Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-01-28
;ce. Charlie watched him till distant

notice. Charlie watched him till distant
church clock chimed the quarter to six.
He then saw the old gentleman take out
his watch, look at it attentively. and after
a few moments hesitation slowly and re-
luctantlv began to pick up his rod and line
and put his paraphernalia together.
Charlie began to get anxious. What
ever plan Raggles had concocted would
have to be carried into execution quickly
or it would be too late.
At last Mr.. Thornton has arranged his
tackle and united his punt holes and was
pushing off into the stream.
Charles heart sank, but he crept swift
" forward to little promontory to watch
the old gentleman faithfully, according to
instructions. until o'clock.
Mr. Thornton. being old and obese.
punted slowly and with difficulty, and as
the clock struck six. he had not 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 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 nearing him shout
Justify at the same time that he endeav-
ored 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,
but with sufficient force to tilt it up, with
which movement the poor old stockbroker
was sent foundering into the water, yell
ing madly as he went.
Quick as thought Charlie dashed in. The
water was fortunately barely up to his
waist, so he seized Mr.. Thornton 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 res
cued stock brokers' back, was impressing
silence and non-recognition by energetic
gestures.
Directly Mr.. Thornton felt himself
firmly on his feet, he burst into violent
passion, which was in no way appeased
by the appearance of Jack Raggles, whom
he did not know, with the most admirable
expression of contrition in his face, and
the words Ppm sure Pm awfully sorry,
sir" on his lips.
"Sorry. Sir!" roared the old man. so
you ought to be. sir! | consider it positive
ly UBIQUITOUS and abominable that man
cannot 90 out for days fishing without
being run into by lot of cockneys who
have no more idea of handling a steam
launch than they have of handling a
balloon! Aud shall take the very earli-
est opportunity, sir, of laying the matter
before the authorities, in order that such
unwarrantable interference with the liber-
ty of the subject may be Immediately put
a stop to. 1t is abominable, sir, abomina-
ble!'
''Can l put you ashore anywhere?"
asked Jack, deferentially.
Eyes, sir, you can, as soon as possible,
and before catch my death of coltj?' re-
piled 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 you couldn't see
mep" 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 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 house he turned and said:
"And to whom am indebted for my
rescue from the watery grave?"
|
bowed. The old gentleman started back
and exclaimed:
Good gracious! Mr.. Rngwood! Sir,
allow me to shake your hand most hearth
ly. You have performed an action to-
night which shall not pass without recog-
milton. You are noble fellow sir-a
noble fellow!"
II did nothing, Mr.. Thornton, but what
any other man would have done under
similar circumstances, said Charlie, feel
ing himself to be dreadful hypocrite in
assuming the deprecatory air of a hero
"but now that we are here together,
would like to express my extreme regret
that should have given your offense the
other night by expressing my opinion
about steam launches little more candid
ly than perhaps | should have done, 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 tor sale from
| this very moment -phiI01elDhin Press