Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1884-08-22
ROSS CARsON'S COURAGE.

"s|S'e
ROSS CARSON'S COURAGE.
Shouting, laughing. pushing against
each other, the boys rushed out of the
school-house pell-mell.
.'Look out, Ross Carson" shouted
Tom Lane, in q tone of pretended alarm,
"thcre's a spider on the p~ump-handle.
Run. quick, it may bite YOU"
There was a o Il of laughter at this
would-be witty remark, and the eyes of
a score or more thoughtless boys We're
bent upon the figure Of a slender, deli
cate-looking lad who had been one OF
the first to get out, and who had ap-
preached the pump for the purpose of
getting q drink.
His face flushed painfully as Toms
Jest fell on his ear, and the hand that
held the tin drinking-cup trembled per-
ceptibly, and his lips scarcely touched
the water.
"oh, he'll stand anything rather than
double up his little fist" cried Tom, and
crowding close to Ross he deliberately
knocked the books from under his arm.
The slender lads face flushed at the in
suit, but he said nothing. He stopped,
picked the books up, and then walked
on again.
He was quite aware OF Tom Lanes
great anxiety to pick q quarrel with
him, but was determined to give him no
excuse for doing so. For Ross knew
that he could not with safety enter into
any trial OF strength with a boy so much
older than himself. His lungs were
weak, and the doctor had said they
could bear no strain whatever. But it
was hard to be called a coward, to bear
insults of every description without open
resentment, to feel that he was looked
upon with contempt by his companions
because no taunts or sneers could induce
him to fight. And he was too sensitive
and shy to explain TO them his reasons
for o doing so, knowing we'll that his
explanation would be greeted with rid
icule and laughter. So he bore his va
rious trials in silence, and not even his
mother knew what he endured. He did
not know that this forbearance showed
him possessed of a true hcroism, for,
like most boys, he had a strong admira-
ton for deeds OF daring, and saw little
merit in silent endurance.
Tom Lane was the most daring boy
among them all. He boosted that he
had the coolest head, the strongest arm
and the greatest amount of courage Of
any fellow of his g in Hillsboro', and
none disputed his claim. He was al
ways ready for a fight, and generally
came of victor in any contest. He mad
no pity for weakness, no charity for
timidity and thought all those who
feared him fair game for his powers of
teasing. Ross might have been fairly
treated by the other scholars but for
Tom, who was never weary of exciting
enmity against him and, understanding
how to magnify the veriest t~ritles, was
eve showing him up as ''the biggest
coward in Hillsboro' Academy"
But retribution was near ut hand, and
Tom was to be strangely punished for
his sins in respect to Ross.
A new town-hall was being built in
Hillsboro', and a very high, imposing
editice it was to be, with a steeple Sec
ond to none. Tom Lane heard his faith
er, who was the contractor for the
building, say that a magnificent view
could be obtained from Lhis half-com-
pleted steeple, and the next day at the
noon recess Tom proposed to half a doz-
en OF his young friends to 90 up and
take a look for themselves.
81 have a pass from father" he said,
land the carpenters Won. make any
FUSS
The ascent to the steeple was easily
made. for a narrow, winding stair led
up to it; and the boys 500 attained a
height that made their heads swim as
they looked down, breathless, and saw
how small appeared the people on the
pavement below.
"a good place for a suicide" said
Tom, as he leaned out.
"Do be CAREFUL said a low voice in
a tone OF %entreaty, and looking around,
the boys saw Ross Carson standing
near. He had come up the stairs un-
perceived.
"How came you here, you little cow
ard?' asked Tom, rudely.
Zine carpenter gave me leave to
come up answered Ross, quietly. II
did not know any one was up here, and
l was anxious to see the view. But if il
. dangerous place."
"lts likely you think So" sneered
Tom. YOU'D find the head of q barrel
a dangerous place. AS for me, I'd like
to see the place where I wouldn't oo,
Boys, do YOU see that:?"
lie pointed to a scatiolding which had
been erected about the steeple for the
use OF Che workmen. 1t projected sew
sral feet, and o~verhung the vast chasm
below"
"Wo see it but what of it?" asked
Louis RAYMOND. ~
You'll see what of it," answered
Iom. '1ts d jolly place to dance a
hornpIpe;' and before his companions
could realize his intention, he had
cilmbeI out upon the sc%ailolding and
was walking fearlessly about it.
The boys stared in sheer Arrangements
al such recklessness, and begged him to
But :heir fears for his Safety on,,