Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1889-02-22
he will lose. hurrahl"

The last shout fell from the lips of Cotton
as his man bounded into the air and landed
on the log on which Casper Fall was per
forming.
This move was legitimate enough, but by
this time Casper had discovered two things
First. that he was a better log roller than
the man pitted against him, second, that the
Spaniard was resolved to win, even at the
expense of fairness
I'm beat him here and fight him after
ward muttered Casper, his teeth set in
wrathful determination.
Both men were on the same log now, spin
ming it with lightning rapidity.
"Hal"
With grating cry the Spaniard left the
log, landing on another one near, while at
the same moment his ears were saluted by
derisive yell from the multitude on the shore.
''There, Mr.. Cotton! where's your cham
pion nows' exclaimed Nell, tapping his arm
with her hand. Did you see thats Casper is
the better man. Hurrah for Casperl"
Pretty Nell Given Haunted her handker
chief high, and it caught the eye Of Casper,
who felt thrilledsat the thought that she still
desired him to win CHANGING at his rival at
this moment, Casper saw that his dark face
was yellow with rage, fact that satisfied
the champion of Crosscut that he would now
have an easy victory, for a man in rage
was apt to lose the management of his feet in
a contest like this.
Again the two men spun their logs rapidly,
performing various figures, first on hands,
A.
were about evenly matched. There was but
one way to win the victory. The one who
succeeded in getting his rival into the river
would be declared the champion. The Span
lard had made legitimate attempt to do
this for Casper and failed. He now changed
his tactics He ceased rolling his log and
walked toward the shore. Had he given up
the contesta 1t seemed SO at first, and re-
lieyed feeling swept over Casper Fall Half
witted Jake stood close down to the waters
edge and looked into the eyes of his brothers
rival as he walked toward the land.
''Look out. Casper" called Jake at the top
of bis voice. He's comm for vel"
With an imprecation the Spaniard turned,
facing FALL bent low and darted forward
like an arrow shot from a bow. When
within a few feet the Spaniard flung himself
into the air, expecting to plant his feet in
the breast of his rival, as he turned com
plete somersault. 1t was thrilling moment
When it was over all realized that base
attempt had been made to win the victory
not in accord with the rules Of fairness.
Down and under lodged Casper Fall like
flash, and the Spaniard went over his bead.
A dull thud followed, and the next instant
the Spaniard lay in the water, floating away
without movement.
A wild shout went up that rent the very
T heavens. Casper still Kept his log His rival
was in the water and the victory was his,
i but amid it all a strange feeling visited the
young champion He realized what had
happened, if the others did not. The Span
iard's attempt to win victory by foul means
had cost him dear His head had come in
contact with broomstick that held the logs
in place. Senseless, the treacherous man was
floating away to his doom. One glance was
sufficient to satisfy Casper Fall of the truth.
He plunged into the water, and, selling bis
rivals hair, dragged him TO the boom and
called for help. This was granted, and when
the silent form of Manuel Carr was laid dEir-
ping on the shore, naked dagger was found
clutched in his right hand. Great was the
connection that now ensued After the first
shout went up over Casper Falls victory the
settlers gathered about the PROSTATE form of
the Spaniard.
"His skull is crushed-he is deadi" de-
clared Col Given in solemn tones, as he
made an examination.
The colonel spoke truly. Manuel Carr was
dead The dagger in his stiffened fingers was
a revelation of his terrible purpose, to win
the contest, even at the expense OF his rivals
life.
Dark looks were now cast upon Mr.. Cotton,
who essayed to explain.
81 knew Manuel Carr had served term In
the penitentiary," he said, ''but l had no
thought that he would murder a man if be
could not fairly beat him."
Nevertheless, the Chicago man was frowned
upon, and he found it convenient to leave
Crosscut at an early hour. 1t was sad
termination to the days festivities and proved
to be tho last log rolling contest in that
region.
As for Nell Given, the incident quite So
bered her. She admitted that she had firted
with Mr.. Cotton. but it was Casper she loved,
and in good time the two were made one
Casper Fall has proved the stuff that is In
him by forging to the front as successful
lumberman Col Given is proud of his SON
in-law.-l NJ Merrill in Chicago Journal