Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-01-15

Dick perched on the rear end. but could not
make ont what he was doing. A moment
or two later there was proof to SHOW That
the little fellow had been experimenting
vita the sails. The Elf suddenly swung
about and slipped straight down mldriver
for 100 yards. Then it tackled diagonally
toward the Port TreyeTton shore. Possibly
these movements were due to the yagarles
Of the wind, though Andy thought other
wise. He quickly hauled on the jib and
altered the Alfratta's course to that of the
Elf
His satisfaction vanished when be spied
a reef OF outcropping rocks between the two
boats. Their presence above the ice was
due to the fact that the river had frozen
when at n very low stage. The barrier ex-
tended clear from nidriver tothe Port Ire
verton shore, and the Elf had been below
il when she tackled.
For time Andy made no attempt to
alter his present course. He was on one
side of the river; the Elf was on the OTHER
Finally the latter boat came lacking over
as far az nlidstream, when it turned ana
kelt parallel with the Alfratta- Andy was
undecided what to do He could see DICK
waving his cap at BIN.
IF tack across now" he reflected, III
likely drop behind the Elf and be driven
clear to the other shore before | can turn
around. But il l fool away any time Dick
NAV blunder into an airhole. lisa mighty
awkward fi.:."
He hesitatod q little longer. Then all
choice was Suddenly taken cut of his hands.
AS he glanced down the broad vista Of slit
tering ice hc saw something that mads his
heart leap and his blood turn call. Half Il
mile ahead In Iaidriver vas a great shees of
omen. black water. The Elf WAS dashing
straight toward it.
Fora moment Andy was sick with de
spair. Then his resolve was taken. lie
tngged aad.y at the jibsail, and to his de
light the Aifratta instantly tackled out
ward 1t sped faster and faster. The Two
beats were now travelling on opposite SIDES
of q trianglc Would they meet in time
or would both find watery grave i'll the
vast airnole?
Now the gap OF yawnins black water was
Just ahead. Nearer and nearer swept the
Elf. Closer and closer came the Altra.ta
The sides of triangle were rapidly dNin-
ding to a point Andy felt his heart rising
to his throat. He scanned the distance be
tween the t.-o boats and thought thar he
saw CLEAN of hope.
Dick" he shouted with all his might
crawl up front, BE ready for me. #
miss, jump off, Do you understands"
DIE. nodded. Then he quickly obeyed
orders. Now the critical moment was at
hand. Al distance OF only 20 feet from
the brink OF the airhole the Afratta das ned
obliquely across the bow Of the Elf There
was II crash and u culver, and that quickly
Andy snatched little Dick and dragged him
from his place of peril.
The Alfratta barely cleared the further
most edge of the airhole She tackled rap
idly across the river with her double bur
den, and five minutes after she ground safe
" on the Port Treyerton shore, a mile and
q half below the village. Most Of the crowd
were on the spot, having run swiftly along
the bank. There was great cheering and
applause, and Andy blushed to find HIM
self hero. Phil burst into tears when lit
tie Dick jumped into his arms. Later on
he begged Andy's forgiveness, as did also
Jack and Frank
There's nothing to forgive" said Andy.
"I'm only sorry the Elf is lost. We can't
have that race now. "-Exchange.