The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1901-06-15

Reuben sprang from the end OF the
wharf and dashed up the bank Just IN
time. He flung himself At tho norse'
heads and allowed them to drag him
while he chung to the bits. They
sweryed. but soon slackened, and nnal-
Jv stopped at the summit OF q long |
hill down which neither Mr.. Courten-
ay nor the ladies would have greauy
reIished driving just then.
II; was a poor limp creature that
dropped by the roadside when the
horses stopped, and one foot dragged
helplessly as Courtenay put him in the
carriage. The next time Reuben
opened his eyes he was In his room.
with the doctor bending over him.
And now came long time OF lying
still, waiting for the injured ankle to
grow strong. This was a new expert
ence for Reuben the hardest he had
known. But for Courtenay's sake he
tried to make light of 1t and keep )
cheerful face, though 1t seemed as If all
his dreams and hopes were hanging In
the balance. The doctor would net an
swer for the result unless the injured
foot had perfect rest for an indefinite
| time-a sober outlook for boy with
Reuben's plans; and, in spite of his ef-
forts, he grew dull and listless, and lost
| the elasticity so necessary for speedy
recovery.
Courtenay's remorse and uneasiness
were increased by this state of affairs.
One evening, as he stood by Reuben's
sofa, he said:
There's no use denying 1t; you have
something on your mind, young man.
and you must tell me what 1t u.s.
Reuben could not easily tell his
plans, even to so kind a friend as
Conrtenay had proved; but, having
made a beginning, 1t was a relief to go
on, and he told all, from his boylsh
dream of an education down to the
present moment, not emitting the loss
of the $50. =.
so that is all that troubles you.
said Courtenay. why. that is a mat
ter that a stroke of pen can set
right I was afraid 1t was something
serious"
But don't want to borrow" an
swered Reuben. "It is easy and inter-
esting laying up for by and by, but
debt fastened round your neck is a
different thing"
Courtenay sat down by Reuben.
Nobody said anything about Dor
rowing" he said. But you are just 60
ing to college as soon as you can pos
sibly fit; and you are going to be man
enough to let me help you, and throw
your scruples to the winds. You kno"
why you are lying here. You are some
thing to me-"
In a few days a college tutor tool
,, M his residence in the house; and
when he had examined into Reuben
requirements, he said there would b.
no difficulty about getting ready by Oc
> tober. Greatly to Reuben's satisfac
: ton. the doctor thought the ankl
would be strong by that time II a.
went well.
. So Reuben worked on his sofa 1
good cheer. The hope and will tina
had been wanting before were no.
!. thoroughly awake, and from the da
= of his opening his heart to Courtena
he seemed a new creature.
j.. One sultry afternoon in August, Nd
" Brown appeared at the Courtenay col
. tage. He had with him queer bund
: wrapped in a newspaper. which Z
= handed Reuben, saying:
!" "Perhaps you can throw some ligl
on this. I can't l was harvesting Pr
tatoes this morning and found IN
y in one hill. 1t doesn't belong to al
- variety that I'm acquainted with, al
brought it over as a curiosity
RI show YOU"
~ And there In a nest of potato roc
let's lay the lost pockstbook. WI
y, eager fingers Reuben opened 1t. Il
~ stout leather had guarded the treasu
~ we'll. Discolored and damp the Dl
- certainly were, but quite recognizat
% and fit for redemption.
- Game out very well this time, Rel
VI and no mistake" said Mr.. Brow
when he had heard the story CT {
- loss. But wouldn't risk 1t aga
- Next time you have $50 to take care
" I wouldn't deposit 1t in the potato ne
for the chances are you might not
"a ways be so lucky"
"a Courtenay walked down the aver
~ ~ with Mr.. Brown as he went away, q
- they spoke together Of Reuben's pia
=. .T'm glad you're going to give hin
~ lift" said Mr.. Brown. It'll save u
- for him; but Reub would have done
10 himself somehow. It's in him. When
once made up his mind twas never
sort of use to contend with him; VINE
er twas a tough stump In pasture
a contrary horse or what not, he ne
rave up till he'd mastered 1t. I've s.
considerable many sorts Of boys In
'A time" he concluded. land Reub Is
sort that gets there. You mark
,us' words, the world will hear from X
~. one OF these days."-Christian Re
,ar. ter.
ty' Handsolnsst Residence In the wor'
William C. Whitney Is ambitious