The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1901-04-17

Wg8aSe, safd COurtenay, taxing the
seat and handing the checks to Reu.
| ben.
Reuben turned away and was busily
searching for the trunks, when sud-
denly the shrill whistle of the steam
boat sounded. With one fiery leap up
ward the frightened horses started at
| full speed, cleared the wharf and tore
down the road, Courtenay's utmost
strength being powerless to control
| them.
The hypothenuse of right-angled
| triangle Is often a great convenience.
Reuben sprang from the end of the
wharf and dashed up the bank Just in
time. He flung himself at the horses
heads and allowed them to drag him
while he clung to the bits. They
swerved. but soon slackened, and final
ly stopped at the summit Of a long
hill, down which neither Mr.. Courten-
ay nor the ladies would have greatly
relished driving just then.
IL 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 II and keep a
cheerful face though 1t seemed as II all
his dreams and hopes were hanging in
the balance The doctor would not 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 eff
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 Reubens
sofa, he said
There's no use denying It: you have
something on your mind, young man,
and you must tell me what it is
Reuben could not easily tell his
plans. even to so kind friend as
Courtenay had proved; but, having
made beginning, 1t was a relief to go
on, and he told all. from his boyish
dream Of an education down to the
of the $50.
80 that is all that troubles you,"
said Courtenay. why. that is a mat
ter that a stroke of a pen can set
right. | was afraid 1t was something
serious"
But | don't want to borrow" an
swered Reuben. ut 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 bor-
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 know
why you are lying here. You are some
thing to me-"
In a few days college tutor took
up his residence in the house; and,
when he had examined into Reubens
requirements, he said there would be
no difficulty about getting ready by oc-
tober. Greatly to Reubens satisfac-
tion, the doctor thought the ankle
would be strong by that time IL all
went well.
So Reuben worked on his sofa in
good cheer. The hope and will that
had been wanting before were now
thoroughly awake, and from the day
of his opening his heart to Courtenay
he seemed new creature.
One sultry afternoon in August, Mr..
Brown appeared at the Courtenay cot
tage. He had with him queer bundle
wrapped In a newspaper, which he
handed Reuben, saying:
perhaps you can throw some light
on this. can't. was harvesting po-
tatoes this morning and l found this
in one hill. 1t doesn't belong to any
variety that I'm acquainted with, and
| brought 1t over as curiosity to
show you"
And there in a nest of potato root
iceo iay tuc ioSt poShctuooh. Win
eager fingers Reuben opened 1t. The
stout leather had guarded the treasure
we'll. Discolored and damp the bills
certainly were, but quite recognizable
and fit for redemption.
Game out very well this time, Reub,
and no mistake" said Mr.. Brown.
when he had heard the story Of the
loss. But l wouldn't risk it again.
Next time you have $50 to take care of.
| wouldn't deposit it in the potato field.
for the chances are you might not al
ways be so lucky"
Courtenay walked down the avenue
with Mr.. Brown as he went away, and
they spoke together of Reuben's plans
"I'm glad you're going to give him a
lift," said Mr.. Brown. It'll save time
for him; but Reub would have done it
himself somehow. It's in him. When he
once made up his mind twas never any
sort of use to contend with him; wheth-