The Forrest City times., 1891-08-21
buy old si,ss Adams. genera, stors.

moment.
 As Joshua was going to the academy next morning, his thoughts were only on the reward, and he failed to observe where he was until he found himself ly- ing flat upon his back, having stumbl- ed over some obstacle in the path. He looked down and discovered that the obstacle was a rope stretched be- tween two trees. He took out his knife and was just going to cut the rope, when he heard a laugh, and look ing in the direction from whichit came, he saw three boys nearly doubled up with merriment. "Ho! ho!" laughed Bob Ellis, that's one on you" and then Bob let out another thunderous roar, followed immediately by his two colleagues Tom White and Al Aston. Josh by this time had got into such a fury that it was all he could do to restrain himself from rushing upon the young rogues. What do you mean by playing such 8 mean measly trick on mel" cried Joshua. Do you know that you could have caused me to hurt | myself severely" Serves you right, for you ought to look where you're going,' answered Bob between his smirks, and then, unable to contain his mirth, he nearly doubled himself up again and lay on the ground "Haw. having" for all he was worth Well. anyhow, I'll see that you don't fool any other person by 1t. l am going to cut the rope in two" cried Josh, SO angry that he could hardly speak.
 Here, let that rope alone" yelled Bob, as Josh took out his knife, that rope belongs to me, and it's none of your business what 1 do with itw
 "I don't care whose it is; anyhow, you won't fool anybody else with it, and here goes" Snap went the rope.
 "lll have you arrested for this" yelled Bob Come on, boys let's lick him for cutting our rope"
 Come on," answered Josh, "Pm ready for you"
 Rob and his pals advanced towards Josh with tightly clenched hands. It looked as if Josh was in for it, sure this time.
 Josh stood coolly surveying the three ruffians, and Bob, after looking at him for moment. whispered something to his pals, which seemed to meet their approval. Bob and his ruffians faced Josh again. Hardly a moment elasped before Bob aimed sudden blow at Josh's head But Josh was prepared for this, and no sooner had Bob aimed the blow than it was neatly parried, and the next moment Bob was lying bowling on his back, with perceptible swelling on his upper lip Some. thing rolled out of Bob's pocket and Josh saw it. Bob's pals closed in on Josh, but some of the students of the college attracted by the noise, came upon the scene and held Josh's assailant's back. Just then who should appear but Professor Plunker- vile. He took in the scene immedi- ately. What is the meaning of this conduct, young gentlemen'" he said sharply. "How is it that I find you. Joshua, participating in this disgrace ful scene? Explain your conduct, sirl' and the professor fairly shook with rage.
 "Please, sir" whined Bob. "Josh assaulted me and my friends with board"
 He's lyingl he's lyingl" shouted the students who had witnessed the en- counter.
 "Sllence"' commander she Profess sor, and a pin-drop silence instantly prevailed.
 "Now, then, Joshua" continued the Professor, "how did this happeng"
 ""These ruffians, sir, placed a rope across the path, and when l came along fell over 1t. They then began to laugh 1 took out my knife and was going to cut the rope when they objected. l cut the rope for didn't want any one else to become victims of their tricks. They then jumped on me and that brings the case up to the present moment" answered Josh
 Go home, all of you. m attend to this tomorrow, said the Professor.
 Bob slowly got up on his feet and proceeded to air his version of the af- fair to the students
 Josh by some impulse went where he had seen something fall out of Bob 5 pocket.
 Moving the grass aside he searched closely and there he saw something shining. He picked it up-it was a pair of gold spectacles Instantly he decided that Bob was the thief.
 Professor! Professor" running after the Professor.
 "What IS it Joshua?" answered the Professor when Josh had reached him, breathless.
 Are those your spectaclesi' said Josh.
 The Professor looked at them a moment and then he said, "Yes, Josh, these are mine They were stolen from me some nights ago. Where did you get them?'
 "They fell out of Bob's pocket" said Josh. A village consta ble passed just then and the Professor instructed him to arrest Bob.
 Bob resisted, but the law had grip born silence he broke down and con fessed that he had been guilty of all the thefts, assisted by his pals.
 The Professor promptly paid the $500 to Joshua.
 Ten years after, a wild excitement ran through the county. A Senator was to be chosen, and after a hot fioht Mir JOshua Semple owner of the