The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1894-03-02
A WINTER RACE
An tceboat Adventure on rne
Susquehanna River

A9A9A00AAShAA&4sS SSAvOe
1t was q bitterly cold afternoon in
December. On the river shore, in front
of the little village Of Port Treverton.
were assembled nearly \ score OF men
and boys. The latter were largely in
the majority, and they were as noisy
as most boys are. There was some ex-
cuse for excitement. This was the day
fixed for the race between the rival
iceboats. The finishing touches had
been put to them only that morning.
Very fascinating they looked, with
their huttering white sails and pol
ished runners, as they rested on the
CLASSY ice behind a jutting promontory
of rocks and timber. They were alike
in size and construction. Each had
movable runner behind, worked by an
ordinary tiller. Each was fitted with
sloop mainsail and jib. The Alfratta
belonged to Andy Clayton and Frank
Snyder; the Elf to Phil Wardle and
Jack Salyard.
The four lads were chatting together
in low tones, and paying no heed to the
impatient shouting of the crowd. The
advisability Of postponing the race
was the subject of their conversation.
Andy wanted to wait until the next
day. Phil and Jack vehemently OPP
posed this. and Frank was inclined to
side with them. Andy was less rash and
impetuous than his companions. He
was not coward, as the others well
knew. But he had streak of caution
in his nature, and he hesitated to incur
needless peril for the sake of racing his
rivals iccboat.
The danger was more than imagin-
ary. Out beyond the shelterlng prom
untory fierce wind swept and howled
down the broad. fro zen surface OF the
Susquehanna. Here and there it lifted
the white patches of snow and drove
them forward in swirling, mist-like
clouds Such gale was rarely known
ut this time of year. 1t had been blow
ing all day and showed no signs OF
abating.
20, come" said Phil whats the
use of putting it off for a'little wind?'
THAT makes the sport all the bet
ter" added jack. 1--WE can run down
to Halifax like IL streak."s
'But it's more than little wind. de-
clared Andy. 'It's . regular hurricane.
Ten to one we won't be able to manage
the boats Well be blown into some
OF the big air holes that lie between
here and Halifax"
''No danger" replied Phil "The
wind amt that strong. Jack and can
manage the Elf, Pm sure. What do you
think about it. Frank?"
"I'll leave it to Andy" was the reply.
LAS far as the air holes 60, I think we
can steer clear of them"
Andy shaded his eyes with one hand
and looked out over the ice. 81 don't
want to spoil the fun," he said, ''but
we had better wait until tomorrow.
The wind may drop over night. 1t will
be really dangerous to race now"
You're making big fuss about moth
ing replied Phil, half angrily. cts
q shame to disappoint every one. 1
guess you're afraid the Elf will beat
the Alfratta in such good wind" He
turned his back on Andy. and moved
toward the crowd, "There won't be
any race to-day" he shouted. Don't
you hear the cyclone out on the river?
Andy is afraid we'll be blown down to
Chesapeake bay!''
The disappointed spectators began to
boot and jeer. Some few shook their
heads wisely. Andy's face flushed. He
sat down on rock near the edge of the
shore.
Amid the confusion q plump, rosy
checked little lad, about nine years old,
ran up to Phil and caught hold of him.
This was Pills brother, and, though
there was only seven years difference
between them, Dick regarded the elder
US full-grown man. and looked up to
him accordingly.
'.TuLc Inc for ride on your iceboat,
Phil" he pleaded. Just little one.
Please do
Phil shook his head. He was not in
the hu.nor for sport Then. seeing the
shadow of disappointment on the lads
face, he rclented.
Come on, Dick" he said. "I'Il give
you :. short spin. You mustn't ask for
more"
No, WON'T" promised Dick, as he
eagerly followed his brother over the
sec
Phil had no intention of going be-
'ond the shcltering bank of rocks and
irces. But his plan miscalculated, as
rl,.us often will. When the outermost
verge "f the promontory was eight or
'rn feet distant he concluded to slacken
speed. Just then, as ill-luck would
aave it, his foot tripped on projecting
ridge of ice. The rudder was jerked
"a; of his hand and he sprawled head
long. lie rose to his feet as quickly as
!":Ssibie and started after the runaway
rcoo;si, which was gliding slowly to-
~ard the open river The loud outcry
'"id him that the crowd saw and re-
.:'zcd Dicks peril. Phil ran as he had
;..rcr ran before. He strained every
muscle to overtake the fugitive. But
he WAS destined to fail just when
smother stride would have seen his
.:@n.i on the tiiler the Elf glided be-
yn.i the pro!nontory. Then quickly
the wind. Llie,! i,er sails and swung her
around. Away she went at frightful
iced, spinning diagonally down the
..vcc. In almost less time than it takes
u TIL She Was fifty yards away. Little
DIX could be seen clinging to the seat
= ;srrntly helpless with fright.
At first there was wild excitement
The crowd ran out on the ice. No one
knew what to do or what to suggest
Phil was the picture of despair and re
n'cr.e. lie started madly after the
!, ~. but seeing the folly Of 1.-THE turned
Jack
Its all my fault" he cried. hoarsely
It'll Il