The leader. [volume] (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1895-1905, 1897-10-06

steamboat landing on the Sound one
summer morning, watching the roust-
abouts transferring freight from the
shore &c the deck of the craft on which
they we're about to take passage.
The elder of the two, who had been
continually looking about in an expect
mt manner, suddenly called out: Here
YOU are at last, old fellow. What in
the world has kept you?"
Then came running toward him, skill
fully aud yet politely, eluding all play.
full attempts to impede his progress,
a little boy infant five years of age,
who was perfect picture of rugged
health and childish beauty. His hat,
perched carelessly on his head, formed
the background for Il mass of golden
hair. blown hither and thither as his
sturdy little legs sped down the gravel
slope His round, happy face glowed
in the morning air, and his eyes spark
led with Unsurpassed excitement.
"Oh, papa" he began, before he had
quite recovered his breath. Il have had
such time with Maxi"
II was beginning to fear he had made
breakfast of you," was the fathers
answer, as the child slipped one little
hand in his.
lie might try, if he could get at me
now" reioined the little fellow. But
he's safe enough in one of the store
rooms if some one don't let him out"
But at that moment the steamboat
gave Il shrill whistle. and Jack, walking
between his father and his fathers
friend turned to go on board the boat.
Among the passengers assembled on
the upper deck stood little girl of more
than ordinary attractiveness. She was
just passing that line of life on one
side OF which people write girl and
on the other young lady" She at
traeted not little attention as she
stood there, leaning lightly over the
rail. When Jack and his guardians
reached the deck she was saying good
by to a sun-bonneted friend on the
landing, and Towle, the younger of the
two men, caught the full beauty of
the fresh face as she laughed out some
pert reply to her friends earnest eau
ton: Now, do be careful, PRISCILLA
Already the time for casting off the
mornings had passed. The captain was
vigorously ordering about the deck
hands and confusion reigned. The
pretty girl stood up on a seat to get
clear OF a line that was being hauled in,
still talking with her friend on shore.
Pretty as a picture" thought Towle,
as he watched the lissome figure sway
ing with the motion of the boat. Pris-
ella waved her last adieu, and then her
friend, mingling with those left on the
landing, turned away.
The young girl still stood on the rail
seat; Towle lowered in her immediate
vicinity; Jack was watching the reced
ing shore. Presently the child's voice
rose in cry that was almost a scream:
Look, papa. There comes Maxi"
Down the slope toward the water
bounded the big Newfoundland. Rush
ing through the little party that had
just left the landing, the dog brought
up with mighty effort on the very
edge Of the wharf.
Jack, jumping up on the rail seat,
waved both hands and shouted: Good
by old fellow! Good-by, Maxi"
But Max misinterpreted the gesture.
lfompt in obedience to the supposed
sIgnal' he jumped into the water and
struck out in the wake of the boat.
1t was not under much Roadway yet,
out Max could make but poor show
ing IN the race. Jack became very
nervous. He scarcely knew whether
Max was swimming or drowning.
cant we stop the boat?" he asked.
oh, no." said his father. "Max will
get tired in minute and make for the
shore"
LOWE leaned over the stern and called
70 the dog to go back, but Max took it
ali Tor encouragement, and swan on
steadily The boat as steadily gained
On him. The channel was widening
now and Max evidently had no inten-
uoh OF abandoning the race.
Everyone on the boat presently be-
came much excited, and beginning with
sympathy for Little Jack. ended in the
ueepest anxiety as to the fate of the dog.
JACK was still standing beside the girl,
VINO was making no effort to hide the
eSci'ement that was taking possession
VI ner' Jacks father stood just behind
win light hand on his child's Shout
uer. Iowle was not far away.
.o Inc boy was trembling in every limb.
oh, Max! Dear Maxi" he cried. "You
.dn catch u.s." Then, recalled by his
,s'ners touch. "Why, papa. We must
'Oop The boat, so he can catch up"
The girl reached out her hand and
ook mold of Jacks. She said nothing.
out her teeth were pressed tightly
'saihst her lower lip, and the big, brown
yes were beginning to fill.
Inc only apparently uninterested per-
Sun on the boat was the captain. The
awning had not yet been spread over the
seek. and he could plainly be seen stand
ns IN the pilot house. Towle turned
.o"ard him and called out: "Isay. cap
'n' can't you slow down, and let my
Og come up with us? He won't go
Sack, and I'm afraid he can't hold out
much longer"
me captain turned from the wheel
NJ moment, and glanced lazily toward
r.. e Jog brayely padding away for his
on, nell get along well enough. He'll
on give up and go back. can't stop
'or dog"
"urmurs Of indignation were heard
- every hand. Jacks face bore a look
a. une most complete surprise at the
,,se eosery that the captain could pos
sy refuse to stop for Max's sake. The
Sueataetie tears In priscilla's eycs