The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-19

joined the rapidly swelling ranks of the I'M
successful.
The last competitor had retired from the
field, and still the tempting prize hoated
tauntinCly aloft. There was slight move
ment "a Of separation, IN the crowd when
oueer figure. locking like some strange white
winged bird. emerged from an unsuspected
hiding place and sped with tho rapidity OF
LIGHTNING in the direction OF the pole Inc
appearance Of this phenomenon was Ike an
electric shock to the spectators. VINO stood
rooted to the spot in an attitude of motlohiess
expectancy Commodore paused moment
when he had reached the pole: then. clasping
lis eel.like surface with his hard palms and
clamping il on either side with his rough
knees and still rougher soes, began 70 chmb.
Heavens, but il WAS hard work. The we'll
defined muscles stood out like knotted cords
upon the BOYS bare limbs, and the perspira-
tion. bursting from every pore: glitteTed IN
diamond drops upon his jetty skin. Still he
struggled on. 10 was gaining ground per;
ceptibly. although he had many backward
slip. which made the hearts OF the spectators
stand still for n moment. then Trump with
increased velocity as though making up Tor
lost time.
no danger of his slipping now for one mana
is over tho top Of the pole. As he untles the
hutterinp ribbons which hold the note IN
place n deafening shout bursts from the e1-
cited throng. He grasps his hard-earned
prize in one hand, then, loosenlng MS hoid
with the other. slips down from his dizzy height
with the speed of electricity, and. springlng
LIGHTLY 10 the ground. darts through the
crowd and rushes like mad through helds'
over fences across bitches. never pauslng au
instant until having reached Aunt Dllsy's
cabin. he sinks painting upon the moor;
A few Sundays after this, when Comm o.
dore arravel in his "sto' clo'es" and abnor-
/ IL. a.
meetin' house, every eve in the congregation
was turned upon him. He walked with dig
| nihed tread down the aisle. his stun SHOES
| cracking at every step, and TOOK ms seat
right in 'mongst De school chillen.' There
| he remained to the outward eye, model OF
proprietv and dccOr0us behavior
But Commodore was far from being the
attentive listener he appeared. Despite old
| prcacher NOlumtimos" warning. uttered IN
! the tones of Steutor TO the careless and IN
| converted his thoughts wandered TO weekday
plans and enterprises 80 cngrOS-ed was ne
! in these speculations that he gave great s'hIt
| when a dive for hats among the male portion
Of the congregation showed him that the
| services were concluded.
As 10 Aunt Disy. the eject Of Commodore's
| triumph upon her was very curious. III
| aroused feeling OF maternal pride ana am
| bition in her breast which might nave
| slumDered eternally but for some such awak-
ening Her voice had assumed It's most
boastful key when Commodore came sud-
| denly upon her in the churchyard conyersins
with Brother Volumtime."
! Yes - she was saving AN you'll see dat
he's gwine to beat all de school chien learnin'
| ont de books dis winter. CommIdo's. got a
| mighty good understandn'." THIN dashng
| Her praise with q little Of the wholesome bitter
| of disapproval. AS she caught sight Of the boy
| hanging about. EFF he'll only have manners
| an behave 10 correspond he'll do mighty we'll.
| Brother Volumtime. He'll do mighty well.