Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1894-03-22
A WINTER RACE.
An Iceboet Adventure on the
Susquehanna River.

OF the little village OF Port 1revertOn,
were assembled nearly a score OF men
and boys. The latter were largely in
the majority, and they were as noisy
as most boys are. There was some OK
cuse for excitement This was the day
fixed for the race between the rival
iceboats. The finishing touches had
been put 10 them only that morning.
Very fascinating they looked, with
their futtering white sails and pol
ished runners, rs they rested on tho
CLASSY ice behind n jutting promontory
of rocks and timber. They were alike
In size and construction. Each had "a
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 Ell to Phil Warile 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 ami Jacl, vchcmently OPP
posed this, and Frank was inclined to
side with them. Andy was less rash and
impetuous than his companions. lie
was not IA 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 iceboat.
The danger was more than imagin.
nry. Out beyond the shcltering prom.
ontory n fierce wind swept and howled
down the broad, fro zen surface Of the
Susquchnnna Here and there it lifted
the white patches of snow and drove
them forward in swiriing, mist-like
clouds. Such a gale was rarely known
Mt this time of year IL had been blow.
ing all day and showed no signs OF
abating
20, come" said Phil. whats the
use of putting II OF for little wind?"
That makes the sport oil the bet.
ter" added Jack. 1--WE can run down
to Halifax like streak.
But it's more than little wind" dc.
clared Andy. "It's regular hurricane.
Ten TO one we won't be able to manage
the boats. Wen be blown into some
of the big air holes that lie between
here and Halifax"
"No danger" replied Phil. "Thc
wind amt that strong. Jack and | can
manage the Elf, I'm sure. What doyou
think about it, Frank?"
"I'll leave it TO Andy" was the reply.
"As far as the air holes go, think we
can steer clear of them"
Andy shaded his eyes with one hand
md looked out over the ice. III 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 nngrily. Its
q shame to disappOint every one. /
guess you're afraid the Elf will beat
the Alfratta In such good wind" lie
turned his back on Andy, and moved
toward the crowd "Thcre won't be
any race to-day" he shouted. Don't
you hear the cyclone out on the river2
Andy is afraid well be blown down to
Chesapeake bay"
The disappointed spectators began to
boot and jcer. Some few shook their
heads wisely. Andys face flushed. lie
sat down on q rock near the edge of the
shore.
Amid the confusion a 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 q full-grown man, and looked up to
him accordingly.
Take me for a ride on your iceboat,
Phil" he pleaded just little one.
Please do"
Phil shook his head lie was not in
the hmnor for sport Then, seeing the
shadow Of disappointment on the lads
face, he rclcntcl.
Come on, Dick" he said. an give
you short spin. You mustn't ask for
more"
mo, won't" promised Dick, as he
eagerly followed his brother over the
leo
Phil had no intention Of going be.
yond the shcltering bank of rocks and
trees. But his plan iniscalculatcd, as
plans often will. When the outcrmost
verge of the promontory was eight or
ten feet distant he concluded to slaclSen
speed. just then, as ill-lucli would
have II, his foot tripped on projecting
ridge Of ice The RAIDER was jcrlied
out Of his hand and hc sprawlcd head
long. lie rose 10 his feet us quickly Us
possible and started after the runaway
iceOoat, which was gliding slowly to-
ward the open river. The loud cutlery
told him that the crowd saw and re-
allied Dicks peril. Phil ran as he had
never ran before. lie strained every
muscle to overtuke the fugitive. But
he was destined to fail Just when
another stride would have seen his
hand on the tiller the Elf glidcd be-
yond the promontory. Then quickly
the wind filed her sails and swung her
around, Away she went at frightful
speed, spinning diagonally down the
river. In almost less time than it takes
90 tell sho was tifty yards away Little
Dick could be seen cliuging to the scat,
apparently helpless with fright.
AT first there was wild excitement
The crowd ran out on the ice. No ono
knew what to do or what to suggest
Phil was the picture of despair and re-
morse. lie started madly after the
boat, but seeing the folly of 1.-THE turned
back.
ITS all my fault" he cried. hoarscly.
"Poor little Dick don't know what to
do. He'll run into an airhole and be
drowned Save him, some one. OF save