Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1891-09-11

SkCNAal NAtN 70 tAluaA.
The entire day was not devoted to ont.
door work and study, however On the
contrary, certain hours were Sc, aside for
recreation, the preservation of health re-
curing frequent indulgence in gymua>tjc
exercises. The large and the small boys
alike took part in them They climbed
trees, lifting themselves hand over hand
to the lower branches by means of ropes.
they lcaped bitches with long poles; they
bathed il the lake, and those who did mol
know how to swim, soon learned: then ran
races in which prizes Were bestowed upon
the victors, and prScticea with the boIas
aud the lassO.
They often INDUCED too in those games
so popular with English lads. football.
cricket lacrosse, and qUojts; and it be-
comes necessary to describe one of these
games at some length as it led 10 a truly
deplorable quarrel between Brian ami
Donovan.
1t occurred on the afternoon of the 25th
of April while Donovan. Webb, Wilcox
and Cross upon one side, and Brian, BaN-
ter, Garnett and Service upon the other
were playing a game on the strip or grass
in front Of the Cave known as Sport Ter
race.
Upon the smooth surface OF this terrace
two iron pins called "hohS" had been
driven into the ground about fifty iccl
apart. and each PLAYER was armed with
lnu QuolTs-lrOR rings eight or niue inches
in diameter and from one TO two inches IN
breadth. In this game, the players, who
are divided into two parties, stand in line
and throw the Quoits upon the hob if pos
sible. If the player succeeds in both in
stances it counts him four points; if in
one, only two points. When both Qu0it~
are near the hob only the player is entitled
to two points; and to only one poiut when
but one QUOT is in close proximity TO the
hob.
That day the game proved an unusually
exciting one, probably from the fact that
Donovan and Brian were the respective
leaders Of the hostile parties.
Two games had already been PLAYED:
Briau's party had won the first having
made seven points; while their opponents
had won the second game with only six
points, consequently they were now abou,
to play the rubber,
The game began, and the two parties
having each gained five points, only two
QuOits remained to be thrown.
at is your turn, Donovan said Webb.
"l}e careful, this is our last chance and we
must win"
Have no fear" replied Donovan, CON
tidently.
1t was evident that the ambitious lad
had set his heart upon winning however,
for his teeth were tightly set, his eyes
flashed omuouSly beneath his knitted
brOws, and every veStge of color had left
rs checks. After taking careful aim he
threw the quot horizontally and Gorous-
ly but only the outer edge Of the quot
touched the hoo. 1t fell to the ground,
thus giving Donoyan's party only six
points altogether.
Donovan gave gesture of disgust and
stamped his foot angrily,
THAT was too bad,' said Cross, "still
IT. may not have cost us the game after all "
"No, certainly not" added Wilcox
"Nour QUOT is at the very foot of the hob,
and unless Brian rings his we shall beat
them after all"
BE careful now" cried Service, rs Brian
in turn stepped forward
Brian made no reply, being intent upon
one thing only-to insure the success of
his party, though more for his comrades
sake than for his own; but he threw his
quot 50 dexterously as to land it upon the
hob.
Seven points, We've won the game"
cried Service, triumphantly
mo, the game is not wont" exclaimed
Donovan hotly.
And Why" asked Brian
Because Brian cheated"
"Cheated!' repeated Brian, turning pale
under this accusation.
YES, cheated!' retorted Donovan.
"l}rIan's feet were not on the liner
THAT is taIse!' cried Service.
Yes, felse2' replied Brian, "and even
If 1t were true it would have been only a
mistake on my part, and will not allow
Donovan to accuse me of cheating
indeed, so You Will not allow it?'
sncered Donovan, Struggling his Shout
ders
NO, retorted Brian, who was begin
n ng To lose All his seII-conNroI, besides,
] can prove that my feet We're exactly on
the line
"Thcy were! they werew cried Baxter
ana Service in the same breath.
"Tury were not: they were not" rctort-
ed Webb and Cross
"Comc here and look at tie prints of my
shoes ON the saud.u responded Brian.