The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-07


His master nodded. and the man hastily
pulling up the neck of his shirt and thrust
ing his arms into his coat. followed him as
he led the way slowly TO the well.
beg pardon. sir" said George, drawing
up to his side, ''but you are not looking
over and above well this morning. If you'll
let me go down. I'd enjoy the bath"
mo, no. said Benson. peremptorily.
You amt fit to go down. sir.' persisted
his follower. i've never seen you look so
before. Now if"
mind your business" said his master.
CURLY.
George became silent, and the three
walked with swinging strides through the
long wet grass to the well. Bob flung the
rope on the ground. and at sign from his
master handed him the candlestick.
Here's the line for it, SIR" said Bob.
fumbling in his pockets
Benson took it from him, and slowly tied
it to the candlestick. Then he placed it on
the edge of the well, and striking match.
lit the candle and began slowly to lower 1t.
Hold hard. sir" said George, quickly
laying his hand on his arm. "you must tilt
it, or the stringn burn through"
Even as he spoke the string parted and
the candlestick fell into the water below.
Benson swore quietly.
'I'n soon get another said George.
starting up.
Never mind. the wells all right" said
Benson.
TT won't take moment. SIR" said the
other over his shoulder.
Are you master here. or am I7' said
Benson, hoarsely.
George came back slowly, a glance at his
masters face stopping the protest upon
his tongue, and he stood by watching him
sulkily as he sat on the well and removed
his outer garments. Both men watched
him curiously. as having completed his
preparations he stood grim and silent with
his hands by his side
81 wish you'd let me go, SIR" said George,
plucking up courage to address him. you
amt fit to go. you've got chill or some
thing. 1 shouldn't wonder it's the typhoid.
They've got it in the village bad"
For a moment Benson looked at him
angrily, then his gaze softened. mot this
time, George" he said, quietly. He took
the looped end of the rope and placed it
under his arms. and sitting down threw
one leg over the side of the well.
How are you going about IT. sir?"
queried George. laying hold of the rope
and signing Bob to do the same
I'll call out when I reach the water"
said Benson; then pay out three yards
more quickly so that can get to the bot
TOM
Very good, SIR" answered both.
Their master threw the other leg over the
coping and sat motionless. His back was
towards the men he sat with head bent
looking down the shaft He sat for so long
that George became uneasy.
'All right sir?" he inquired.
"Yes." said Benson. slowly 'Tf tug at
the rope. George. pull up at once. Lower
away"
The rope passed steadily through their
hand until a hollow cry from the darkness
below and a faint splashing warned them
that he had reached the water. They gave
him three yards more. and stood with re-
Taxed grasp and strained their ears wait
ing.
Hes gone UNDER" said Bob in a low
voice.
The other nodded, and moistening his
huge palms took a firmer grip Of the rope
Fully a minute passed and the men began
to exchange uneasy glances. Then sud-
den tremendous jerk followed by a series
of feebler ones nearly tore the rope from
their grasp.
Pull" shouted George. placing one foot
on the side and hauling desperately. pull!
pull! He's stuck fast; he's not coming;
PULL"
In response to their terrific exertions the
rope came slowly in. inch by inch. until
at length violent splash was heard, and
at the same moment scream of unuttera-
BILE horror came echoing up the shaft.
what a weight he is" painted Bob. Hes
stuck fast or something. Keep still, sir; for
heavens sake, keep STILL"
For the taut rope was being jerked vio-
lently by the struggle of the weight at the
end of it. Both men with grunts and signs
hauled 1t in foot by foot.
'An right, SIR" cried George, cheerfully.
He had one foot against the well, and
was pulling manfully; the burden was
nearing the top. A long pull and a strong
pull. and the face of a dead man, with mud
in the eyes and nostrils, came peering
over the edge. Behind it was the CHASTITY
face of his master: but this he saw too
late, for with great cry he let go his hold
of the rope and stepped back. The sudden
ness overthrow his assistant, and the rope
tore through his hands. There was a
frightfui splash.
you fool!' stammered Bob. and ran to
the we'll helplessly.
RUM cried George. run for another
line
He bent over the coping and called
eagerly down as his assistant sped back TO
the stables shouting wildly. His voice re-
echoed down the shaft. but all else was
silence.