Middletown transcript., 1897-03-20

WIS SerlOuS' 4H0 uLNcrt AOW0Nois AS
clared he would have the boat at the river
in ample time.
Meanwhile, both banks of the river were
filled with people from the surrounding
country; and the delay of the coming
of the boat caused the greatest
anxiety and excitement, the climax
of which was reached when the ex-
pectant crowd caught sight of the team
through the falling shadows of evening,
dashing towards them across the fields. As
the four galloping horses, covered with
mud and foam, came to halt, men rushed
forward and quickly iunloaded the boat
and fastened it to the strong cable made Of
wire from the fence. Two young men, with
ropes, hooks, and lantern, leaped into
the boat, and when the windlass began to
unwind the cable, talking ceased, and
every one crowded to the very waters edge.
On the opposite shore quite a different
state of affairs prevailed. Among the
throng was Mrs. Aiken, and although no
one on that side knew positively who the
unfortunate boys were, yet she declared
one was Willie; nor could she be persuaded
to believe otherwise. The long waiting had
so worked on her nervous system that,
when the boat did arrive, she lost entire
control ofherself, and was only prevented
from jumping into the river by those
around her. As she was being taken home,
she shouted at the top of her voice, willie.
climb higherl Hold on little longer, my
boy! your mother is fetching you boat.
Hold onl' This she continued until COM
pletely overcome.
The spectators from both shores watched
the dim light in the boat. mere will-o'-th-
wisp, inteptly, as it slowly approached the
boys who were now obscured from view by
heavy fog and the deepening shadows OF
night
Ia was first reached, and taken into the
boat with little difficulty. Frog Bottle, on
the other hand, was observed to be in great
danger. The young buttonwood, to which
he had been cIinging for hours, was sway
ing, and he was in eminent peril of being
drawn beneath the waves by the unabated
food. He was also suffering intense pain
from deep wound in his leg, which he
had received when the boat went to pieces.
The young men, however, from the posi-
ton of the boat, were unable to force it to
him. Therefore, the signal having been
given. they allowed the boat to be drawn
out from among the trees. Again they sig
nal, Down stream" the boat passing to
| the left of the trees which had hindered
them before. This time they stop along
side Frog Bottle, and the brave little fell
low, wounded and exhausted, is lifted into
the boat. Three times the lantern swings to
and fro, and the boat moves up stream.
The expectant crowd stand almost breath
less. Have they reached them this time,
Are the boys safea" are the silent thoughts
of all. As the boat approaches the
bank those nearest the waters edge,
lean forward, straining their eyes 10
pierce through the veil of the darkness.
Nearer comes the boat until the multitude
espy by the lanterns feeble rays, the naked
forms of the boys. Then from every throat,
burst forth the shouts of Joy which rend
the murky air. Women weep and men
thank God for the deliverance of the boys.
Those on the opposite shore catching up
the glad refrain, swing their torches and
lanterns high above their heads; and cheer
again and again, while messenger is hur-
ried off with the glad tidings to Mrs.
| Aiken.
On being taken from the boat, the boys
were wrapped in heavy blankets, and given
a stimulant. After they had been carried
to the house. DIR. Mitchell made an exami-
nation of Frog Bottles wounds. He found
him badly bruised, with severe cut in the
left hip.
Ia remained all night with Frog Bottle.
His nature seemed quite changed, and he
| appeared to be delighted when an oppor-
| tunity was given for rendering the slight
est service to his crippled companion. He
sent Joe off to bed at midnight and watched
By Frog Bottles bed side until morning.
Some time in the night when the two
boys were alone, they talked Of the events
which had come to pass. Ia told his COM
panion that be was sorry for the way in
which he had always acted toward him;
that he was responsible for the loss of the
boat; but that he would have a new one
j made, if Frog Bottle would forgive him for
past offenses.
onth following morning Ia went into
the Dr's. Office. and after some hesitation
said, ''Dr. Mitchell, will you allow me to
do Frog Bottles work until he is able2"
This was a surprise to, the kind physician
for he never had succeeded in getting Ia
to work day for him, but he answered
promptly, II shall be glad to have you take
bis place You see, all our fences are down;
consequently we shall need all the help we
4 can get. Tell your father to come too for q
| week"
Ia replied that he would, yet he failed to
go. He stood picking at his old straw hat
until the doctor turned from his desk, and
seeing that the boy was not little con-
fused asked, "Well is there anything else?"
I-well-but-but Frog Bottle viii also;
need new boat" stammered Ia; "will
you have another made for hin?'
"CertainIy," replied the doctor, ait was
lost through no fault of his"
mo, salo Aa nerVouslyi no, IL was nOs
lit was mine"
"Yoursg' said the doctor rising from his
desk
"Yes, sir: but please do not be angry
with me. You see, had the boat and
failed to fasten it securely. But. sir, I wish
to show that am sorry, by working until
can pay for new one"
| The ste-nness disappeared from the good
doctors face as he took the young fellow
by the hand and said; La, I am willing to
help any boy do right. Come tomorrow
and work for me as long as you please"
"a kept his word, and he and Joe and
Frog Bottle became fast friends.
i Worms IN Children.
Mother Gray's Sweet Worm Powders. used
by Mother Gray. nurse in Children q