Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1904-03-03
saint Maru's Beacon



the river. Clinton, leaving the man
chasing the pig in and out through
the standing corn. hurried after his
property.
Mr.. Burr will see him, thought
the boy. as he gave shrill whistle.
Sancho for once paid no heed to
his masters call, but tossed his
willful little head. and keptstraight
on toward the river, glimmering 90
temptingly through the trees. for he
liked nothing better then 70 stand
deep in the cool water on warm
summer day. In fact, he was 80
fond OF the water that the neighbors
called him Swimming Sancho.
Mr.. Burr won Z know Sancho II ]
keep out Of sight, thought Clinton.
concealing himself behind q bunch
of tall weeds. At first be looked In
vain for any sign Of the enemy, but
presently he caught sight OF him,
seated In an old, water-logged scow,
lying ia the shadow Of some large
rocks or the opposite bank. The
river was not very wide. and Clin-
ton watched unseen.
Mr.. Burr was batting his hook
as he stood up 70 throw his line he
glanced around him, and Clinton
ducked. When he ventured TO raise
his head again, Mr.. Burr was strug-
Cling to free his hook from some
brambles in the water. He sat on
the stern of the. old scow, his feet
dangling over the side. and tugged
and growled.
Clinton felt highly amused at these
unsuccessful efforts and chuckled
softly. Suddenly the boat swirled
around. Mr.. Burr slipped from his
seat, struck his head sharply against
q rock, and disappeared beneath the
water. The farmer was heavy,
elderly man, and wore thick boots
and q short jacket, and where he had
gone down the river was known to
be very deep.
Il was so long before he came to
the surface that Clinton waded out
into the water waist deep, but final
ly Mr.. Burr's head appeared. He
uttered q cry, and caught at q pro-
iecting rock. Clinton at q glance
saw that the man could not retain
his hold on the slippery surface
many minutes. There was no hu-
man being in sight, nor any kind of
vessel within reach. AS the boy
stood watching the man in dazed,
Mortified way, Sancho approached,
and thrust his dripping mouth into
his hand.
Yes, cried Clinton, as though the
horse had spoken, you are right.
Sancho, he hates US both, but we
must do our best to save him. Then
grasping the mustangs thick name,
he threw himself over his back.
The docile animal struck out at
once. guided only by Clinton . heels.
Mr.. Burr saw them coming. but just
as he shouted Help, he-he-lp. his
hand relaxed its hold and the water
closed ever him again.
A terrible feeling crept over the
boy as Sancho splashed onward.
He took in everything at q glance.
The empty boat, now far down the
river, the silent, peaceful scene he
heard the crickets chirping softly In
the short grass along the bank. and
the gentle wind murmuring softly
through the willows. A kingfsher
flashed over his head, and paused
an instant above the widening cir
cles made by the sinking man. II
was ell so strangely and dreadfully
quiet. Clinton shuddered, as they
came close 10 the spot where Mr..
Burr had disappeared.
Suddenly Sancho gave an alarmed
snort, and the boy saw o face en-
erge from the water close 10 his foot.
With aquick movement he bent down
and grasped the limp lock Of gray
hair, which was floating up and
down like o seaweed.
Ouch, you hurtl' splutsered Mr..
Burr. opening his eyes. 'Letgomy
hair and throw me the end OF that
rope hanging from your critters
neck then get me out OF this as
quickly as you can. ! am as cold as
Q fish.
Clinton obeyed, then urged Sancho
toward the nearest bank.
While Mr.. Burr lay in the dry
grass. recovering his breath. the boy
thought It q fine opportunity tomake
o bargain with his old enemy, 50 he
said. coaxingly:
Mr.. Burr, II we 60 out and pick
up your boat. will you let me take
Sancho home this once p
The farmer looked at Clinton sharp
ly. Go ahead, youngster.' he an.
swered, in q husky voice.
The old boat was soon lying in the
water close to its owner.