The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1894-02-14

DC uOEe apC tO Oeeu ~ Uau.
Tom concluded to accept it as loan.
Three hundred miles upon half
broken down mare. over mountainous
roads, with creeks and rivers mostly to
ford, and with but seven days to make
the trip, was very serious task. There
was no swift running railroad in those
days along his rugged route, and what
is now ten hours easy run was long
and tiresome journey even for strong
man.
Some fifty miles from the Capital the
old mare gave completely out. Tom
left her with q farmer, shouldered his
ssddle-bags, and trudged along upon
foot. By hard pushing he barely
reached Washington a little before
midnight of the seventh day. When
he pounded at the door OF Congressman
Hays his strength was nearly ex-
hausted.
"Wel!, sir, what does this lneap?"
SAID that gentleman rather sterrly, for,
though kind-hearted enough, he did
not relish being reused from bis bed
upon cold night.
When the servant who had reluctant
ly admitted him withdrew Tom ex-
planned while the great man shivered
in his dressing-gown.
could you not wait until morning."
complained the Congressman, mildly,
however, as he noted the lads utter
weariness.
Tom mentioned that the last hour Of
the last day wherein the power recon-
mendation rested with Mr.. Hays was
about to expire. -...
''Sure enough; you are right, my boy.
I had forgotten. So Butcher gave it up,
did he? Well, Tom, if you 90 get there,
I hope you can stand up to the rack.
In fact, I believe you will. A boy that
can ride and tramp from Weston here
in seven days will be apt to go to West
Point to stay-eh Tom?"
Tom intimated that if be could pass
the examinations be would risk the
other drawbacks
Il fear the board may pinch. you
hard, Tom. Glib was somewhat better
posted in bis studies than you."
"I've been reading up since then,"
replied Tom. "If you will only re-
commend me now-this night-w hile
there is yet time, I think I can pass.
Tve got to pass, sir, that is all there is
to ssaid.'
Mr.. Hays, re-entering his bed room,
thought resretfi,lly of his interrupted
slumbers, then made ready ia sacrifice
himself. HGtold Tom to make himself
comfortable in the ante-room, and pro-
ceeded to dress. When he returned the
lad was fast asleep in his chair, His
ssddle-bags lay beside him on the floor;
his shoes and clothing we're coarse and
travel-stained.
"Poor fellow" thought the Congress
man pityingly. "He. certainly deserves
success"
Then he woke Tom up, called hack
and drove with him to the residence Of
the Secretary Of War. On the way
Tom related hisrecent experiences. His
indomitable resolution made deep
impression upon the Congressman,
Something unusual would certainly be
necessary wherewith to mollify great
official on being thus unceremoniously
routed out at heathenish hour to at
tend to the desires of back country
youth. Perhaps a recital of Toms
story would be their best excuse for sc
rude violation o! the routine of officia
etiquette.
The Secretary was reached after some
difficulty. He was naturally in no very
amiable frame of mind. But Tom tolc
his simple tale, and then fell into doz'
while the Congressman pleaded hi!
cause. The undeniable proofs of tn
lads determination finally overcamt
the Secretary's intention Of asserting
his own later prerogative in favor of 1
protege of bis own, and he agreed t.
have Toms papers made out at once
SO as they might conae within the lega
limit of the Congress,nan's power and
recommendation.
A subordinate was sent for and th'
task accomplished while the you'll
still slumbered. Then Mr.. Hays wok
him up and the great Cabinet officia
shook his hand.
"Young man." said the Secretary
"your methods though unusual, ar
justified by the emergency. You Ger
tainly ought to succeed"
Tom came to his senses sufficiently t
express his thanks, but once more wen
to sleep on the way back to the Con
gressman's' boarding house. Mr.. Hay
was iudulgent, however, and soon hat
the young man comfortably bestowed
until morning.
Tom rose bright and early. H
changed his -I.irt. blacked his shoes
and otherwise made himself presenta
bic. Yet his rustic appearance at th
breakfast table was amusingly notices
BILE. He made hearty meal, however
and thought only of getting on to Yves
Point.
"How are you off for money, Tom?
asked the Congressman, when the,
were again alone together.
Tom pulled out the remainder of bi
seven dollars and half.
"That will never see you through
Did you expect to walk to West Poin
like trampw
Tom knew be was In close place
hr,t he boS ro3oofnd ,nop eroh O onn