The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1886-09-15
A Story for BOYS.


ever get me wheel? He says, 'pll
think about it, and much good that
does me-"
Father will get you bicycle, if he
can afford TO, but as you know, George,
money is not as plenty with us now as
it once was"
And Mrs. Mason sighed as she re-
Elected on the many ways that she had
to economize in order that the neces-
saries of life might not be lacking.
"Well, l don't see why we shouldn't
have Just as much Father gets Just
as much pay as he ever did. Besides,
there's Alex. Parsons father, who works
with mine, and Alex. has had a wheel
these two years. l vow, it's mean,
anyhow"
And George Mason shut the door with
a bang and went out into the street to
hunt up some of his companions, not
once thinking of the woman he had
left, sad and troubled about the son and
also about the father.
How would he come home tonight?
Little did George Mason realize that his
father was once more falling into the
ways of his youth; that he was break
ing the promises made years ago to his
wife, and she, trying to bring him back
to repentance and self-respect before it
was too late, felt her strength and cour-
age ebbing away slowly but surely. And
no wonder after George went out that
she sank into the nearest chair and
cried as only a despairing woman can
cry
" 1t was a beautiful August evening.
The moon shone out with all its full.
ness, and Mrs. Mason was aroused by
George rushing in with: " say, nam
ME, the boys wants me to ride over tC
Rock Hill with them, and Harry Gard.
ner will loan me his wheel. May
l go?"
And not needing his mothers dis
consulate mood, George continued
pleading. "Come now, say yes RICH
out as if you meant it, for the fellows
are out here waiting"
Z" / would say yes, dear, but you arr
not used to riding and l am afraid t.
have you ride at night"
90 pshaw! can manage bicycle,
guess, and it's as light as day. Neve
fear, mother dear" and George, with
hurried goodbye, rushed off to the ex
pectant ones outside.
1t was gay little party of six tina
mounted the bright shining wheels an,
rolled rapidly down the hard, smootl
road. Some of the boys had machines
of their own, but George and Gus RAJ
were on borrowed property, and sool
found themselves behind the others.
Z" tell you, Ray, it makes a differ
] w 1nu n
not, doesn't it?''
:" guess it does" responded Ray
Il came mighty near running int
that team when we were coasting bac
there"
You don't take firm grip of tn
handles-that's where you miss it,
said George, q" but come on, we ar
most out to Rookie and Alex. S goin
to treat, you know"
Rock Hill was a favorite resort 70
the young people of Eastman. Their
was large grove and a fine lake, wit
boats for rowing, and James Nelso
and his wife not only looked after tn
place, but also after those who cam
there. The boys dismounted. Alex
ordered cakes and lemonade for tn
party, which bill of fare was supple
mented by Tim Gardner's investin
literally in peanuts, and as the cloc
struck nine they once more mounte
their silent steeds and rode forth in tn
moonlight.
Well, boys, for one l am not goin
to coast Long hill,'' said Gus, as the
moved quickly toward the busy towr
"Too many on the road riding an
walking"
Come, Gus, don't be a muff-you'
do it straight enough am going t
have the fun and there's no reaso
you shouldn't" returned George, wit
considerable spirit.
" l would in the daytime, but han
me if | will run the risk of breakin
my own neck and one or two others,
whereupon Gus leaped off and wit
some regrets for his own caution, h
slowly piloted his wheel down the hill
AS he neared the foot he distinguish
cries for help, and, quickening his paC
to a run, he reached the spot Just i
time to see two bodies lifted from tn
ground and carried to house near b,
" How did it happen, AleX.?" aske
Gus, selling hold of the boy, who, wit
"A blanched face, was hurrying off for
carriage to convey the father and so
home.
"Why, l don't know; George yelle
out to his father to clear the way, bl
he didn't hear, and then came III
. crash"
Mr.. Mason wasn't quite himself,
you see," said one of the bystanderi
; "been drinking too much lately; an
sober man would have got clear of thos
,, pesky things. However, guess the
, are only stunned, though they do sa
the man looks as if he'd never wake up,
| After many days of watchfulness an
} anxiety John Mason came back to lift
but it never could be an active on,
= Those who know him declare that he
trying to atone for his fault by patel
suffering, and the good, kind moth,
| sees it all and sees, too, that her ono
careless and light-hearted boy is d.
veloping into thoughtful, serious an
) loving son.-Union.