The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1892-12-21

ond in ganing Master Jacob behind the
shoulders. Luckily it was one of the
old fashioned, home made ones-a huge
hook big enough to gaff sharks, with
big holding barb on it--and struggle
and fight as he might the monster could
not get away.
Meanwhile I had chucked the halt
dead Goliath into the punt aud struggled
in myself; then, slipping a cord over the
fish's tail, we soon had him 10 the boat,
where a judicious tap on the head with
loaded ''pike stick" settled his hash.
Tue sight of his enemy seemed to bring
new life into Goliath, and seizing him
by fin he shook and shook to his
hearts content, quite oblivious of his
own broken leg and torn sides.
When we touched the shore !
scrambled out with the plu3ky little
terrier in my arms and restored him to
his anxious mistress, who thanked me
heartily and gratefully while she
showered kisses upon her rescued treas
ure.
The squire hurried me off to the house,
wisely thinking that hot bath would
prevent any evil effects from this cold
dive. My coat sleeve had protected my
arm so well that few deep scratches
were the extent of my ills, aud l felt as
if | would gladly have lost hand to
be thanked once more like tnat by my
darling Mildred. For ! quite regarded
her now as my own, and determined
would propose that very night after
dinner.
For the first time in my life | felt
grateful to the uncle who had worked
hard and left me the money which had
made my life SO easy and pleasant; and
l kept repeating to myself the old
adage, "Enough for one is enough for
two" and thinking how should spend
next Christmas at home, and how
Mildred and 1 would ask Langham and
Nellie and Nora to stay with us, and
how we would talk over this days pro-
ceedings, and enjoy ourselves.
BY the time had dressed felt quite
"good," and had no doubts at all about
the future.
''Tea is served in the drawing -room,"
said the pretty parlor maid, sand the
ladies are waiting"
elbows GOLIATH" asked l.
"All right, sir. Johnson has set his
leg, and tied up his wounds, and he's
doing nicely. He is asleep now, sir, on
Miss Palgrave's lap"
"Say Pll be down in a minute" an
swered. And as soon as brushed my
hair, and tied my scarf to my satisfac-
ton, stalked down stairs as if l was
walking on air, to receive the renewed
thanks of my idol, and to try and tell
her that my life was at her service.
As stalked into the drawing room
Langham rushed forward and shook me
warmly by the hand, exclaiming, "I am
so glad to see YOU, Frank, you dear old
man. 4 thousand thanks for your bold.
ness in rescuing Miles pet. She treas
ures that little brute above CREATION"
For moment 1 was thunderstrucI.
My dream was over Fool that l was,
it served me right, and good sense soon
returned. Heartily could l congratu-
late them both on their good fortune,
and hope no one ever guessed my dis
appointment.
"Bar one thing" Mildred broke in,
as she slipped her hand caressingly into
his arm.
"And says it's just because gave it to
her." continued Langham. "You know
it was my first present to her after we
we're engaged"
! When he had done talking over our
adventure, and saying how thankful we
we're that it had terminated so well, we
all went out to inspect the foe, the sight
of whom made Goliath bristle with rage,
and struggle to get out of his mistress
arms, and attack once more his would
be murderer.
Certainly he well deserved the name
of the Patriarch. He weighed forty
eight pounds and was long and lean and
lank, with jaws like crocodile. Had
he been in condition IN proportion to his
length he would have weighed fully sixty
pounds, and felt quite proud of having
played even a subordinate part in the
capture of such monster.
johnson got a couple of soverelgns
from Langham for his share, aud well he
deserved it. II it hal not been for his
prompt action believe old Jacob would
have snatched Goliath from my arms and
left hls mistress a-lamenting.
We spent jolly evening, and never
have | enjoyed Christmas more than
did that one, though this year fancy it
may prove even pleasanter still; for now
am going as Nellies accepted lover.
Don't laugh; in spite of one days infat-
uation for Ler friend | discovered that
it was Nellie, my first and only sweet
heart, that l really cared for, and the
girl l loved as the boy of twelve / now
love with the strong and lasting love of
manhood.
Oh, yes, the Patriarch and Goliath,
what became of them! Goliath went
out to India six weeks later, when his
mistress married my old friend, aud
am afraid he will carry the marks of that
days adventure till his death. trust
he may never again encounter so cruel
foe, for pluckier little dog was never
wrapped in a skin.
Aud the Patriarch; We ate some o!
him on Christmas Day. In life he was
terrible, and in death he was horrible;
may l never taste so vile a fish again.
Peace be to his memory, we ne'er shall
look upon his like again. His skin is
stuffed, and holds a place of honor in
my hall, aud look upon him, indirect
ly, as the means of giving me my love.
What's Nellie likel Well, my friends,
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