People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1894-08-17

on shore, he looked nervously out
over the surface of the pond. All
was still Nothing was visible OF
Robert
HE is drowned" said Cromwell to
himself, wiping away the large drops
of perspiration from his forehead.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Cato.
Such was the suddenness with
which Robert had been hurled into
the water that he had no chance to
defend himself. lie was scarcely
conscious of having been attacked
until he found himself in the water
struggling for life He knew moth.
ing OF swimming from actual exper-
lence, yet under the stress CT neces-
slty, and with death staring him IN
the face, he instinctively struck out,
and managed temporarily to keep his
head above water. But the shore
was hundred yards distant, and to
reach it would have been beyond his
unskilled strength to accomplish, if
ne had not luckily happened to re.
celve assistance.
Unknown to James Cromwell, there
had been spectator of his dastardly
attempt to drown the boy who had
been placed in his charge.
The spectator was an odd charac.
ter; an old negro who years ago had
built for himself a ruCe cabin in the
shadow OF the woods. He had for
merly been slave in Kentucky. but
had managed to escape from servi-
tude, and built himself this cabin.
where be lived by himself He sup
ported himself by working for any
one who needed help on the farm or
in the garden, and cooked his own
food in his simple dwelling.
What debble's work is dis" he
said to himself What's he goin' to
kill de boy for? Can't let de poor
boy drown, no way"
As he spoke, he flung himself into
the water and swan with vigorous
strokes toward the place where Rob
ert was struggling.
"HOld up a minute, young massa y
he cried, for in his freedom he pre-
served the language of former days,
"hold up minute, and I'll save yer"
Robert heard this, and it gave him
courage to struggle longer. In a
short time the negro was at his side
and seizing him by the arm. turned
and headed for the shore. 1t was
soon reached, aud the two stood side
by side, both dripping with moist
ure. Had James Cromwell turned
back he might have discovered the
rescue, but he did not dare TO do so
until he reached the opposite side.
and then there was nothing to be
seen.
whats all this mean, young mas
sa?" asked Cato. for this was the
name of the negro He had brought
no other with him, but one was quite
sufficient for his modest require
ments
81 don't know" said Robert. 1.-The
man that was with me suddenly
seized me round the waist, and flung
me into the pond"
al saw him do it," said Cato.
What made him?"
That's more than l can tell, un-
less he is crazy" said Robert.
us dis de fust time he try to
drown yOu?n asked Cato
Robert started as the force Of this
question dawned upon him. He re-
called the scene at Niagara Falls.
and the narrow escape he had from
horrible death at that time.
mo" he answered, "he tried to
push me over Niagara Falls once. but
thoughtit was an accident then.
don't think so now"
You lib with him?n
Yes: my guardian placed me with
him..
He's wicked man. Don't you
go nigh him again
81 won't" said Robert. Il
shouldn't feel safe with him. But |
don't know where to go tonight"
Come to my cabinr' said Cato.
ats poor place for the likes of
you, young massa, but it's better dan
sleepin' out in de woods"
Thanks, Cato" said Robert, for
he knew who it was that had saved
him. 81 will accept your invitation
gladly. Lead the way and will fol-
low"
The Negroes hut was near BY. 1t
was small enough, being only about
ten feet square On the floor Tas
spread a blanket over some straw.
Robert lay down on the rude bed,
and though excited by the peril
through which he had passed, and BY
the thought that James Cromwell
had been guilty Of such an atrocious
attempt, nature at last asserted her
supremacy, and he sank to sleep.
When he awoke the sun had already
risen. The first sight upon which
his eyes rested was the black face of
his companion bending over him. He
did not Immediately remember where
he was, and cried, raising his head,
Where am II"