The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1884-09-13


next morning, and in the evening got
reply to the effect that Mr.. Thornton
was already making preparations for
long days fishing upon the Wednesday
following. He telegraphed Immediately
to Jack Raggles, and received the fol
lowing reply:
Keep close to him, but out of sight
abont o'clock in the evening"
Charlie wondered what on earth his
friends scheme could be, but resolved
to obey Instructions He knew very
well that MIR. Thornton's happy hunt
lDg-ground was secluded backwater,
famous for tench and perch, about a
couple of hundred yards above the lawn
of his house. Thither he repaired,
stealthily, ike a man bent on an evil
errand, at about ) O'Clock, and took up
a position upon rough riverside path,
well nigh hidden from sight 10y bushes
and foliage, whence he could observe
the enthusiastic old fisherman without
| being seen himself. The old gentle
man was sitting like wax figure IN ms
| punt, with large cigar III his mouth,
and rod IN hand, when Charley arrived.
SO completely absorbed was Mr.. Thorn
ton III his sport that regiment might
have detiied behind him without at
tracting his notice. Charlie watched
him until a distant church clock chimed
the quarter to 6.
He then saw the old gentleman take
out his watch, look at it attentively,
and after few moments hesitation,
slowl y and reluctantly begin to pack
up his rod and line and put his para
phernalia together.
Charlie began to get anxious. What
ever plan Jack Raggles had concocted
would have to be carried into execution
quickly, or it would be too late.
At last Mr.. Thornton had arranged
his tackle and united the punt-poles
and was pushing off into midstream.
Charles heart sank, but he crept
swiftly forward 10 a little promontory to
watch the old gentleman faithfully, ac-
| cordlng to instructions, until 6 O'Clock.
MIR. Thornton, being old and obese,
punted slowly and with difficulty, and
as the clock struck he had not yet got
out of shallow water. SO intent was
| Charlie, however, in looking at him,
| that he did not perceive the dark out
| line of steam-launch coming directly
! down upon the punt, and he was only
made aware of the fact by seeing the old
! gentleman wave one arm vigorously,
and by hearing him shout Justify, at the
same time that he endeavored to get his
unwieldly punt back out of the way.
But it was too late, the bow of the
launch went gently against the punt,
| though with sufficient force to tilt it up,
with which movement the poor old stock
broker was sent houndering into the
water, yelling madly as he went.
Quick as though Charlie dashed in.
| The water was fortunately barely up to
his waist, so he seized Mr.. Thornton
under the arms, and, after much splash
| ing and shouting and fuss, got him first
| into the punt and then on board the
steam launch.
The first person Charlie saw on
board was Jack Raggles, who, behind
| the rescued stock brokers' back, was
impressing silence and non-recognition
| by energetic gestures.
Directly Mr.. Thornton felt himself
firmly on his feet, he burst into a
violent passion, which was in no way
appeased by the approach of Jack Rag
giles, whom he did not know, with the
|
in his face, and the words, I'm sure
I'm awfulIy sorry, sir" on his lips"
Sorry, sirp roared the old gentle
man, $50 you ought to be, sirl l con-
slider it positively Ubiquitous and abom
Unable that man can't go out for
days fishing without being run into by
a lot of cockneys who have no more
idea about handling a steam-launch
than they have of handling a balloon!
And / shall take the very earliest OPP
portunity, sir, of laying the matter be-
fore the authorities in order that such
unwarrantable interference with the
liberty of the subject may be imme
diately put a stop to. 1t is abominable,
sir, abOminable
"Can | put you ashore anywhere ?"
asked Jack, deferentially.
Yes, sir, you can, as soon as posi-
bic, and before | catch my death of
cold" replied the old gentleman. "You
see those steps ahead, sir?"
81 do" replied Jack.
"Well, then if you can see those
steps, how the devil was it that you
couldn't see me?' said Mr. Thornton.
But as you can see them, steer to
them-that is, if you know how to.
They belong to me, sir, to Thomas
Thornton, Esq"
AS yet, the irritated stock broker had
given no thought to his rescuer; but as
they were floating gently down the
stream toward the steps, he turned and
said:
'And to whom am I indebted for my
rescue from a watery graye?"
Charlie stepped quietly forward and
bowed. The old gentleman started
back and exclaimed:
Good gracious Mr.. Ringwoodl
Sir, allow me to shake your hand most
heartily. You have performed an ac-
ton tonight which shall not pass with
ont recognition. You are noble fell
low, sir-a noble fellowp
Il did nothing, Mr.. Thornton, but
, what any other man would have done
under similar circumstances" said
} Charlie, feeling himself to be dread
] ful hypocrite IN assuming the depreca-
t tory air of a hero; but now that we
are here together | should like to ex-
+. press my extreme regret that ] should
have given you offense the other night
by expressing my opinion about steam
launches little more candidly than
perhaps l should have done, but, be-
a lieve me-"
, Mr.. Thornton interrupted him:
. Believe me, SIT, You did not say
= enough. I am a complete convert to
, the opinions you hold. Steam-launches
, are an abomination, sir, and mine is fol-
t sale from this very moment"
q As They Think.
4 From tue Kansas City Journal
!, There is good deal of truth in the
e old proverb, Evil TO him who evi
thinks" Did this old saying ever strike
i you? "As a man thinketh so he is" L
1 is so applicable, vet so few think OF il