Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1890-02-07

/ nesltateu, ana lueu came tle Itlltlh-
| brance of his mothers charge: Tom,
take good care of your father His
mind was made up.
Il can't take my gun, he said,
aloud for it would only be in the
wav. but the knife will be just the
| thing" He twisted a thick scarf
around his waist and fastened the
long bladed hunting-knife securely in
| his belt.
TON, you must not go" moaned
his father. Il can't let you risk your
| life to save mine -
Il must go, father, if there were
forty wolves in my way" The boy
knelt down by his fathers side and
stroked the cold hand. Its dread
full to leave you'-here he nearly
broke down, but managed to choke
back the rising sobs-''still it's the
only way. You might die without
help. and what could say to mother!
Keep up your courage, father. I've
| fixed the fire so that it will last, and
here's the coffee right by your elbow,
I'll be back soon Here the boy
breathed the prayer God help me.
In a moment more Tom had fast
ened the door with stout staple and
was kneeling by the lake, buckllng
on his skates. As he glided from the
! shores he cast a hurried glance
around. Both his eyes and ears were
strained to the utmost. How black
the shadows were along the shores.
How sharp was the click, click, OF
/ the skates, as they carried him on
with the steady motion Of machine.
! The river was soon reached, and the
half-mile over its frozen surface was
easily made, as were the two miles
across the little pond. When he fol
| lowed again the frozen course OF the
river he skated backward, as his face
was benumbed from going against
the wind. He stopped several times
for breathing spells, so that he felt
quite rested as he swept out OF the
river to the smooth, level floor OF the
great lake, at the lower end Of which
was the hunters cabin. For two
miles down the lake Tom skated quite
slowly, as he was keeping his strength
for the final dash With body erect,
head thrown back and arms crossed
on his chest, he glided in long, easy
curves, now to the right, now to the
left. As he reached the shelter OF the
little island he paused for short
rest. Then he buckled on his skates
II ore firmly, but just as he was taking
a long breath in order to start again
a prolonged mournful howl broke the
stiffness Of the night air. 1t was the
sound which he had been dreading
and expecting His first impulse was
to save himself by climbing one OF
the large trees near by. Then lie
thought of his mothers partingcharge.
That would be looking out for my
self, and she told me TO take care OF
father" he murmured. He hastily
pulled of his jacket, felt for his knife.
and frightened the scarf around his
waist. You'll have exercise enough
to keep you warm, Tom Ely, p" he NUT
tered between his set teeth 4; and then
he shot forward like an arrow from
the bow. How the ice rang under
the quick, fierce strokes Of the skates.
How swiftly the shores glided by!
The boy paused moment TO look
over his shoulder On the ice near
the shore was small, black speck,
growing rapidly larger The wind
had swept the last light fall OF snow
from the center Of the lake into wind
rows on both sides, and there ii had
frozen, making a rough surface on
which the wolf found sure footing.
Tom increased his speed, but that
long. tireless gallop, never for an in
slant faltering nor lettering, was
gaining rapidly on him. Already the
lean, shaggy brute was within few
yards, and the boy heard an angry
snarl as the creature made a fierce
spring at him. Quick as thought
Tom wheeled suddenly to the right,
and the wolf rolled over and over on
the ice, while the skater sped on,
gaining several rods by this trick.
In moment, however, the furious
beast was up again, and n second des-
perate race began, and second tim /.
Tom escaped the sharp, white teeth.
Bv this time the boys heart was beat
ing like a trip-hammer. His breath
came in quick, short gasps and he
was conscious OF a queer feeling OF
weakness about the knees. His heart
sank within him as he looked back
and saw his enemy again on his track.
Il can't keep it up much longer, he
thought "A little twig or roughness
on the ice-and it is all over with me. :
He raised his white, despairing fsce
toward the heavens with swift,
short prayer Just then he caught a
glimpse of low point OF land at the
left. Toms blood tingled at the
sight Below were the hunters cabin
and the stout lumbermen What il
the men had gone on to the settle
ment r'-and the boyish voice broke
into a sob.
A few strokes Of the skates brought