Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1902-05-15
TOM THE TEMPTER.

remember that you are only little man,
and that broncho is very frisky."
81 know, dad, but Tom got pony for
Christmas, too, and he can ride anywhere
he chooses"
"You forget that Tom is II, while you
are not yet ten. I am willing that you
should ride when William can 60 with you,
but you must not go alone"
So young Dick Wilmer tried to be con-
tented, although there was sore spot down
deep in his heart. All of his chums rode,
and not one of them had to have horrld
man trotting along behind. 1t wasn't right
that he should be treated like baby, when
he was fully as tall as Tom and the other
fellows. No one could guess that he was
nearly three years younger. He went sor-
rowfully out to Bronchos stall, and put his
own curly head against the soft dark name
of the young thoroughbred.
For several weeks after his fathers man.
date had gone forth Dick turned deaf ear
to all of Toms entreaties, and endeavored
to forget the neat little footman while dash
ing through the long, winding country
roads But day came when all of Dick, 5
good resolutions were thrown to the winds.
1t was Saturday. Mr.. Brown, his tutor,
had just left the house, and the lesson books
were put away until Monday. So, with
free heart, Dick bounded downstairs,
buckled on his high riding boots, slipped
into his heavy coat and set his scarlet cap
we'll back on his curly head. Mr.. Wilmer
had gone to Washington on business, and
Mrs. Wilmer was out calling. Dick knew
by experience that it would probably be
dark before she would return, and it was
too lonesome in the house. Even Mr..
Brown, who had been expected to stay, was
telegraphed for, as his wife was taken sud
denly ill.
So when left alone Dick ran down to Will
liam's room, over the stable. His hand
was on the knob, and he opened his mouth
to call the groom. Just then Toms mock
ing voice cried:
''Go on, baby; call your nurse!'
Dick wheeled around, his deep blue eyes
all ablaze with indignation.
'T am not baby, and you know it, Tom
Sinner"
''Then why do you always have him, !"
pointing disdainful finger toward the
closed door, tagging after you? When
you are man you'll have keeper, sup
pose"
II won't have you talking that way to me.
I'm not baby, and you know | don't want
William-and l only have him because dad
said I must!" cried Dick, sturdily.
Don't you ever expect to have mind of
your own? | dare you to go to-day without
him" tainted Tom.
dad said l mustn't"
civilian isn't there; he went out just
as / came in, so he can't go, and you know
Henry is driving your mothers horses"
''What shall do, them" Dick stood for
a moment debating. 1t was glorious day,
cold and clear, except for heavy bank of
clouds slowly rising in the north. 1t was
too lovely to stay stuffed up in the house
all the afternoon.
ct won't hurt you. I'll take care of you,
and we'll only go on the nearby roads.
Come on, Dick" tempted the visitor.
"I ought not to-" said Dick, slowly. 1t
was so hard to refuse, for he wanted SO
much to go.
''Do as you like" said Tom. 81 am 60
ing" And he carelessly threw himself on
the waiting pony.
Just at that moment low, sorrowful
whinny came from Broncho's STALL That
decided Dick; he would not be gone long,
and he would be very careful-oh, very
careful.
At first his conscience pricked him a lit
tie, but once out in the soft, warm sun
shine, and galloping swiftly down the long
roads, he forgot his scruples and never be-
fore had he enjoyed ride so much. 1t was
strange that neither of them noticed when
the sun sank behind the clouds until they
were completely covered with soft white
veil of snow
Come, Tom, let's hurry home," called
Dick, frightened at the thought Of the
hour.
cts jolly now-I am not going until the
ground gets covered" laughed Tom.
II tell you it's going to be bad storm.
I am going home now, Tom, and you can
come when you please" Dick wheeled his
horse around as he spoke, and galloped in
the opposite direction.
eli, l say, Dick, come back" called the
older boy, but he was already out of hear
ing. Tom shrugged his shoulders and rode
merrily on.
1t was dark when Mr.. Wilmer reached
home and found his wife in tears, and nearly
wild from anxiety. 1t was bitterly cold,
and already the snowfall was quite deep.
Between her sobs Mrs. Wilmer told him
that Broncho had just come home with the
saddle turned.
Mr.. Wilmer did not hesitate an instant
Iuefe Was Ouly one UOy Will WHOm LIN
could have gone, and very soon the anxious
father was catechising Tom Stimer.
''Dick hasn't got home YETI" Tom asked,
terrified look coming over his face.
'No. Did you make him go?"
Tom looked down. There was no use in
denying it. Suppose Dick was lying hurt
or frozen in the woods.
eyes, sir; 1 asked him to go, but didn't
think it would hurt" said Tom, slowly.
"Come with me, sir, and show me where
he left you," commanded Mr.. Wilmer,
sternly.
1t was not an easy task, for the binding
snow made them almost lose their way in
the most familiar roads. Hours were spent
in the search, and Mr. Wilmer, Mr.. Stimer,
their servants and the neighbors looked un-
ell they were discouraged
Suddenly joyful yelp from Dicks dog,
a great mastiff, brought the half-frozen
band together, and the dim lantern light
shed faint red glow UPON a small figure,
lying half buried in drift, while beside
him, with head dropped, stood the mastiff.
Tenderly the father lifted his unconscious