Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1890-03-06

ROBBIE CUTTING THE WIRES
the rising wind, and flakes of snow
were beginning to hutter to the
ground.
1 tried to increase the speed of the
horse, but found it impossible by rea-
son of the numerous distractions in
the form of trunks of trees.
"Don't be afraid, Robbie" said L. in
as cheerful tones as could command.
"Not bit of it. L think it just
jolly. I'll make the eyes of the boys
at home open"
A swapping sound cut short the lads
remark and caused his own eyes to
open pretty wide, fear.
An upward glance showed me the
green top of huge pine, describing in
our direction an awful circle in the air.
dug my heels into the fanks of the
horse and shouted at the top of my
voice.
This seemed to increase the terror of
the animal. which stopped stock still.
Another instant and the tree was
upon us.
felt sharp twinge of pain and lost
consciousness.
&h hlop tllOuShu WIS VI ItODDle, anu
the groan | uttered was caused not SO
much by pain as by the dreadful fear
that had lost him forever.
Judge of my JOY when / saw him not
only alive but actively engaged in
clearing away the branches which COW
cred me.
The horse had been killed outright,
and my right leg broken above the
knee.
With the assistance of the cool
headed boy changed my position so
as to lean against the body of the dead
horse, which somewhat relieved my
pain.
Our situation was desperate in the
extreme, and Robbie realized it as soon
as myself.
"Brace up, father" said he "I'll run
on, and be back before long with lots
of help"
But at once interdicted this plan.
The storm had become furious by this
time, and l well knew that the boy
could never face it and live.
Toward evening, however, it abated
and finally ceased altogether. But the
wind, bowling through the only avenue
afforded it, had piled the snow into
enormous drifts, which precluded all
thought of the childs working his way
through them.
No words can describe my anguish.
My pain was forgotten in the awful
consciousness that my foolish fondness
for my boy had brought him to a terri
BILE death in the wilderness.
"Where do the telegraph lines run,
e. ID IL. !
ITO some point on the lake." re-
piled
"And are they used?"
90, yes; understand they are
great convenience to the inland camps"
"Can't we use them, somehow ?"
"No, my boy; we have no instru-
ment, and would not know how to use
one if we had it."
Then / spoke of other matters, not
wishing him to entertain hopes which
saw had no foundation.
Suddenly L awoke from an uneasy
sleep and missed him from my side.
In terror / called his name, and with
sinking heart listened for the response
that did not come.
An awful fear took possession of me.
Knowing that he could never secure
my consent, the daring little fellow had
started off to meet his death while
trying to bring relief to me.
This terrible conclusion, coupled
with the pain of my broken limb,
caused me to lose consciousness.
! When l revived, it was to find Rob
bic rubbing my hands and face.
Where have you been ?" | asked in
a tremor of Joy at seeing him in the
starlight.
Looking into that telegraph mat
ter" he replied. I'm hoping"
Hope no more for that Robbie, but
Isit down beside me. Help may come
in the morning" added, not wishing
to discourage him.
! Help did come in the morning.
About nine o'clock Robbie set up a
joyous shout, and moment later saw
strong men approaching.
: "How came you here?" / inquired,
as soon as my feelings permitted me to
sneak.
bic, as he turned a cart-wheel in the
snow.
That's about the size of it," said
one of the men, "The lines wouldn't
work this morning, and we were sent
out to locate and repair the breaks"
j., That's just what figured on" said
the Delighted boy, "when l climbed
pole last night and sawed the whole
SIX wires in two with my knife.
had an instrument and knew how to
use it"
Who will say that increasing years
has added foolishness to my fondness,
and that the handsome young man who
sits beside me and makes disparaging
remarks as L write, was not bright
and nervy boy?
IN round numbers 10000 mission
aries are sent out by the various Chris
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