The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-01-10

wdeawake and courageous fellows. The prisoner,
though, was very young, almost a-child The
Jailer told me he had known him ever since he was
born"
did the jailer to be sorry for him?" asked
Jack anXiously.
mo, not to speak of He was so Glad ~ have
caught him. Iold me he intended TO keen hin, ,s
long as he could unless he could make something out
of turning him to someone else THOUGHT the
little fellow would get over being homesick and that
he was too young to know what he was missing in the
way of freedom"
What brute he must have been, Uncle! Didn't
you tell him what you thought of hm?"
Uncle Ned shook his head. No" he said st
would only nave vexed him and probably have done
no good Perhaps he will the error of his wavs
sometime; 1 hope | liked that iailer and hate
to think that he will grow-that is, get to be a
brute, you say"
L should think he was one already said Jack in
dlgnantiy 81 wish you'd
well, WELL let's get along if you're rested Jackie
Wen have the breeze at our backs going home and
suppose we can scorch fast we please here in
the woolly West"
Jack laughed he righted his wheel to mount Int
there serious look in his eyes and down in his
heart vague feeling of disappointment in his spen
did young uncle who had always been his hero But
the hve-mie ride home too exhilarating to per-
init of abiding low spirits. ''Isn't it great?" he
painted as they slowed up little on a slight rise
Great echoed Uncle Ned. Its like avinol"
I've always wished [ could fly Jack began
but"
But since you weren't built that way, you won't
miss IT., interrupted Uncle Ned in a tone that made
Jack look back over his shoulder. His unce's head
was tilted backward and he was wipng big drop
OF water off his forehead. Jack followed his gaze
skyward and saw, cleaving the golden atmosphere
above them, the eagle of the hemlock in his strong
talons he grpped struggling fish
"A big meal for lone eaglet isn't it?" Uncle Ned
asked cheerfully. But Jacks face there was
creeping a dull red wave He understood now tbe
parable of the hard-hearted taller.
During the rest of the short distance home his UNI
Gle kept up lively monoogue, much of which Jack
and not even hear. When they reached the steps
and dismounted he was Fastening toward the back Of
the house, when Uncle Ned called out, "Gong to be-
gin the cage tonight, Jack? Want any help?" Ap
parently Jack did not hear the friendly offer but
hurried on, intent upon freeing the eagle In the
woodshed he found piece OF sacking, which he
threw over the captive's head. This time there was
no struggle to Geay him he carefully removed the
chain from the SCARED leg, and ten minutes running
brought him to the foot of the hemlock. The old
birds were both perched near the nest and when
Jack came up, bent their sharp eyes upon him in
very disconcerting way. He climbed up on a fallen
tree trunk and uncovering the bird suddenly tossed
him into the air. The eaglet uttered a sharp cry
OF fright, which answered from above, and the
next moment the boy felt strong current of wind
made by the beating of the great wings the parent
birds simultaneously swooped down to the rescue If
ihelr offspring In the momentarv danger lack al
most regretted his rashness but the birds sven+ mast
MN, ana the next minute he was safe i'm the woods
me Iamlly were at supper when ne reached home
and he slipped into his place beside his uncle nm
"oticeu except that kindly hand reached down and
patted his knee under the table The next dav nm
Gle and nephew stood at respectfully distance and
watched a flying lesson from the big hemlocl in
winch two parents and two youngsters particinated
Alice d. BaWkhdge, in The Interior.