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

CpinDeP. Ou Ing river SICTe III IFCuU VI LIE
little village Of Port Trcyerton was assent
bled 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 excuse for excitement. This was
the day fixed for the race between the riya!
iceboats The finishing touches had been
put to them only that morning. Very fas-
cnating they looked, with their futtering
white sails and polished runners, as they
rested on the CLASSY ice behind a jutting
promontory Of rocks and timber. They
were alike in size ard construction. Each
had movable runner behind, worked by
an ordinary tiler Each was fitted with u
sloop mainsan and jib. The Alfratta be-
longed TO Andy Clayton and Frank Snyder;
the Elf, to Phil Wardle and Jack Sa!yiFd
Tho four lads were chatting together ia
low tones and paying 10 heed to the shout
ing Of the impatient crowd. The adyisa-
bility Of postponing the race was the sub
ieet Of their conversation. Andy want
ed to wait until the next day. Phil and
Jack vehcmenrly opposed this, and Frank
was inclined to side with them. Andy was
less rash and ifnpetnous than his compan-
ions. He was not coward, as the others
well knew, but he had r streak Of caution
in his, nature, ann he hesitated to incur
needless peril for the cake OF racing his ri
walls iccboat.
The danger was more than imaginary.
Out beyond the sheltcr.ag promontory Il
fierce wind swept and howled down the
broad, frozen surface Of the Susquehanna.
Here ard there it lifted the white patches
of snow and drove them forward in swirl
ing, mistlike clouds. Such IL gale was rare
" known at this time Of year. IL had been
blowing all day and showed 10 signs OF
abatipg.
"Oh, come" said Phil whats the use
of emitting it of FOR n little wind"
'That makes the sport all the better"
added Jack. I'VE can run down to Hall
fax like u streak"
Bat it's more than little wind" de
clared Andy. IT'S regular hurricane.
Ten to one we won't be able to manage tbs
boats. Well he blown into some Of the big
airholes that lilo between hereaml Halifax
mo Danger" replied Phil. THE wind
amt that strong. Jack and can manage
the Ell I'm sure. What do you think
about it, Frank"
Andy shaded his eyes with one hand ard
looked ont Over the ice. Il 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'ro making big fuss about moth
ms" replied Phil half ansgily. ITS Is
shame 50 disappoint every one. ] guess
YOU'RE afraid the Elf will beat the Alfratta
in such roud wind lie turned his back
on Andy and moved toward the crowd.
There won't be any race today he shout
ed. Don't yoa hear the cyclone ouC on
the riycr2 Andy is afraid we'll be blown
down to Chesapeake bay"
The disappointed spectators began to
boot and jcer. Some few shook their heads
wisely. Andy's face flushed. lie sat down
On Il rock near the edge of the shore.
Amid the confusion a plump, rosy checked
little lad about years old, ran no to Phil
and caught hold of him. This was Pills
brother, and though there were only seven
years difference between them Dick re
garded the elder as full grown man and
looked up to him accordingly.
Take me for . ride on your iceboat,
Thil," he pleaded. Just u little one.
Please do
Phil shook his head. He was not in the
humor for sport. Then, seeing the shadow
Of disappointment on the lad s face. he re-
Tented.
"Come on, Dick, he said. "I'll give you
II short spin. Youmustn't ask for more"
mo, | won't" promised Dick as he ca
gerry followed his brother over the ice.
Phil swung the Elf around until it point
ed straight across the river He lifted lit
tie Dick upon the plank, and taking hold
of the rudder he ran behind the boat as he
pushed it forward along the base Of the
pronlonotory. Faster and faster he sped.
Dick clapped his hands for JOY and looked
proudly at the people on shore
Phil had no intention of going beyond
the shcltering bank of rocks and trees, but
his plans miscolculated, Is plans often will.
When the outesmost verge of the promon-
tory was eight or ten feet distant, he con-
claded to slacken speed. just then, rs Ill
luck would have it, his foot tripped on "A
projecting ridge Of ice. The ruddcr was
jerked out Of his hand, and he sprawled
headlong. He rose to his feet as quickly
as possible and started after the runaway
iceboat, which was gliding slowly toward
the open river
The loud cutlery behind him told that the
crowd saw and realized Dicks peril. Phil
ran as he had never run before. lie strained
every muscle TO overtake the fugitive. But
he was destined to fill. just when another
stride would have seen his hand on the
tiller the Elf glided beyond the promontory.
That quickly the wind filled her sails and
swung her around. Away she went at
frightful speed, spinning diagonally down
the river In almost less time than it takes
to tell, she was 20 yards away. Little Dick
could be seen clinging to the seat, APP
parently 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 remorse. He
started madly after the boat, but seeing the
folly of il he turned back.
Its all my fault" lie cried hoarsely.
poor little Dick don't know what to do.
He'll run into an airhole aud be drowned.
Save him, some one, OH save him."
Tne appeal was answered unexpectedly.
One in that half stupefied crowd did not
lose his wits. With'a life at stake, Andy
Clayton no longer dreaded the gale. He
seized the Alfratta and drove it toward the
open river. Frank and Jack pleaded to go
along, but permission was almost roughly
denied them.
The crowd cheered Justify. and Andy
turned long enough to wave his hand.
Then he gave his undivided attention to the
task that lay before him. That it was like