, as he spoke, and
his eyes were glistening.
'Thunderbolt won," !" said Fred, gayly.
snow think of it, it really seems as if /
did not ride horse, but some sort of
imp in the shape of one. Nothing else
conld have made such time, though"
When next Fred went near the colt,
it was evident that the animal was glad
to see him, and soon the whole house
hold learned that "Thunderbolt'' would
obey Fred better than any one else, and
the boy began to have an affection for
the beautiful beast which had carried
him SO we'll.
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 I have just
donea" said the gentleman.
Fred looked mp.
How can I guess p he answered.
II have bought 'Thunderbolt of Mr..
Morris"
Fred's face fell.
"You will take him away. sup
pose ~ he said, in a low voice.
'.No. I have bought him for dear
friend Of mine"
Something in Mr.. Roth's tone made
Fred's cheeks flush but he said no.
thing, and Mr. Roth went on
s'WiIl You take hing Fred ? I bought
him for you.'
Fred's eyes danced. He sprang to his
feet. I'D rather have him than any
thing in the world |" he cried excitedly.
Then he went on, with hesitation !:
But, isn't be very ezpensive present