San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1889-08-16

Every boy IN town knew Oh MISS SIOShS'Ie
offer the very next morning; and long before
noon three picked crews" had been organ
lied.
Tom Tyrrell was captain of one, Solomon
Gibbs the celebrated woodchuck trapper, OF
the second; while the third was under the con
troll of Theodore Elder, more commonly known
as 'Twig" Elder
The river being at that time frozen, as well
as under several feet of snow, the crews,
boiling with enthusiasm, resorted 10 MI.
Gibbs barn to exercise on several sets OF horl-
zontal bars. Here they turned and twisted
daily, to raise their muscles, against the ad
vent of Mr.. H. Algernon Crockett.
There was some doubt as to whether so au'
gust person as H. Algernon, ESQ.,, would
copdeScend to train a dozen country lads.
But when Mr. Crockett at last appeared ali
fear vanished He fairly took the crews by
storm.
To be sure his muStache, with its waxed
ends. was wonderful to behold, and ring on
his little finger was a vision beyond any that
Orantsoak had hitherto imagined. 1t was
well known, moreover, that Mr. II. Algernor
had actually taken off his hat to Queen Vic
toria; that he had played billiards with full
blooded Italian count; that he had beer
hand and glove' with all 1.-THE old masters
whoever those WORTHLESS might be-, and that
he had even taken trip to Egypt to patron,
ize the sphinx.
But in spite of all his superiority and
clothes, Mr. H. Algernon Crockett was
cordial, good natured young man, with
great hearty voice, and a laugh as conta
gous as the measles.
IL, fol -, with SiSrar'S mans and I'M.
dertook to coach" her boys with much good
will
Train them he did, and that with no sham.
He made them run, and he made them pull
He insisted Oh their eating meat, and he for
babe their even looking at pie or dough
nut Indeed, he turned one boy right out of
Twg Elders crew because he partook OF
mince turnover He would not allow Tom
Tyrrell to row stroke" but put him IN as
mo. s." which would certainly have broken
Toms heart had not Mr. Crockett consulted"
him ae such rate that Thomas actually he
iieved he had proposed the change himself
Two of Solomon Gibbs crew and one Of
Twig Elders gave out at the end of the week.
They declared they were not galley slaves
and would not be treated as such. But there
were ten other boys on fire TO JUMP into their
places, and when the sun rose on the day of
the race he had the pleasure of shining Oh
twelve tie spare, brown, tough little fellows
in Orantscak-as he cc'Ild have found by hunt
ing from China to Peru.
They were to row mile for the prizes, the
first of which was to be-here was richness!-
a new cedar boat: the second. some bats and
balls, the third, four blue caps ana four blue
shirts for rowing costumes.
All the country folk, from near and from
far, had heard of the race and were coming
to see it.
Philemon and Romeo Augustus Gibbs Sol,
onions younger brothers. had scraped their
threats raw rehearsing 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 lassle
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 chuEn the
water into froth.
Mr.. H. Algeruon Crockett looked grave
mo race today" said he.
The rowers were in despair. So, it'seemed
was Mr. Crockett, senior, Mr.. II. Algernon
and Miss Belinda's father. He was hot
headed old gentleman, and it was he who
had ordered the supper He declared the fes-
tivity could not and should not he put off:
But, father the waves win certainly
swamp>tbe boats" argued his son
Tut, tut! nonsensel" cried Mr. Crockett
''If the boats do swamp, haven't those pascaLs
pluck enough to swiIai Do you think that ice
cream is going for nothmgf Let the race
take place, | say
"Hurrah" shouted the boys.
"Hurrah!" shouted the bystanders.
Mr.. II. AlgernOn again looked grave; bat
he might as well have tried to turn the plan
cts from their courses as to attempt TO make
Mr.. Crockett change his mind; 50 the boats
were made ready
The boats were pulled into the middle of
the stream. There was a breathless pause,
disturbed only by Romeo Augustus Gibbs,
wAe, overpowered by his emotions, broke
into the new fashioned cheer and was prompt
ly choked 10y Philemon. The oars were held
suspended. Every ear was strained for the
signal.
Are you readyi Col"
In fash off darted the boats. Twig Ell
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
healed by the village doctor, followed along
the bank, keeping pace with the boats
There were cries of "Now then, Solomon
Gibbs" Go ahead, No. q" "Pull, Twig
pull!'
And pull they did, valiantly, swinging
round the turning stake, Solomon now boa
length in advance, briskly pursued by Tom