Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-08-08

to see it.
Philemon and Romeo Augustus Gibbs CSol-
omon's younger brothers, had scraped their
throats raw rehearsing a new fashioned
cheer, something between a sneeze and
howl, for the occasion.
All the academy girls had decked them
selves with red, white or blue ribbons, the
color depending on which craft each lassie
favored.
The race was to be the event of the season
So it was very provoking that that breeze
should choose this very day to churn the
water into froth.
Mr.. Il Algeinon Crockett looked grave.
NO race today said he.
The rowers were in despair. So, it seemed,
was Mr. Crockett, senior, Mr.. q Algernon
and Miss Belinda's father He was a hot
headed old gentleman, and it was be who
had ordered the supper. He declared the fes-
tivity could not and should not be put off.
"But, father, the waves will certainly
swamp the boats" argued his son.
Tut, tutl nonsense!" cried Nj. Crockett.
'If the boats do swamp, haven't those rascals
pluck enough to swims Do you think that ice
cream is going for nothings Let the race
take place. say"
"Hurrahl" shouted the boys
"Hurrah!" shouted the bystanders.
Mr. Il Algernon again looked grave; but
he might as well have tried to turn the plan
cts from their courses as to attempt to make
Mr. Crockett change his mind; so the boats
were made ready
The boats were pulled into the middle of
the stream. There was breathIess pause,
disturbed only by Romeo Augustus Gibbs.
who, overpowered by his emotions, broke
into the new fashioned cheer and was prompt
ly choked by Philemon, The oars were held
suspended. Every ear was strained for the
signal.
Are you ready? Col"
In fash off darted the boats. Twig FL
der's crew began to pull wildly, but soon
came into order.
Toms boat Tapped Solomon's by six inches.
Twig's came half length behind
Staid old farmers broke into trot, and,
headed by the village doctor, followed along
the bank, keeping pace with the boats
There were cries of Now then, Solomon
Gibbsl" go ahead, No. 81" Pull, Twig,
pull"
And pull they did, vaEantly, swinging
round the turning stake, Solomon now a boat
Now came the tug OF war, for wind and
wave were both against them, On the home
stretch.
Oh, that mischievous breezel 1t tossed the
water against their bows. 1t caught their
oars and tried to snap them in two. 1t blind.
ed their eyes with spray; until, suddenly,
there was a cry Of terror from the shore
Twig Elders boat had gone under
There was brief moment of fear, and then
all four boys scrambled to the shore.
Never for a moment did Solomon or Tom
falter, though Toms boat was heavy with
the water in its bottom. In five minutes it
was of no use to struggle.
Row to shore and bail outi" shouted Mr..
II. Algernon; and there was no choice but to
obey.
Just then Solomon's boat was seen heading
for the opposite bank. She was full also.
Was there ever such a ridiculous race
Even Mr.. Crockett, ST., said, Give it up;'
but the boys were too excited to do that now
1t was a tussle to see which crew would be
ready first to start afresh.
AT one and the same moment they pushed
once more, into the stream, Solomon still o
tri1e ahead. The crowd on the bank called
out encouragingly The boys tugged. The
breeze, evidently thinking it a game all gotten
up for its especial benefit, whisked up and
down, blew high and low, and threw pailfuls
of water into the boats.
1t was in vain that Tom took off his cap to
bail. That boat was doomed. Deeper and
deeper IL sat in the river. At last under il
went, when only fifteen lengths from the goal.
In fact it turned completely over and when
it rose to the top was bottom upwards while
the crew were all adrift in the midst of tire
Inendous spashing. Tom remembered that
bod Ames, who pulled bow" could not
swim, and caught him by the collar.
Get hold of the boat, bod" he cried "As
for the rest of you-nlind, now-haul the
craft along and swim like whales-every one
of you'll"
There wasa great shout from the spectators
when, dragging the boat, the plucky three
struck out, not for the shore, but for the goal
bod Ames hanging, a dead weight, to an out
rigger. Solomon's crew rowed-Tom's swan
behind
You should have heard Philemon and Ro-
meo Augustus cheer. You should have be-
held the academy girls wave their handker.
chiefs. You should have seen Farmer Brown
jump right up and down, calling out "Sakes
anu us%iSASS! sodheS duu udlsieS. OstheS tIlu
daisies" without an idea of what he WIS say.
ing
OF course Solomon's boat first gained the
goal, and then those four boys set up yell,
to encourage the brave swimmers behind.
On they came battling the waves. The wind
roared, the water Kissed.
Como out, you idiots y shouted Mr..
Crockett.
Swim, boys, swim hardi" cried II. Alger-
non.
20, Tommy Tommy" shrieked little AIlly
Tyrrell in an agony.
"Hurrah! Hurrahl Hurrahr" cheered the
crowd
"Whe-w! w-Whe-e-ewI p
whistled that wicked wind.
There was one final effort; one more strong
dash forward The boat grazed the stake
The second prize was won't
Kind hands drew them, blue with cold, out
of the water. Some ran for hot drinks, some
for blankets Old Mr.. Crockett, beside hin,
self at the result of his own rashneSs, caug
Tom Tyrren IN his arms, and rushed wi
him TO his own house, scolding him fierce
all the way for daring TO get swamped, a
tucked him, numb with cold, between t
feather beds In came Mrs. Crockett an6
Miss Belinda with bags of hot water and two
bottles of Jamaica ginger. They rubbed
him, they dosed him
At last, with chattering teeth, he was able
to ask for bod AmeS and the rest They
had been carried 10 different houses and put
to bed; and such healthy little fellows were
they all, that when evening came, from the
way they ate ice cream, you wouldn't have
believed they ever knew what it meant &c
shiver.
Miss Belinda harsalf bestowed the rrizas