Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1901-10-21

low the road. he scrambled up the in
cline to the track, and a moment later
disappeared. still at q gaIlop, around
| the curve.
Benson, the engineer, was scanning
the track closely as the train swung
down the grade toward the curve that
hid Sinking River bridge, when he
was startled to see through the gather
ing mist horseman galloping up the
track straight toward the train, and
gesticulating wildly. In an instant
the whistle beloved out its hoarse
| call for brakes.
And then the watching lumbermen
saw Number II swing round the curve
with engine reversed and brakes set,
still sliding forward on the wet and
slippery rails, but stopping at last
twenty-five feet from the ruined
bridge.
The fireman and presently a number
of men jumped down from the train
and ran forward. They looked at the
twisted, broken rails that reached out
over the tumult of waters below, and
the broken wagon bridge above, with
its crowd of watching lumbermen.
The fireman, remembering the warm
Ing horseman, turned and explained,
and a group of men instantly started
back up the track.
Directly they found him whom they
sought, young fellow standing by
the road bed in his shirt sleeves, un-
mindful Of the rain into which the
heavy mist had thlckened. He was
bandaging with narrow strips that he
had cut from his coat an all but fatal
wound in the neck of the big stallion,
whose proud head dropped by his
shoulder.
1t was a number Of days later, and
the men Of Pinerift lumber camp were
at dinner, when Dick Turner once
more went up the path that led past
the main shanty. He walked slowly
and with limp. for his leg had been
badly bruised during the scramble on
the bridge. Over his arm was the
bride Of the black horse, which also
walked with an unsteady, shuffling
regain its former ease and vigor.
The young fellow cast a half-ap-
prehensive look at the camp as he
went by, and wondered If he were to
undergo more of the old treatment.
He turned off at the little path that
led to the rude shed in which Ugly
Mack was used to being isolated, but
stopped presently In quick surprise.
A clean, new stable stood in the place
of the shed, and above its door We're
the words, ugly Mack"
With quick thrill of appreciation,
young Turner led the horse into the
handsome stall and fed him sparinglS
from n generous supply of corn thrown
up in one corner Of the building.
Coming out presently, he was sur
prised to find all the Pinerift men
awaiting him. He tried to thank
them, but Velvet Joe cut him short
Were glad if you like the hut,
young feller," he said, land If it'll do
you any good to know 1t, I'll tell you
now that there amt man on this job
but what'll give his last dime-yes,
and the last coat off his back if neces-
sary-to buy corn for that ugly critter
in yonder. And as for you, young
chap" the voice Of the big fellow
softened, "why-well, this crowd is
goin' to give kind of a salute and a
cheer for the bravest chap that every
struck Sinking River"
And by way OF Salute the big
lumbermen caught the young fellow
up, and on brawny arms and shoul-
ders carried him in triumph back to
camp. Big Joe swung his hat, and
the men sent out cheer that echoed
far up and down the river.
Camp Seven caught it, and at once
OWNED its meaning. The rough,
bearded crew-rivalry for the time
being lost in the finer feeling of adj
miration for n brave deed well per-
formed-sent back an answering
cheer.-Youth's Companion.
Lpnearel DinunouIa.