The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1895-08-16

lleVc = LOOllSl eHOuSH TO u6US
about the marsh just for fun"
And get caught yourself? We're out
none too soon. I think. Father says
Chester dam is leaking, and I don't
want to be in it's way if it breaks. II
that's Park. I should think you'd let
him look out for himself He would
you. Pay him back In his own COIN"
Jack hesitated.
It must be Park, m here was q
chance to pay him back.
He took a few steps, stopped again,
thrust his gun into Jim's hands. and
turned back.
I'm curious to see who 1t Is. any
how" he said, as he waded of.
."Well. il thatfisn't 'asfoolish9 thing to
do" was Jim's comment. as he hurried
off the marsh.
Jack knew his ground. and. carefully
avoiding the deep bitches, he struck the
logs which at intervals crossed them.
1t was quite q distance down the fiat
that he had gone, and the water was
waist deep.
Ihen bang! went the gun again. and
the fash showed him where the gunner
was-in the low crotch OF the old will
low. beyond what was known as the
Deep Hole"
"Halloa!" Tack called. ,a,,.
"Halloa!" came back, quickly. tE
Who is it?"
a Wright was the answer. II
am freed by the water. I don't know
ny way out. Who is it?" he asked. in
return.
There was no reply for a moment.
Jack stood IN a submerged stump.
looking at the willow and it's occupant.
He knew that Park could not swim,
and here the fellow was, afraid to try
and find his way out because of the
holes I'M bitches he must cross.
Hurry UP, If you can help a fellow
out" cried Park.
IT'S Jack Towners". Jack replied. in a
h~alf-exultant shout.
He heard a despairing oh" fol-
lowed by Il needn't expect help, then"
Or course Park needn't expect help.
Jack was master now, and Park might
get out by himself if he wasn't such a
coward.
Here was a chance to pay -
"Bo-o-o-m!"
What was that noise? Was it Ches-
ter dam?
It was a. mile away; but tha big pond
would soon be down there.
Hold on! I'm coming!!' cried Jack.
making a rapid circuit to the tree.
Climb down here. It isn't over your
head. Do just as I say. and don't lose
your senses. Hurry"
"The dam has broken Park said,
family, as he stood trembling by Jacks
side. 'fH t~:ff
"Never mind. Come on!''
IttWas not j. far across the marsh,
which narrowed here to what was called
the gorge. but it vas deep and the dull,
rushing roar was growing louder.
Grasping Parks hand. Jack struggled
on. slipping. but instinctively finding
the old farm bridge across the first deep
ditch.
The current was increasing, but they
scrambled on. now into another ditch,
but UP again. to founder into new
holes.
The water was growing s~hallower.
but just then it heaved suddenly about.
them. and almost threw them Off their
feet as they struck a bank.
To struggle up It and on to a rocky
terrace above vas q task, but lack did
it, dragging Park after him, just as the
widening. - deepening torrent swept by
with a mass Of trees and boards upon
its surface.
"Good for you!' Jack exclaimed,
higher out Of it's reach. You kept
right along at my heels first-rate," he
added, as a vent to his excitement.
yes. with you holding me up" Park
stammered.
ut isn't such a sweeping big flood as
some. but we'd stood a poor chance If 1t
had caught u.s." Jack continued.
Say. Jack Towner, what made you
help me out?" suddenly asked Park.
lin not n to let any fellow drown.
If I can prevent it," was the evasive re-
ply. WED better be getting home
ward. Folks will be worried If they
hear the dam Is gone
"All right; but I won't forget this"
was Parks brief answer.
And the two found the road around
the bluff, across the bridge and to their
homes. in complete silence.
! The ext morning Jack was giving his
mother the details OF his adventure. as
they stood looking owe the mud COW
ered fat. when they heard Park Wright
call excitedly;
"Jack ToMner. come down to the fiat;
I've something to show you"
Jack slowly obeyed, and followed him
down across the marsh.
An hour afterWard he dashed into The
room. followed by Park.
What do you think, mother?" he
cried. 1.-THE stream has gone back into
the old bed. The flood cut a channel
Just deep enough to stay there now"
And whether 1t does or not. I'm
going :to.have. papers drawn up to-day,
so that the stream won't make any
more trouble hereafter Park added.