The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-11-03
will u ink OF looking for us there. Won,

ents believed them to De souhn asieep'
they were trAmping light-neartediy over
the fields They had helped themselves
TO whatever supplies they could ind
bread. pies. lard, pepper and salt, and
a leg of ham. Nick had not forgotten
TO bring knives ana forks, tin plates ana
n frying pan. Each carried nsn'ng rod.
a blanket and small axe. ~ rusty muz-
zle-loader was slung over Teddys shoui-
der and n shot pouch and powder mask
dangIed from his side. Nick was armed
with a bow and arrows and hammer
less pistol.
They escaped observation by striking
TO the wooded hills and ravines. and
several hours after sunrise they pene-
trated the edge OF kiesters swamp,
which stretched for three or four miles
along the base OF the mountain and II
was almost as wide as II was long. IL
was a weird and lonesome place, full OF
pine trees and tangled thckets, grim beds
OF lrctk pierced by shadowy caverns,
marshy spots crlss-orossed by Shiny
streams. and deep pools OF inky-black
water. In fact there was water every
where, and thus the swamp was vcri-
table nest of islands. The boys made
their way to the very center. crossing the
pools and streams by natural bridges OF
fallen trees. Here they found hard soil,
and choosing an open glade among tall
pine trees, they built a rude lean-to OF
bushes and fragrant pine boughs. This
labor occupied them until late afternoon
and when they had prepared and eaten
hearty supper, the twilight shadows wera
falling on the lonely swamp.
A blazing fire made the scene more
cheerful and banished a touch OF home
sickness. The young Crusoes were too
tired to sit up long. They lay down side
by side In the coy lean-to, and pulled the
blankets over them. In less than five
minutes they were sound asleep.
Several hours later Nick awoke from
n frightful dream. in which he was hoe
ing corn on circus day There was
confused noise all around him and wet
drops were splashing on his neck and
hands. He hurriedly reused Teddy and
they crept 20 the door OF the lean-to.
They then knew what 1t all meant. A
furious thunderstorm had burst upon
them while they slept. Big rain drops
pattered on the Kissing embers OF the
fire, and the pine trees groaned and
crealsed in the teeth of the gale. one
peal OF thunder followed another, and
purple flashes Of lightning famed across
the sky. The frogs in the marsh pools
croaked dismally. and a screech owl close
by rent the air with its shrill cry. The
boys shuddered and crept closer to each
other The rain now fell in torrents, and
poured in upons them from every crack
and crevice.
playing Crusoe amt such fun, after
ALL" said Teddy. soberly.
That's So" replied Nick. II wish l
was home in bed"
Just then a fierce gust OF wind demo-
lshed the lean-to, leaving the boys ex-
posed TO the pitiess storm.
Grab the things, quick" cried Teddy.
"Do you remember those rocks we saw
this afternoon? We must try to find
shelter there"
They tore away the fallen boughs, and
snatching whatever they could find they
started blindly through the rain. They
bumped painfully against trees. trpDed
on stones and log. and struggled knee
deep through mud and water. Just when
they felt sure they had lost their way. a
welcome flash OF lightning revealed a
rocky ledge just ahead. An instant later
they stood under the jutting crest. screen
ed from the wind and rain. Dry grass
and pine cones were within reach, and
as Teddy had a waterproof match safe il
was an easy matter 10 light fire. The
boys crouched beside the blaze, shivering
I'm their wet clothes. Overhead ana on
the farther side OF the ledge the storm
still ragged with undated fury.
Suddenly rustling was heard I'm the
bushes, and as the startled lads riveted
their eyes upon the spot, nan strobe
into the freight The visitor was an
evil looking tramp. His clothing vas soil
ed and tattered. His hair and beard were
matted and tnkempt He had lleary
eyes and swollen, purple cheeks.
Ih2rc was no time for escape. even
had the boys chosen TO rush into the
darkness and storm. They shrank back
against the rock as the tramp seized
Teddy's gun and brandished II menac-
ingly.
Here's luck" cried he, in a harsh,
cracked voice. Good company, a warm
fire, an plenty 10 eat, all ready and wait
ing, as sure as my names Rusty Walker
what do / see there HamY An amt
that a pie stickin' from under that blank
ct? Well, this is a lark
The boys shrank closer 10 the ledge
shivering with fear. At that moment
they bitterly regretted the rash impulse
that had led them to run away from their
home and parents. Would they ever see
either again?
Mr.. Rusty Walker observed the dread
that he had inspired. and straightway
scowled ferociously.
Don't you stuck-up cubs know gem.
tleman when you see him." he snarled.
I'm one, IL don't look like IT, You've
hurt my feelin's an l intend TO pay you
for It. Turn your pockets inside out,
quickw
lie emphasized the command by taking
a step forward, Fitting the gun as though
to strike.
please don't hurt u.s." whined Teddy,
"we're dom II as fast as we can"
With trembling hands he and Nick
emptied every pocket, until a little pile
of coins, handkerchief, knives, fshhooks
and other boyish treasures lay at their
feet.
The tramp grimly appropriated the
spoil.
What brought you chaps into the
swamp he demanded, cycling the boys
curiously II more'n half believe you
run away from home. Yes; / kin read
it on your faces. Why did you DO It?
Weren't you treated right? Did you get
beaten every day and go to bed hungry
when night Gomez"
Not exactly that" Teddy yentured to
reply in timid voice; but we had TO
work hard and couldn't go fishing or TO
the circus"
well, you're precious pair OF fools"
said the tramp. You don't know when
you're well or
He paused a moment and looked
straight into the fire as though he saw
something among the flames. Then he
resumed IN a strange husky voice:
IL was boy once. an lived on farm.
] wish ia staid there. Bat got fool no.
tons into my head, an thought 1 was
treated badly. SO / run off and never
see my parents again You see what [