The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-03-11

took II at bound, a few minutes
later they were at the river.
Several men were working In the
sdge of the water, trying to rescu,
lumber and other floating wreckag,
from the torrent. Judge Pauls was
standing on the bank watching them
AS the horse dashed down the bank
the men threw up their hands warn,
ingly.
You can't cross herey one OF them
yelled. Its sure death"
"A womans on the other side dying"
was DIR. Phils only answer.
He did not even attempt TO check
the horse, but plunged into the water
at full speed.
This horse was the only piece OF
property that DIR. Phil owned and he
had been able TO make the purchase
because the ugllness and vlciousness
and small size Of the animal had made
the price very low. But the horse was
apparently afraid OF nothing In the
world and had strong staying powers,
and these were qualities which soon
convinced the young doctor that he had
obtained the very animal he needed
without regard TO price.
However, with that rushing. roaring
torrent before him, the animal seemed
to think Il foolhardy to proceed, for
before he had gone dozen feet from
shore he tried to turn and swim back
But now the tlrm, masterful hand OF
the rider was controlling his head. the
calm. inlleXible voice was sounding en-
couragiugly In his ears, and after few
Intellectual attempts TO turn the hors,
directed his gaze toward the opposite
shore and did what Dr. Phil was doing
his best.
But no living thing could stem or
cross that mad rush of water. and this |
Or. Phil well knew. lie must reach
the other side, but he was not fool. |
hardy.
The torrent was winding In It's course, |
DR., Phirs gaze had swept keenly from
bank to bank; then he forced his horse |
into current which approached the
opposite shore nearly Il half mile down
To the Mortified spectators IL looked rs
though they were being swept away
powerless TO help themselves, as, In
deed, they were for the time being All
DR.. Phil did was TO guide the horse,
and ali the horse could do was TO keep
them above water. But as the current
It's nearest point to the 9th
er shore, not more than ten feet dis
tant, Or. Phil suddenly slipped into
the water, with his hand twisted In
the horses name, and In that position,
freed from his weight and with the
strong right arm assisting by quick,
powerful strokes the horse threw him
self forward with a desperate effort
which brought his feet upon the bot
tom \ few minutes later they emerged
from the water and staggered up the
bank.
DR.. Phil did not hesitate. Lonesome
'alley was two miles away, and he
'ould reach it more quickly on foot
han he could on the horse In its pres.
mt exhausted condition. So he turned
he animal loose; perhaps he could re
over him again when he returned.
He found the woman weak from loss
Il blood and lack Of proper attention,
Another hours delay might have been
atal. lie remained with her two days,
ntil she was out Of danger, and then
eturned to the river. Contrary to his
xpectation. he found the horse grazing
uietly within a few rods Of where he
ad left him, and the animal greeted
i'm with an unmistakable whinny Of
leasure and relief. Perhaps the com
lOn danger in the river and the man
er of escape had won the horses re-
pect and dependence; possibly the ami.
lal was already becoming fond Of him.
Dr. Phil had not received fee for his
orvices, but the family's gratitude ana
he way the horse trottcd toward him,
were enough and he re
rossed the river with buOyant heart.
In his desk he found letter which
ead:
Ny Dear Doctor-I was a little hasty
ne other day, and I realized It when l
lw you crossing the river. WIN you
verlook It by taking dinner with us Sun
ay? HENRY PAULS.