Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1892-10-08
JACKS REVENGE.

Wlde-aWake and active town than Ben
tonville could be found. 1t was siuat-
ed in n pleasant valley and had all the
beauty which nature give to her IA
vorite locations. The town bordered on
a small river, by the side of which a
large lUilding used for storage aE1
selling grain had been erected 1t
represented the occupation of most of
the inhabitants of the village, and was
owned by Mr.. Willard, a retired mer-
chant lie had acquired a large for
tune and now lived with his family N
a beautiful mansion.
On certain July day three boys we're
passing down the main street of the viii
lagg There was about them a certain
air which showed that they considered
themselves to belong to a society which
was above the common people, and
while their gait and manner showed
this their converse ton showed it still
more. The central figure was slightly
taller, and acted as though he was
other than Tom, the son Of Mr. Willard,
and, holding such a position, regarded
himself as the equal Of only a few
friends. The one on the right was
Harry Brown, the son Of the village
physician, and the other boy was Henry
Williams. whose father was manager
Of Mr., Wizards mills,
As the three passed the largest store
on the main street Harry said, tom,
where shall we go? 1t is too hot to be
walking about"
80 it is, 90 answered Tom I'VE win 60
down Co the river under that clump of
trees. But say, boys, did you see me
in school yesterday?'
Yes said Henry, 81 saw that you
were having trouble but could not
make out Just what ii was"
We'll I'll tell you,' Tom said
Ralph Wilson had some papers for the
class ON his desk, and when he was
gone I took them for fun Jack Arnold
saw me, but 1 knew that Jack and
Ralph were not ON good terms, SO I felt
safe, but he told when Ralph could not
lind his papers. III teach him for being
50 sotthcarted.'
The three boys planned for a revenge
for the insults offered to their chief
tain, and while they were conversing
they nearcd the river which ran along
the border of the village It's waters
on that sultry July day looked SO cool
and refreshing, that as the boys came
within sight of it, they felt almost com
PEELED to throw themselves upon the
green verdure, under some spreading
elms neGr the river.
While they were seated there, LOOT.
ing out over the sparkling waters, Il
boy of about their own age approached
slowly along the bank Of the river His
dress was poorer than that of the three
boys, but was neat and Spotlessly clean
He advance to a position between the
boys ana the river, and sitting down
upon tho bank threw in line, without
seeing the boys under the elms, who
were concealed 10y tall herbs. The boys
watched the newcomer with intense
interest, and, as he took his seat on the
/ bank, they looked into each others
faces, Henry was the first to speak. He
said
1T is Jack Who would have thought
it? This is our chance, Tom. What
shall we do?'
Tom answered quickly. Boys, Iii
tell you what we will do. He win sus-
ect mischief if he sees me. so Henry
you go out and talk with him, ana,
Harry, you walk along the bank and
make all the noise you can. He is sit
/ ting right over the water and one push
would send him in"
lie saw that no further explanation
was necessary by the approving mods
and smiles Of the boys
The three Immediately executed their
plan Henry advanced in a careless
manner from the bushes, followed by
Harry. while Tom crouchcd ia he
thickest part and peeered through a
space between two leaves. Jack, from
his station on the bank, looked around
when he heard footsteps on the ground
behind him. He saw Henry, with
whom he was on good terms. and the
two began IL converse. Harry, mean
while, walked up and down the bank,
throwing stones in the water and Great
in rs much noise as possible Tom
crept steadily along on is hands and
knees, advancing cautiously toward
Jack. who sat wholly unconscious of
the near presence Of a newly-made
enemy
At last the expected moment arrived.
Rising suddenly Tom put his whole en-
ergy into one push. which sent the I'M
suspecting Jack into the water Hap
PLY the stream was shallow near the
bank and Jack was plunged only up
to his waist. Yet he was bewildered
and confused. After q moment he came
toward the bank slowly, for the bottom
was muddy
Boys who would play such n Uicl
were towards, and as Jack approached
they took to their heels. Jack drew
himself ont of the water and stood on
the bank looking down Mt his wet
clothing. Then seeing the three boys
running in the distance he doubled up
his fist and shouted after them:
H.Tt1 l,,,-o NM. r.a,-av,tra and r. srifT