Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1888-02-01
prison fare had made me weaker than Sd
the first sNllrt. had renlized - ..E...sszz

HAT u came within fifty feet OF mo, and
q pistol-ban whistled through my hair and
took off my hat. At the same moment q
cracking sound came from under my feet.
staggered, lurched violently to one side,
then lost my balance and rolled over and
over on the yielding ice.
All Is over now thought; for felt
too utterly exhausted even to attempt to
rise. But, just as all hope forsook me- a
loud crash aroused me, and / turned NV
head just in time to see my pursuer 20
down in the treacherous chasm in which I
had boon 80 nearly engulfed. Then l knew
that I was saved; and with suddenly re-.
newed strength got 10 my feet again and
made Off. continued for half.mile
further up, and then made straight for the
shore. There unstrapped my skates and
took refuge in deep thicket. and in q few
minutes was in profound sleep.
II wonder, now, that had not frozen II,
death; and had not the weather moderated
greatly in the last few hours, am sure
would have done so. When l finally woke.
! was stiff with cold, and ached from head
to foot"
Here Mr.. SHINES paused, and gave q
retrospective shiver as he leaned over the
fire. " J..
"And what became of the poor fellow
who went under the ices" asked Mr.. Har-
court.
. drowned, I suppose; hoped so at the
time, at any rate. I never saw him again.
Well, that is the last time skated," con-
tlnued Mr.. SHINES, rising, and standing
with his back comfortably turned to the
fire. ''I've mover had the least fancy for
the exercise SINCE"
1 "But pray continue your narrative"
said Mr. Harcourt, as he rose and stood on
the rug beside his friend. II can't boar
to think of you in that thicket with frozen
limbs and aching bones.'
"Haven't I bored you enough already?
You know only promised to tell you NV
last experience on the skates"
q Indeed, have an intense curiosity to
know how you got along afterwards"
Mr.. SHINES resumed his seat, and con-
tinued: "When I awoke it was almost sun
set. was in dense wood, with no sign
OF habitatlon within sight. That should
find food and shelter for the night was i'm.
perativey necessary; so slowly got to my
feet and looked around. There seemed to
be no outlet, not even coW-path. I com.
menced my journey inland, however, MAX
ing my way through the thick underbrush
and over frozen streams, till, finally, after
an, hours weary walking, I came across
little path. This followed for some time,
when, at q sudden bend, saw, few rods
before me, comfortable farm house, lights
cleaning from the windows, and general
air OF hospitality pervading the whole
premises.
II approached with considerable trepida-
tion. for judged that my forlorn, bare
headed appearance would be decidedly
against me. My timid knock at the door
was answered by young girl, whom
thought the most beautiful creature had
ever beheld, having been thrown for so
many months into the society of rough men
only. In the most graceful manner that
was possible under the circumstances, !
begged for nights lodging, saying had
lost my way. The young lady questioned
me closely, and suppose must have made
some very inconsistent statements; for at
length, to my surprise and dismay, she
said: You are an escaped prisoner, are
you not!'
Il was speeches., and could only look
at her beseechingly, She laughed heartily,
but, in a moment, said gravely: Don't be
afraid, will help you; but father mustn't
know it, for the world. Come imp and /
followed her into cozy sitting room, where
an elderly lady was preparing a table for
supper. She introduced her as her mother,
and, after telling who was, between them
they hastily devised means for secretins
me for the night
], GAS the man of the house was expected
at any moment, was conducted to a little
room somewhat apart from the rest of the
house. Here this angel-girl brought mo my
supper. You must be off by daylight she
said, but will see you again.
lit was hardly dawn when a tapping at
my window reused me. After hastily dress.
ing 1 came out. Would you believe me!
there stood my lovely hostess with bun
die IN her hand, and horse, saddled and
bridled, beside her.
"'You must be right off, she said. Here
are some things you might need, and
money! thrusting purse into my hand
'And this horse is my very own. You must
take him, and may return him ''when this
cruel war is ovcr.'"
''She hardly gave me time to thank her
I was overwhelmed by her kindness, as
you may imagine.
. ".I will most certainly return I said,
pressing her hond. Then she gave me d.
rections as to my course, and departed.
lit would be more tedious than interest
ing to tell how, after long journey across
the State of Ohio, I finally crossed the river
and reached my Kentucky home. From
and long imprisonment, fell
very ill. When was at last able to report
for duty again. the fortunes Of the Con-
were about decided. News of the
at Appomattox reached US just
rs was planning a way to Join General
Lees army" Here the narrator ceased.
my, dear fellow" said Mr.. Harcourt,
II am heartily glad to hear Of the success
full termination Of your adventure have
always had quite a curiosity as to your
ultimate fate"
''Alwaysa" Mr.. SHINES looked up in
quirngly. ~a 49,, go. ',@,>
Mr.. Harcourt INDUCED in q long, low
F"Yes, ever since came out Of
the icy bath got on your account. You
don't recognize the officer who pursued yov
to the bitter end,' and tell you 1t was
bitter cold under that ice. Well, Of course
twenty years does make. a difference" "
Mr. SHINES looked blankly in his COM
panion's face. "What!' he gasped. "Youi
You don't say sol-and you weren't
drowned after all?' 'l-'@'' D.. $50"
"No, but came pretty near 1t. II some
of the men hadn't seen me go under, and
come up as quickly as they did, would not
now have had the pleasure OF listening tt
your interesting story and congratulatlna
,,,,or, fort1noto ico,7A1S