Smyrna times., 1902-03-19

bunker. 1t was going to be close
very much tco close to be comfortable,
said Mr.. Gasket. He himself played
brilliant game when he did his best.
But what with coaching one, manag
ing another, welcoming everybody,
home folks and visitors alike, it is not
strange that he could not give his
whole attention to the game.
1t was a fine course, with a water
hazard in the shape of spring branch,
excellent putting green's and beautiful
ly close turf. 1t was by Tommy's
suggestion that the turf ON the Prior
share of the course had been graZed
down with the flock of sheep only two
days before. Tommy indeed had been
wonderfully active in all manner of
gOod works for the match. Mr.. Gas
ket knew shazily how his nickname
had stuck and stung and repeated haY-
ing given it, but was unwise enough to
think he could smooth over matters
by particular complacence to the lad.
1--WE shall beat them by a scratch.
We shall certainly beat them. Master
Thomas" he said, watching Il particu-
larly clean drive by Alison. Tommy
looked bored. Don't strike me your
games as good as those other peo-
pies" he said, nOdding toward the op-
| posing players.
Mr.. Gasket tried to look panied.
why don't you say our game, Tom
N.Y. he asked reproachfully. I'VE
must pull together, every soul of us, if
we are to win"
"Oh, you've got all those other fell
lows to root for youw Tommy said sar-
castically. Il couldn't do a thing but
roar | amt nothing but a whelp, you
know"
This time Mr.. Gasket really did look
pained. though he tried to mask it as
blank innocence. 1t was his turn to
play, and the game was so even that
the fate of it hung most likely upon
his next three strokes. His ball lay
both we'll and ill-in place that if he
could successfully loft it would mean
| almost certain victory, but said lOfting
required - position neither ministerial
nor digHilied. 1t was in little cuppy
J turf hollow not far off the boundary.
A low fence marked the bounds.
Across it sheep hustled and rummaged
peacefully through weed grown stub
BILE. The minister took no note of them
nor of anything indeed save the little
white ball lying so snug in the faded
grass. Half STOPPING. half crOuching,
he graSped his mashie firmly in his
hand.
The rest was chaos plus earthquake
at least to the Gaskct inner con
sciOusness. Friends and foes in watch
saw woOlly, horny headed streak as
sail the STOPPING figure. send said fig
ure over upon it's head, then, with Wig
OrOuS thumps. roll it over and Ovel
across six yards of turf. Nobody knew
Just what might not have happened
had not Tommy bravely rushed to the
minister's rescue. caught Blinky b!
the horns and forced him. struggling
and bleating. back over the fence h'
had leaped like a flash of lightning.
In spite of doing all that TOmm!
was the first to assist Gasket to hi
feet. Il hope you're not hurt too bad
! sir" he said politely.
Gasket was sorry sight. His trou
, serS were torn, his face scratched. tn
, eye upon which Blinky had landed hi
: last thump rapidly going out of bus
ness. The rest. hurrying up. could nc
help laughing, Alison clearest. merries
!, of them all. AS Gasket caught tn
!, sound he said. backing away, 9TH
match is off,
, 1t was all he could say. Tommy wer
: home with him. faithful caddie
= q spite Of everything, but as he left tn
: rCct0ry door he rubbed his hands an
softly hugged himself repeating wit
. infinite gustO: Yes. the match is of
? You het it is. l know my sister a
= right!'