Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1885-07-02

an evil errand, at about 5 O'Clock, and
took up position upon the rough riv-
erside path, well nigh hidden from
sight by bushes and foliage, whence he
could observe the enthusiastic old fish
erman without being seen himself.
The old gentleman was sitting like a
wax figure in his punt, with large CT
gar in his mouth and rod in hand, when
Charlie arrived. So completely abb
sorbed was Mr.. Thornton in his sport
that regiment could have defiled past
him without attracting 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
slowly and reluctantly begin to pick
up his rod and line and put his para
phernalia together.
Charlie began to get anxious. What
ever plan Raggles had concocted would
have to be carried into execution quick
ly or it would be too late.
At last Mr.. Thornton had arranged
his tackle and united his punt poles
and was pushing off into the stream.
Charities heart sank, but he crept
swiftly forward to little promontory
to watch the old gentleman faithfully,
according to instructions, until 6
o'clock
Mr. Thornton, being old and obese,
punted slowly and with difficulty, and
as the clock struck 6 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
outline OF steam launch coming di-
rectly down upon the punt and he was
only made aware of the fact by seeing
the old gentleman wave one arm Wig
orously and by hearing him shout lust
lily at the same time that he endeayor-
ed to get his unwieldy punt 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 went founder
ing into the water, yelling madly as he
went.
Quick as thought Charlie dashed in.
The water was fortunately barely up
to his waist, so he seized Mr.. Thorn
ton under the arms, and, after much
splashing 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 ck-broker's back, was inn
pressing silence and non-recognition
by energetic gestures.
Dirartly Mr. fIbnrptop f,l
firmly on his feet he burst into vio-
lent passion, which was in no way APP
peased by the approach of Jack Rag
giles, whom he did not know, with the
most admirable expression of con tri-
ton on his face, and the words Pm
sure I'm awfully sorry. sir" on his
lips.
Sorry, sirp' roared the old gentle
man, $50 you ought to be, sir! l con-
slider it positively Ubiquitous and abom-
Unable that man can't 90 out for a
days fishing without being run into
by lot of cockneys who have no more
idea of handling steam launch than
they have OF handling balloon! And
shall take the very earliest opportu-
nifty, sir, of laying the matter before
the authorities. in order that such un-
warrantable interference with liberty
of the subject may be Immediately put
a stop to. 1t is abominable, sir, abom-
inablel'
Can | put you ashore anywhereP"
asked Jack, deferentially.
Yes, sir, you can, as soon as posi-
BILE, and before | catch my death of
cold" replied the old gentleman.
You see those steps ahead, sir?"
II 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, Thomas Thorn
ton, Esq
And yet, the irritated stock-broker
had given no thought to his rescuer:
but rs they were noating gently down
toward the house he turned and said:
''And to whom am | indebted for
my rescue from Il watcry graye?"
Charles stepped quietly forward and
bowed. The Old gentleman started
back and exclaimed:
Good gracious Mr.. Ringwood!
Sir, allow me to shake your hand most
heartily. You have performed an ac-
ton tonight which shall not pass with
out recognition. You are noble fell
low, sr-a noble fellow!"
II did nothing, Mr.. Thornton. but
what any other man would have done
under similar circumstances, said
Charlie, feeling himself TO be dread
full hypocrte in assuming the depreca-
tory air of a hero; ''but now that we are
here together, should like to express
my extreme regret that | should have
given you oflcnsc the other night by
expressing my opinion about steam
launches a little more candidly than
perhaps should have don; but believe
me"
Mr.. Thornton interrupted him:
believe me, sir, you did not say
enough. | am complete convert to
the opinion you hold. Steam launches
are an abomination, sir. and mine is
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