The Holly chieftain., 1898-02-18

We'll, it will he difrerent to that OF
the days of 1776," was the sententious
answer. But would it?
II don't like to see that Englishnan
around you so much" whispered Bor-
den few minutes later.
''Why, he behaves himself" replied
Miss Dean. with well-feigned astonish-
ment.
But it amt patriotic, don't you sec,
was the rctort. "You ought to stand
up for your country, and = Washing
toni" This last proudly, for Borden
was really elated at the character he
was taking in the play.
$50 / must make this national nf-
fair?"
NO. just personal affair. but be pa
triotic in it,
Thus the matter stood when Wash
ington's birthday dawned-an armed
truce between the opposing forces.
each of which was intent on winning
the prize and confident that 1t could
he done.
Soft blew the southern breeze and
the night was dark. From miles of
plain came the breath of spring tha'
was giving the first earnest of its glory.
The settlers rode in from their claims
in wagons; the ranchmen came on
horseback, and the line of ponies TINT
fringea the schoolhouse yard was for
midable. The Englishman came in all
the glory OF his best clothes. while
Borden made his appearance In the
frontier dress that SO we'll became
him.
NO reserved seats; come right in" T"
welcomed the storekeeper as he took
the tickets at the door. The crowd
obeyed and filed the front seats. the
back STATS. and overfowed the ais,es.
Now. ladies' and gentlemen" an
nounced the storekeeper. when all was
ready, 1--WE will present .he great drama
of the time of Washington, as is most
appropriate on this occasion"
The curtain rolled up (again sheet
on po.e), and the simple incidents that
had been chosen to give n representa-
tion of the life Of the first president
were one after another called forth.
There was nothing but peace until the
act where the meeting of the hero and
CORVALLIS occurred. Then as the
two rivals came on the little stage there
was howl of delight from the men
present, for ench knew how matters
stood.
Borden looked daggers at Glade. and
as his turn came to speak all renlized
that he was putting strange senti-
ments into the mouth of Washington
when he said: "You may be as good a
man as the rest of us, but you are not
SO brave"
CORVALLIS colored, and the store.
keeper remarked to his wife: "Blest
If l don't think Borden struck home
that time"
But Glade responded, with due cour.
tesy: "It remains to be proved as to
that" and then went on with his set
speech.
The play was long and the audience
was evidently weary when the final act
came. The rivals were on the stage and
there was chance for some more repair
tee. which was likely to be given, when
suddenly there was sound from the
outside of the house that caused the
heart of every auditor to sink with an
ill-defined fear. 1t was a whinny of ter
ror from score of horses throats.
Quickly the people rushed from their
seats and to the windows and doors
What they saw was something that is
never without it's message of alarm for
the ranchman and the settlcr--the
prairie was ON fire.
In an instant almost the house was
emptied. The women were crying and
the men were trying to calm the fright
ened horses. One by one the wagons
we're hurrying of, the owners anxious
to get home or at least out of the reach
of the danger.
1t was high timel
Like sea of fame the onrnshing
blaze was sweeping across the dry sod.
licking up the lorg grass Of the ravines
and making quick work OF the crisp
covering of the higher lands. The wind
had risen and was bringing the attack
ing army onward with rapid pace.
There was no chance for the school,
house to escape. In scrambling. push
ing mass the people left the place and
their wagons and horses were dotting
the fiame-lighted plain. Two men
found themselves side by side quarter
OF n mile from the building, each on his
broncho and each gaIloping toward the
north.
As they mounted little swell in the
prairie the blaze lighted their faces.
From each came an exclamation: "Bor-
den!" "Glade!"
II thought you were with her" de-
manded the former. angrily.
II thought you were the one"
For an instant the two men glared
at each other and then the test came.
Borden looked straight In the face Of
the Englishman and then at the sea Of
flame sweeping up from the south and
whose breath was hot In their faces.
"Well," he demanded, (which shall
It be? This Is the time to prove which
ix the true representative Of bravery
"Oh, it's not that sort Of question, =
pleaded the other.
.It il just that sort Of . question.
There il . chance for the one who rides
into that b.aze to come ont alive--and
only chance. II will be It the school,
house 10 moment, and the race there
ia NO small thing In itself. even u the
horses WIN take H."
-we'll 60 together." after little
Thought