Catoctin clarion., 1900-12-27
S-P-0-T,
T HE M U S 7 A N G.

have to 90 home without that unique
experience. But all things come to
him that waits
AS Arthur set out from the Fort bis
father cautioned him against going too
far away, as tho high wind indicated an
unpleasant change of weather. The
boy responded with reassuring remark
and gay laugh, and dashed out over
the plain at sweeping gallopr l can
see him now, with his trim, 1.-the figure
erect and graceful in his seat, his dark
HAIR flying back in the wind from un-
der his little military cap, his left hand
holding taut rein on the mouth OF his
eager pony, his right hand waving us
n parting salute. 1t was a beautiful
picture of happy youth, bounding with
lily and spirit.
As Arthur galloped on over the plain
he forgot his fathers caution about the
weather. The wind had subsidized, and
though it had eft the sky of a dull and
lifeless color, is keen gusts no longer
smote his cheeks and tossed Spots
long white name into his face. After
all. there would be no unpleasant
change, and he could 60 on thus, as he
had often done before, bounding over
the elastic ground, and breathing In the
glorious air.
Giving little heed to distance in the
enjoyment of his ride, he was four or
FIVE miles from the Fort when there
came warning that brought him to a
stop. Tie wind had suddenly risen
AGAIN, and as its cool breath touched
his face he felt the impact Of a drop of
rain.
The looked for change was at hand;
father was right, and Arthur quickly
turned his pony's head in the direction
of the Fort and urged him to his ut
most speed. He knew well enough the
meaning of that d.op Of water-it was
the herald of storm-the skirmlsher
in advance of a line of battle that would
sweep away human life with no less
fury than the blast of guns, He saw
when it was too late, perhaps, how reck-
less he had been to disregard signs that
even his inexperience should have rec
ognized and obeyed. for even now the
wind was increasing in force, driving
before it fine rain that stung his face
like needles.
Could Spot outrun the storm? That
WAS the question; on the answer to 1t
hung life or death The gallant little
pony was sure Of foot, strong limbed
and feet, and as yet showed no signs of
failing but he had already borne his
young master at very repid gait over
four miles of the plain. Could he re-
spond to the demand that was now
made upon him?
While these thoughts were crowding
into Arthur's mind the storm was stead
lily increasing in violence. Already the
wind had grown cold with the icy
breath of winter, and the rain a g
turning tc sleet. 1t came upon him
now almost horizontally, so strong was
the blast behind him. The noble pony
dashed on over the reeking ground, his
elastic springs seeming to gain new
force with every beat Of his hoofs upon
the earth.
Another change now came, the sleet
turned into snow, not the soft and gen.
tie fakes with which you are familiar,
but furious binding whirl that en-
ve)oped pony and rider as with a cload,
shutting off even the ground beneath
their feet.
b.. o,;,l ,ho hr,vo har b,,f froy.n
.horoh ho wae AID NOT o;ve Nm o
struggle and his benumbed lips still
ou1, of a,oo,rocon.nt - h;O
nonv q, and m thew rpsbed with
ouou ,,,ol;nc sooed : ho r,dar tr,,t;no
H. ;.,;ot oad o,o;.,of+ho an;
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