The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1899-09-26

made the long detOur of the winding
road, arrived at the foot of the stairs
almost as soon as they did, hot and
breathless. but with no trace of the
fugitive to report
Il wonder what that craft is about"
asked Fritz, pointing to a fisherboat,
lying to, q short distance down the
coast.
They hurried down the beach and at
the same time the little craft hoisted
a rag of sail and made toward them.
She was almost opposite when MILDLY,
who had been jumping around like a
crazy dog gave out loud yell and
started back as if he had been shot.
The boys wheeled around and stared.
Look" they shouted simultaneously,
and started after the dog.
A bare legged and swarthy Mexican
had emerged from one of the large hol-
lows worn by the sea in the bluff and
| was running down across the sand
| straight for the surf. They could see
tnat he had large sack in his hand.
| Meanwhile fresh breeze had struck
the dory anu it was making good head
way in his direction.
| I'VE shall lose himv' said Will
"He's going to swim for it,
"After him! Go for him, Middy!'
| yelled Fritz.
The dog needed no urging, but
bounded down the beach and took to
the water after the man with the bag.
The tide was out. but the fellow was
already In the surf and the boat was
rounding to, just outside the breakers.
'No use," said Will. HE has toe
good start"
Just then a shrill cry Of pain came
from the surf, followed by another still
louder.
The fugitive had halted. He stag
gered in the deep water that was now
above his waist and turned and limpet
toward the shore, bowling grievousl,
; as he slowly retraced his steps.
"What is itY asked Will in amaze
ment.
IL know-it's stingaree." exclaimed
Fritz. 1.-The thief has hot barb il
his heel and it's cramped his leg. W,
, have got himv'
With cry Of rage the fellow liftet
the bag above his head and flung
as far as he could into the sea.
, But the setter was too good a birt
, dog to wait for any command to swim
/ for it and bring it ashore, and it wa
| safe in his mouth before it could sink.
| Hurrying to meet him, the boy
} found their precious cockerels in tn
sack. frightened half to death an,
their white plumes dripping, but no
! beyond recovery of animation or fam
5 lily pride
|. AS for the thief. the boys cut tn
e barb out of Manuers ankle, dresse
3 the wound. gave him back his subst
), tuted birds and sent him home vow
. ing solemnly to keep at an honest dis
tance from other folks chicken coop.
, with the burning smart of his injur
to remind him of virtuous resolutio
: for many days to come. for the barb G
: the ''stingaree" is stepped in poison.
b 1t is the wasp of the sea. the stin
ray, and the warm surf of the Pacifi
t beaches is it's favorite abode. 1t is
t round, fiat fish, varying In diamete
t from a few inches to a foot. with
8 barb an inch or two long reposing in
neat groove on the top of it's tail.
], The sting ray employs this weapo
+ only for defense or retaliation. Whe
bather steps on the fish the barb file
up as if the indignant sting ray ha
e touched spring and lodges in the III
: lucky heel or ankle.
OF course the Krantz brothers cocl
| erelS took the $50 prize as no riya
i approached their merits and magnii
!. cence.
q This victory added to the fame of IL
young breeders, and eggs for hatchin
y from their pens. now command a pr
q MUM. adding much to their revenu
v and many to the comforts of their Ii
q tie home on the bluffs.-Boston Globe