Middletown transcript., 1897-02-06
THE TIMELY RESCUE:
HOW THREE BOYS BECAME FAST
FRIENDS.
IN TWO PARTS.
PART 1.

1t was in early June. All night long the
rain poured; but at the first peep of day,
the fog which hung low n the mountain
side began to rise, and by eight clock the
rain had almost ceased.
Everything, however, wore gloomy ap-
pearance. The birds with their plumage
wet, few with difficulty. and had not the
courage to sing. The flowers bent their
heads low. Above hung the black clouds
still threatening, while on every hand was
heard the roar of rushing waters. Lonan's
Creek had swept away the fences along its
course in the night, and its waters were
now spreading over the meadows and corn
fields along its banks.
This stream, flowing within a few hun
dred yards of DIR. Mitchell's residence,
traversed the entire length of his farm
and emptied half mile below into Caca
pom river which formed the western boun-
dary of the Mitchell homestead.
On the opposite bank of the river, in an
humble cottage built at the base of the
mountain, lived Mrs. Akin, a widow. She
had an only son who found employment
on the Mitchell farm. Mrs. Akin called
her son Willie, but no one else did. He
was know as Frog Bottle, nickname given
him by his funny uncle who had insisted,
when Mrs. Akin asked him to record
Willie's name and birth in the old family
Bible, that Frog Bottle vas the boys adop-
ted name.
Frog Bottle went home usually after he
had finished his days work to remain all
night with his mother; and as there was
no bridge over the river near his home, he
crossed in boat which DIR. Mitchell had
given him.
The storm, however, which had been so
furious the evening before prevented his
going home; nor did his mother expect
him.
At midnight, DR.. Mitchell had been call
ed out to see very sick patient. and had
been detained by the rain until morning.
On his return, he found the creek danger
ously high. and the approach to the bridge
for many feet covered with water. On the
opposite shore stood his son Joe who shouted
10 his father not to attempt to cross.
To Joe, boy, of fifteen, the situation
was charming. Drift was running fast.
Rails, logs and even trees, were hurled |
along at fearful rate. ALI of sudden a |
great pile Of drift came into sight, the en-
ire mass bearing down upon the bridge.
The doctor, who still sat on his horse, un-
certain as to what he should do, shouted |
o Joe, "Lookl the bridge must go now"
A large oak, with roots high above the
water, struck the bridge near the middle
nan. The beams snapped. and the entire
tructure was hurled from its foundations
nto the mighty flood with loud crash.
The doctor, after shouting some instruct
ons to Joe, turned back, while Joe ran
lome to relate to his mother and Frog Bot
lie what he had just witnessed.
sPerhaps 'Capon is getting up too," said
frog Bottle, as Joe finished his account of
he destruction of the bridge; "and my boat
7ill be in danger. had forgotten it,
"That's true" replied Joe; but you know
he small streams always run down before
be river gets very high. However, we
1ust look after your boat. / haYe mothers
ermission to 60 fishing at the mouth of
he creek. It will be grand time for
sunnies," catfish and eels; and am an
ious to secure our old place before the
oys from the hills come down. When we
ave set our poles, we can look after your
oat."
So having first dug quantity of worms,
ley hurried down the river which, to their
lrprise, was very high. The island, VIII ich
as just below the mouth of the creek, was :
ow covered several feet deep. Nothing
as above water except the trees and young !
rcamores. q
The eddy which always formed at the 8
pint Of land between the creek and the
yer, was now swift cur G
Mt. The muddy water rolled high upon
e bank, and the boys were deprived of d
cir fishing grounds. my boat is gone" b
id Frog Bottle, the moment he saw the Il
7er. II might have known it was high" 2
Fright you are about your boat" ex- t
limed Joe excit sdly; "for there it is, LODI s
d against. those bushes on the island.n d
Poor Frog Bottle The sight Of his bonny q q
ie boat, and the thought Of losing il cut
n to the heart. The tears came to his y
,s in spite Of him; but brushing them