Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-03-02

"In 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.
"Har
With grating cry the Spaniard left the
| thesame moment his ears were saluted by a
derisive yell from the multitude on the shore.
"There, Mr. Colton where's your cham
pion nowf' exclaimed Nell, tapping bis arm
with her hand Did you see that1 Casper Is
the better man. Hurrah for Casper!"
Pretty Nell Given Haunted her handker-
chief high, and it caught the eye of Casper,
who felt thrilled at 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 man in rage
was apt to lose the management of his feet in
contest like this.
Again the two men spun their logs rapidly,
performing various figures, first on hands
then on feet, and in these movements the two
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 a 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 contesti 1t seemed so at first, and re-
lieved feeling swept over Casper Fall Half
witted Jake stood close down TO the water S
edge and looked into the eyes Of his brothers
rival as no walked toward the land.
Look out, Casper" called Jake at the top
of his voice. Hes comm for YEP
With an imprecation the Spaniard turned
facing Fall, bent low and darted forward
like an arrow shot from a bow ien
within a few feet the Spaniard fun elf
into the air, expecting to plant his in
the breast of his rival, as he turned a corn-
plete somersault. 1t was thrilling mo- It
When it was over all realized that u lse
attempt had been made TO win the vi, ry
not in accord with the rules of fairness
Down and under lodged Casper Fall ze
a fash, and the Spaniard went over his l. d.
A dull thud followed, and the next irS, ant
the Spaniard lay in the water, floating away
without movement.
A wild shout went up that rent the very
heavens. Casper still kept his log. His rival
was in the water and the victory was his,
but amid it all a strange feeling visited the
young champion. He realized what had
happened, if the others did not. The Span
iards attempt TO win victory by foul means
had cost him dear His head had come in
| contact with u 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, seizing bis
rivals hair, dragged him to the boom and
called for help. This was granted, and whom
the silent form of Manuel Carr was laid driT.
ping on the shore, naked dagger was found
clutched in his right hand Great was the
commotion 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 deadr' de-
clared Col Given in solemn tones, as he
made an examination.
The colonel spoke truly. Manuel Carr was
dead. The '4gger in his stiffened fingers was
a revelatio- T his terrible purpose, to win
the contest, Il at the expense of his rivals
life.
Dark looks were now cast upon Mr.. Cotton,
who esSayed to explain.
Il knew Manuel Carr had served term in
the penitentiary," he said, but / had no
thought that he would murder q man II he
| could not fairly beat him"
Nevertheless, the Chicago man was frowued
upon, and he found it convenient to leave
Crosscut at an early hour. IL was a sad
termination to the days festivities and proved
to be the last log rolling contest in that
region.
As for Neil Given, the incident quite So
bered her. She admitted that she had flirted
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
lumbermau. Col Given is proud of his son
in-law.-I. NJ Merrill in Chicago Journal