Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-06-16
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vantage of my triumph, and, so long as
be remained in charge Of the school, he
treated me with consideration that
made me sometimes regret the violence
had been compelled to use toward him.
Professor Gorgensen's transcendent
wisdom did not enable him to prolong
his life to that of the patriarchs Of the
olden times, for he died suddenly, about
the date Of the incident just told. I had
no brothers and sisters, and so we'll had
my mother and I kept the secret Of my
incredible strength that even my father
did not suspect it, though aware that I
was unusually powerful for lad Of my
years.
Strange to say, though my mother
knew the marvellous truth, she very
seldom or never referred to it. There
was something 30 uncanny in the whole
thing that it filled her with awe, as it
did myself. Father passed away, still
ignorant on the point, and at the age Of
10, when was home on vacation from
college, I drove to the old country
church with only my mother as COM
panion.
It was q curious coincidence that the
preachers sermon that day was founded
on the story Of Samson. He went over
the whole wonderful narrative, giving
it a spiritual significance by proving
that every Christian can be Samson
against the world 50 long as he rises
superior to temptation. Once I glanced
at my mother. who occupied the pew
with me. She smiled family, and I
blushed Both Of us were thinking Of
the same thing, but neither referred to
it on our way home.
At the top of the high hill, near our
house, the horse, as black as night and
with the strength Of Hercules, gave
way to his innate deviltry, took the bit
in his mouth and started down the in
cline on dead run. Mother paled for a
moment and then said in her quiet
manner:
Harmon, I hope there's no need Of
your killing him."
I knew what she meant. She was
aware that I could do so if chose.
II won't unless it is necessary, I
answered, beginning topull on the reins
My fear was that they would break.
And break they did, though new and
strong. Just as was beginning to wor-
ry the savage brute both lines snapped
as if they were rotten twine. Being
wholly free, the enraged horse was of
again as headlong as ever.
My mother was dreadfully alarmed,
for both Of us were in peril.
"I'll bring him to terms" I said,
stepping out on the shafts and leaping
astride the back Of the plunging animal
Working forward, placed one arm un-
der his throat and began drawing back
ward, steadily and irresistibly.
could have broken his neck as if it
were q pipestem, but did not wish to
do that, though sorely tempted. The
devil fought, swung his head viciously,
but never let up With a scream OF
fury he reared on his hind legs and be-
gan paving the air. My mother sat
pale, but cool
"You had better kill him, Harmon"
she called, "or he will kill you"
"I'll show him first that I am his
master"
bucking broncho, resting most Of his
weight on his fore legs. This gave me
nv chance. He had broken free from the
carriage, and the dropping Of his head
allowed me to leap to the ground beside
him. retained my grip, and the next
instant the fierce horse was flung vio-
lently on his side. I used none Of the
tricks Of the cavalryman or circus per-
former to trip him, but did it by main
strength alone.
He was not yet conquered With
whinny of rage he struggled upward,
the fame of hatred in his eye. he
meant to bite and paw me to death, but
at the moment he was ready to attack
down he went again, with shock that
must have ratified every bone in his
body. With undaunted courage he in
stantly repeated the effort, but was
flung as ignominiously as before.
This scared him. His self confidence
was weakened. No animal is quicker
than q horse to recognize his master.
He required little urging to regain his
feet. helped him to do so. He was all
a-tremble, and finally opened his mouth
and made a savage bite at me- His
teeth had hardly snapped together, close
to my face, when I struck him single
blow alongside his head which tum-
bled him like log to the earth.
That was enough. He refused to rise,
and I lifted him to his feet. he shivered
from nose to fetlock and was as docile
as lamb. patched up the harness as
best I could, refastened him between
the wrenched shafts, and he trotted
meekly homeward.
Harmon" said my mother in
tremulous whisper.
"Yes?" I replied, looking inquiringly
around.
Ibid you exert all your strength"
"No, mother. only the smallest part
of it"
"Isn't it wonderful, my son? How do
you restrain yourself"
II have never forgotten Professor
Gorgensen's warning. My aim is never
to summon it except the necessity ex-
ists.
"And that
Occurs very rarely Father never
knew of it, and you wouldn't have
known except from the late professor.