The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1898-08-16

into it's place on the edge of the field,
and its fair burden exchanged greet
ing with occupants of other coaches
from far and near who had come to
watch this contest between the two
best OF the mountain base ball teams.
You coming7" said Dick, with a half
sheer In his tone, as, when all were
ready to start, Hugh Graham, who
had been busy helping the girls to their
places and disposing of various baskets
or refreshments-pu his hand upon
the rail and swung himself into a seat
beside the driver. ST thought there
was nothing left to do with provisions
except to eat them, and I didn't know
you were needed"
mot to take care of provisions"
answered Hugh, quietly. 81 am going
to see the game"
"Ah, indeed Well it must be in
teresting to those who never play"
II was not the first insult due-as
Hugh began to see-not so much to
his mental position as to the fact that
he was on speaking terms with E 18th,
the sister of Tom-a privilege which
Dick would like TO keep for himself.
But, however Hugh may have felt
the sting Of the words, there was no
sign that any one who did not know
and love the strong, proud face, would
have dstecEed. I5 was no time or
place to defend himself, and Hugh
Graham hueW how to wait.
In the excitement all around them,
G caham, who stood near the door of
the coach, did not sac Tom pressing
his way toward him through the crowd,
till he heard a low voice say, 'Gat
away from this, Hugh. You are wan
ted"
"Where9 What's the matter9"
Never mind, come on. We are in
a very middle Of a MESS" he added,
as they threaded their way to the little
pavilion where the team was in wait,
ing. That miserable fellow, Colby,
gave me the slip after all. He has got
half a bottle Of brandy inside of him,
and he's al crazy as a loon. We have
him locked into his room at the hotel,
and q couple OF strong porters TO
guard; but he is Whooping in there
like q wild Indian. But there he's got
to stay, and you, Graham, have got to
take his place"
But I'll not do it, Tom. You ought
TO have known better than to bring me
over here like this"
"BI 1t, Hugh, the whole team is on its
knees co you, and Colby's very bowls
ought to appeal to you. The fellows
are aWfully ashamed that they have
been such a set of snobs, led on by
D .ck's internal airs. Pay and show
them for nee what you really are.
Nobody knows, for they don't believe
when I brag about you, Hugh"
But with a face like iron, Hugh turn
ed his back upon his friend, when Tom
said, seizing him by the arm, Hugh,
Old chap, listen to me. Do it for my
sake" Graham turned q luckily upon
nina look OF scorn melClng into pity
in his eyes,-as he saw the abjecG
weakness in his comrades face.
"You don't mean it, Toms You
haven't been betting on this miserable
little game"
Yes, Hugh, yes; if it is lost, it
means so much to me, I haven't the
money, and you know father won't
neLp me OUT in that sort OF thing"
II should think not. You'd be a
coward TO ask him." There was a
pause and a silence. Hugh Graham
went a few steps onward as il no pow
or on earth could turn hlm back. Then
suddenly he turned; and in a minute
more, has hand was under Toms cha.
Lifting the dropping, shame stricken
face to q level win has eyes, he sal0:
Tom, IN play for you. I'll save you
if I can this once,-on condition thai
you give me your word Of honor that
this ends your betting and your gamO
ling for che rest Of your life. Do you
give me your word, the word of my
friend, the word of a man9'
The two right hands met in a strong
and brotherIy grasp,-''God bless you.
HughI'
"4od help US bothI' answered the
other, r~everently.
IU was a splendid struggle that they
made, those mines so 1.-THE and sTalWart
and well matched. It was no easy
| victory, but 1t was victory for the
Paramount Inn. IL was a victory for
the coiors that waved and glIstened In
che afternoon sun on the top OF the
nniIr 6nnnrafn6 coach that annnna6 1Ika