Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1895-05-23

1t seemed as IL both must go down to-
gether, but not once did he think Of
loosenlng the grasp Of those small,
clinging hands.
Waiting until he had fully recovered
his breath, he, by great excrtion, con-
trived to pull himself partly up on the
log.
mo, Billy. l won't let you CO. Say,
Billy, just let 60 my arm, little fellow,
so ! can help you. Now, up. That's
1t. Take hold here
With an effort which brought rings
before his eyes and o roaring into his
head Pete at length drew Billy to
safe position on the log, and, still hold
ing him fast, lay back for moment,
dizzy and faint.
Then he sprang to his feet Bunker
must be seen to. With difficulty he re-
strained his impotence and carefully
led Billy to place Of safety.
All this while the small boys father
and mother had been peacefully at
work in their back yard, out Of sight
and hearing Of the threatened shadow
on their home.
Nov, Billy, go'long to your mother,
and don't you never 60 on them logs
again"
With the caution, half pctting, half
threatening, Pete turned and hurried
to where he had left his cow
Gazing blankly about him, he gave
a shrek Of dismay, then shot away
like an arrow loosened from bow.
"Bunk!--Bunker! Lee 90 my COW, |
say~
In his excitement and the rush and
roar OF the water Pete had failed to
realize the dreadful thing which was
happening. A freight train had backed
on the switch and coupled on the car
to which Bunker was securely tied.
Bunker had started On a placid walk
with the first pull on the rope, next
had unwillingly fastened her footsteps
and as pcte's despairing glance
reached her, was disappearing around
curve on brisk trot.
! With repeated cries Pete followed OF
his highest speed, the cries gradually
dying away as his breath failed him.
The miller and his boys ran out Of the
yard just In time to wonder whether
Pete had taken leave Of his senses, and
joined in the chase.
Rounding the curve, Pete could sec
Bunker far ahead Of him, Fortunate.
ly, the train was heavily laden and not
moving very fast. The trainmen were
all on the forward part Of the train
and entirely unaware Of what was 20.
Ing on.
I Quickly out Of breath, and exhausted
by the compulsory speed, poor Bunker
once RENTED her efforts, but the cruel
rope dragging upon her compelled her
to 20 on. 1t Is easy to guess what
might have been her fate had not help
appeared just as Pete was beginning 10
realize that his small legs were not
equal competitors in race with u rail.
road train.
farm wagon was approaching the
track on a road which crossed 1t. The
eyes OF two or three men in the wagon
were attracted by the unusual attach
ment to the train, and tho sight of
Pete's wild gesticulation, With halloos
and waving Of hats they brought the
train to q standstill,
Whats the racket"
The men gathered behind the train
TO find Bunker much the worse for her
run, and tatterdemalion OF boy,
soaked and painting sinking down be.
side her.
"0h, Bunk, Bunk he cried, with
his first free breath, "what'll the
squire say to me now9"
What does II all meanP' asked the
conductor Tell us about it, young
ster,' observing that everyone but the
boy seemed as puzzled as himself.
"Who tied the COW? How did you get
SO wet?"
lifted Bunker-on TO the car
while went to get BILLY out O the
water"
BILLY in the water" exclaimed the
miller, who had come up
at want my fault" said poor Pete,
possessed with the idea that In every
feature Of the calamity he must In
some way be held blameworthy
Mo, guess II wasn't" said one OF
the men, gazing with sympathy on the
boy awe were just passing, and seen
the whole thing. Couldn't get there
till he was comm up the bank with
the little chap It's all along o him
you amt goin' to have funeral to
your house this week, miller"
One Of the trainmen flung down a
rough flannel shirt In which Pete glad
ly wrapped himself
whats that you call your cow"
asked one Of the men.
Bunk. That is, Bunk for short,
Whole names Bunker Hill. named
her Bunker cause she's Squire Hills