Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-03-02
THE BELLE OF CROSSCUT.


= the name implies Log runners and
millionaires mingled on equal footing
There was no caste in Crosscut May the
best man win, was the motto of her citizens,
and a genuine love of fair play dominated
the hearts of those rude knights of the border
It was springtirue The log drive had
passed Crosscut The rough crowd of river
men was gone aud the old time quiet reigned
again in the town. However a log rolling
contest was at hand, and the people from the
surrounding settlements began to gather at
AN early hour.
Crosscut's champion was Casper Fall He
was young, an athlete of the woods, and the
pride not only of the graybeards of the town,
but of the younger men and maids as well.
You must win, Casper" said Jake, the
athletes half witted brother. If you DON'T
We'll if don't1" queried Casper, as the
simple fellow hesitated
II was going TO say, If you don't, you'll
never git Nell Given She'll marry the
champion | heard her say 80"
You did, exclaimed the young log run
ner. Il didn't think Nell would go back on
fellow that way. l think few brains, as
well as Drawn, ought to weigh something in
girls eyes"
Casper walked away flushed and disturbed.
He knew he had no claim on the belle Of
Crosscut. She was old Col Givens daugh-
ter, and he was the wealthest man in town,
while Casper hadn't anything save good COM
mon sense, strong arms and an energetic ma
ture. He might never have met Nell but for
the fact that they both attended the same
school, and as children, boy and GIRL were
enthusiastic friends "I'n be your wife
some day" said roguish Nell, when they were
roaming the woods on the return from the
old log school house one summer afternoon.
and the big freckled faced boy kissed her, and
thus was the compact sealed. As they grew
older, the two drifted apart, naturally
enough, and when the old colonel sent his
daughter to Chicago to young ladies' school,
the breach widened immensely. To say that
Casper had given her up, however, would be
stating that which was not true He met
her sometimes after her return She was an
accomplished young lady now, and he felt
keenly his own awkwardness and want of
polish.
Until the morning for the log contest Cross
cuts champion did not know who was to be
his contestant A gentleman from Chicago
had proclaimed in the coloners store that he
had a man who could beat the world on a
log, and Col Given took exceptions to the
statement, at the same time declaring that
he would back man TO the extent of $40. 600
The Chicago gentleman, who was sweet OIL
the colonels daughter, good naturally re-
fused the bet, but, instead, offered 10 say nc
more about certain debt the colonel had
contracted with him (dr Colton) il his man
tthe colonelsl won the contest.
IF my man wins, hold you to the debt,
colonel, and" lowering his voice. you are
to speak good worI for me with Miss
Nel.n
To this the colonel agreed, and day was
set for the log rolling contest
In passing the house Of Col Given on the
evening before the day set for the struggle
Casper Fall saw Mr.. Cotton and Nell on the
porch In earnest conversation. This was not
"a pleasant sight to the young man, and the
added words of half witted Jake served 10
render Casper miserable.
Nell is only playing with my feelings, "
he thought. She means to marry the Chi
cago man anyhow, and merely brings in my
name for a heartless joke Well, I'll win the
contest, and then III leave Crosscut for good.
I've nothing TO keep me here only Jake, and
am quite sure he's smart enough TO take
care of himself"
Such were the bitter feelings that filed the
heart Of the young log runner He was toe
proud to go near the belle Of Crosscut before
the contest, and the remark made by JAKE
that he had once heard Nell say she woulC
marry the victor, convinced Casper that sh,
had grown from an artless girl to u heartles
woman.
A crowd Of several hundred people gath
cred at the river bank above Col Given
lumber mill on the morning OF the great 10,
rolling contest. One of the most eager face
was that of half witted Jake, Casper's hal
brother. He was as anxious for the outcoms
as the champion himself The feminine por
ton Of Crosscut was well represented, and
among them was Nell Given, who had for
escort Mr.. Cotton, of Chicago.
At 10 O'Clock a cheer went up as Casper
Fall stepped upon one of the logs and glanced
keenly over the multitude His slender yet
sinewy figure was set off by close fitting
jacket and tights. On his feet he wore the
spiked shoes Of the log runner. AS the
shouts went up, handkerchiefs were waved
by fair hands, and Fall saw Nell Given wav
ing hers high above the rest. His handsome
face flushed a little and an angry lignt
cleaned In his eye when he saw her turn anC
laugh In the face Of her escort.
"a fine exhibition l am making for the
gaping crowd" muttered the young log run
ner. This viii be the last time, I can tel
'em that"
And then a second and louder shout wen,
up as Casperis contestant stepped from the
bank and started nirnbly running over the
logs. He turned a somersault and landed
safely within ten feet Of Fall, coming W
bowling and smiling, like an acrobat In q cir
Gus. This was the flrst time Casper Fall had
looked upon the man he was to meet in q
struggle for the mastery. One glance served
to show Casper that his rival was no mean
antagonist. He was as supple as an eel, with
the dark face and fierce eyes of a Spaniard.
No doubt he had been a matador in the Span
hh arena, and Casper realized that he was &c
win no easy victory.
Ready
Col Given uttered the cry The log roller
bowed; then a tremendous shout went VI
that made the heavens ring, and then tn,
contest began
All such log spinning was never seen be
fore at Crosscut. Backward, forward, will
the velocity Of mill wheels the logs spun
under the feet OF both men. Now and ther
particularly good movement was cheeret
loudly During the greater part of the time
however, u deep silence reigned.
Mr. Colton rrihbed hta bopda nd .,,;io,