The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-08-01

"suppose I hitch in my fiafI and
take the load down for you." suggested
the squire "it's all level after we pass
my honsa, yss can lead yours down.
sit still, Betty Bartlett, and hold on
tight" playfrlly addressing the little
girl pcrcbed on the seat my horses
are frisky, you know"
Bartlett lind locked tho wagon wheels
preparatory 10 making tho descent, but
as the squire lifted the tongue for the
other horses 10 be htchod Iii the lock
chain snapped and broke and tho heav.
lly loaded wagon started down the hill.
lie shouted to Bartlett, who ham.
pered by the four horses, lost his head
and only bawlcd, "Whoa. Hart. whoa"
Hart held on to tho tongue and
braccd back with all bis strength, but
despite bis efforts tho wagon went fly.
Ing down the hill like an engine on
down grade,
Hold on tight. Betty the squire
managed 10 scream.
lie knew that II hc dropped the
tongue the wagon would be tipped over
instantly and that there would be
small chance indeed for the life Of the
child; 10 he too held on tight" nnd
ran an II fleeing from death.
go on. borsy." cried Betty. in great
giee: ''go fasterf
The squire couldn't spare breath now
even 10 gronn. The heavy wagon, with
a ton Of rock behind him. crashed and
ronrcd, bounced over tho rough places
In the rond. struck fire from cut stones.
and the man ran till his legs seemed
merely rags auttcring In fierce wind.
Almost nt the foot! II only he could
hold out a few seconds morel And then
he tried to close his eyes--for there.
crossing the road. directly In the path
from which no dared not diverge. was
q little scarlet clad figure drawing a
child'a cart!
Bobhy-~hIs own little Bobbyi
He tried 10 pray. he tried again to
close bis eyes. aud then streak OF
blue dashed by him, the scarlet spot
was caught up and rushed to safety!
He jumped instinctively when he
reached the little cart. and II was
crushed TO pieces under the laundering
wheels.
lie had reached the level. He could
feel the slackenlng OF the terrific speed,
but be stlli ran on. miles II seemed to
him now. before he could stop the de.
mon That was forcing him onward.
go on. horsy! Gidd upf' cried the
insatlate Betty az the squire dropped
limp TO the ground You can be my
horsy now" she remarked compla.
Gently TO the first OF the young men
who reached the side OF the exhausted
squire.
They quickly improvlsed strctcher
from the blankets and carried the un.
conscious man 10 the house.
He opened bis eyes after awhile and
looked anxiously about him.
~fsobby's oil right" said some one
quickly, "and the little girl-and-and,
I guess. everybody"
'Ralph" gasped the squire.
Here am. Mr.. Hart" bending over
him.
II am glad you can rum" family.
80 am |. Mr.. Hart" feelIngly. II
feared you were going TO run over me.
though
wen have 10 copcede you to be the
champion sprinter!' cried one Of the
other men. "That was a pretty long
dash, sure enough"
'Ralph must yield the palm to you,
squire" added another joylally.
The squire shook his head feebly.
"He--hc achieved H." he whispered.
his eyes on Ralph's tine face. "but it
II was He sighed wearily.
1T was thrust upon YOU you mean,
/ squire" understandingly.
| The squire smiled grImly In acqui-
aaanncn