The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1906-07-24


THEN A STREAK OF BLUE DASHED By HIM
nary courage care to excel as a runner 7
Running is an accomplishment for cow
ardsw
The blood rushed to the dark face,
but Reed spoke quietly and cour-
teously.
There are things to run for as well
as things to run from, Mr.. Hart. and l
hope I'd not be lacking II test Of
courage came to me-"
1t was a merry party that roamed
over the fields and through the woods
searching for the earliest spring dow-
ers; that rode and drove and sang and
danced
Young Reed and his fair hostess car
ried heavy hearts that made gayety an
effort and laughter a mockery. The
squire had refused to sanction their en-
gagement. to listen to any suggestion
or to make any promises for the fu-
ture
I'm wait" he said grimly, until you
have shown that you can do something
besides runW
Apparently obhvious to the sports Of
the guests at Harris Holm, the squire
had kept a keen eye on them ALL He
rather admired the logged pertinacity
with which Reed took his daily run OF
three or four miles over the country
roads. He smiled grimly when he saw
the young fellow start out as If for a
walk wearing long raincoat over his
running togs.
Doesn't mean to give any unneces-
sary offense to the 'crewel PARENT 4"
chuckled the squire approximately, but
intends to have his own way just the
same.
It'll be rather quiet and lonely at the
house tomorrow" soliloquized the
squire as he drove along, shifting the
fresh, clear air Of the bright spring
morning. 1.-The lads and lassies all go
today l wish l hadn't been quite so
sharp with Elsie and that young fellow.
He seems fine, manly chap. But what
on earth does he want to run for?' end
ing irritably. Hello. Bartlett, what's
the matter with your horseT
He had reached the top Of a long,
steep hill, and Overtaken a neighbor
with heavy load Of rock.
Stepped on stone that rolled, and
gone as lame as lazy mans excuses"
Bartlett answered Enthusiastically.
Suppose l hitch in my team and
take the load down for you," suggested
the squire. "it's all level after we pass
my house. You can lead yours down.
Sit still, Betty Bartlett, and hold on
tight" playfully addressing the little
girl perched on the seat. MY horses
are frisky, you know"
Bartlett had locked the wagon wheels
preparatory to making the descent, but
as the squire lifted the tongue for the
other horses to be hftched In the lock
chain snapped and broke and the heav-
lily loaded wagon started down the hill
He shouted to Bartlett, who, ham
pered by the four horses. lost his head
and only bawled, Whoa, Hart, whoav'
Hart held on to the tongue and
braced back with all his strength, but
despite his efforts the wagon went fy-
ing down the hill like an engine on
down grade.
Hold on tight, Betty" the squire
managed to scream.
He knew that If he dropped the
tongue the wagon would be tipped over
instantly and that there would be
small chance indeed for the life of the
child; so he too held on tight and
ran as If fleeing from death.
go on, horsy," cried Betty, in great
glee; "go fasterw
The squire couldn't spare breath now
even to groan. The heavy wagon, with
a ton Of rock behind him, crashed and
roared, bounced over the rough places
In the road, struck fire from cut stones
and the man ran till his legs seemed
merely rags futtering In fierce wind
Almost at the foot! II only he could
hold out few seconds morel And then
he tried to close his eyes-for there
crossing the road. directly in the path
from which he dared not diverge. was
little scarlet clad figure drawing q
child's cartl
Bobby-his own little Bobby!
He tried to pray, he tried again to
! close his eyes. apd thep Q streak Of