The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1903-02-13
A knight Of the Highway
By CLINTON SCOLLARD,
of ga Arms, "The a Tory,'


low water was reached, and was able,
with Rossiter's arm encircling his
waist, to drag himself up to the grass
of the bank, where he sank in a
limp heap. Presently he began to
vomit violently, whereat the boy who
had been standing by, mouth agape
and speechless, commenced to moan
and whimper.
Its the best thing that could hap
pen," said Rossiter, reassuringly.
He'll come around all right short
ly."
Indeed it was not long before the
rescued man sat up, a look of dis
gust and loathing upon his features.
Mother of Moses!" he exclaimed,
''but I shouldn't want Mohondaga
water for a steady diet!"
He caught Rossiter's eye and
smiled wanly.
"You were just in time" he said.
"Jim, there, amt worth shucks. He
can't swim a stroke. Another min
ute, an I'd "a croaked"
at was rather close shave" OBJ
served Rossiter.
Gee, yes!" This was said with
considerable emphasis, and sus-
picion of color began to creep into
the young mans pallid cheeks.
He was perhaps 26 or 81 years Of
age, and as Rossiter now glanced from
his face to that of the boy, who had
edged close to him, he saw at once
from the strong resemblance between
them that they must be brothers,
the younger hardly more than 16.
They were not unattractive faces,
either of them, and i'll the elders
Rossiter read lines of determination
and self-reliance that made him for
the instant envious. Both were
slimly fashioned, with a slight stoop
to the shoulders, and both had the
lifeless compilations of those who
They had clear eyes of steel-blue,
and the hair of the elder curled
slightly. He had, moreover, an in
significant brown mustache.
Come out in the sum-" said Ros-
sitter to the one he had rescued;
''it'll brace you up"
He gave the young man helping
hand, and steadied him after he had
got upon his feet.
'Cripe, but I'm weak!" the whilom
swimmer said. "You wouldn't think
it 'ud take it out of fellow So" and
he sat down near where he had laid
his clothes.
Rossiter now began to realize the
condition of his own garments,
Il believe I'll have to wiring my
things out" he remarked, "and let
them dry in the sum-" and he pro-
ceeded forthwith to put this scheme
into execution.
For space little was said, the two
brothers absently watching the va
grant as he spread his worn articles
of apparel upon the grass. Finally
the elder spoke up quickly.
How'd you happen along just as
you did?'' he inquired.
"Oh, was having nap over yon-
der" answered Rossiter, waving his
hand in the direction of the elm I'M
der which he had been reclining, land
! heard your brother shout"
Having a nap eh?" this with con-
siderable surprise, as though the
speaker could not understand the
philosophy of a mid-morning indul-
gence of that character.
eyes, but'-with swift shift of
the topic of conversation-'yo
haven't told me what was the trouble
with you out there" and Rossiter
nodded towards the water.
"Oh, a cramp caught me. 1 must
have been too warm when l went in.
1t doubled me all up on one side,
and L called to Jim, who was pad
dim about in shallow water. He ran
out onto the bank scarf stiff, and be-
gan yellin' like mad. It's darn lucky
he did, l guess"
At this the younger brother
laughed foolishly.
Say" continued the elder, you've
done me blamed good turn
Don't mention it," said Rossiter,
interrupting him.
But, by gosh, I'm goin' tot" cried
the young man. "What do you take
me for? Now, as I say, you've done
me good turn, and I'd like to do
you one, if you'll let me-"
He looked at Rossiter appealingly.
"Well," said the latter.
you're in hard luck, amt you?
No offense meant"
Rossiter lowered his eyes.
Suppose 1 amp" said he.
SCOT anythin' at all to do?"
81 had an offer this morning"
"Somethin' that you care about?"
III can't say that it is"
"Come along with us, then!" this
with sudden enthusiastic burst of
confidence. MY mother md sister
md Jim md mes goin' hop-pickin'.
We've just come up this mornin'
from Fallsburgh down the river
where we live, and are goin' into the
country this afternoon. Fine place,
bully grub md all that. A chum
o. mine was to have been along, but
he backed out at the last minute, SO
it'll be all o. k, won't it, Jim?"
"Sure!" exclaimed the boy.
Rossiter was more than surprised