Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1907-03-28
A COUNTRY BOY.

was a picturesque appearance aoou'
his figure that redeemed it from the
commonplace. Honetsy, intelligence
and laughing face were mental and
physical characteristics that struck
the observer at once.
When he reached dry land, he held
up a rough wooden box and peered
between the Stats on one side. Some
thing wiggled and the boy laughed
"Say, what have you got in there ?
shouted a voice from the bridge above
the stream.
Font looked up and stared at the
two boys. He had not seen them be-
fore, and the voice, coming out OF the
stiffness of the swamp, startled him.
II say, what have you got thereY
demanded the voice more Imperative
ly.
Font was not accustomed to such
peremptory speech, and instead of re-
plying, he walked off in the opposite
direction.
"He's mighty stuck up about it,
muttered the first speaker. "Let'f
take it away, and see what he's got.
"All right Well teach him q
lesson"
The two boys hurried down the
slope, and in few minutes reached
Fonts side. They were both taller
than he, but Font had the advantage
of breadth and muscle. Without
further preliminary the two boys
grabbed him by the shoulders, and
one said:
"Why didn't you answer me
Haven't you any tongue In your
head ?"
Font remained silent and this irri-
tated the boys more than if he had
answered sharply.
"He's deaf and dumb, l believe,
Bob"
Then he shouted in Fonts ear:
1--WE want to know what youv
got in that bo1i'
Font stepped back quickly, and
Rugged his box more closely.
ooh, well, if you won't let US see,
we'll take it from you.
The larger Of the two boys snatched
the box away, and ran a few steps to
one side. Font followed and found
his tongue quick enough.
Give me that box. 1t doesn't be-
long to you
He would have snatched it away
but one of the boys interfered while
his companion suddenly pried open
the lid. There was sudden scream
and the box fell to the ground. Out
of it jumped long, copper-colore d
reptile. But before it reached the
ground and disappeared in the brush
it had struck it's fangs deep into the
hand of the inquisitive boy.
Realizing the enormity Of the &C.
cident that had so suddenly come up
on him, the boy screamed with pain,
real or imaginary, and shouted loud
ly: I'm killed, Bob That RATHER
bit me Oh, it hurts; my hand j,
swelling upl Run for the doctor !
Quick, Bob u
Then in his fright and pain he near
ly tainted. His companion was near
ly as badly frightened. and could not
move from the place. Font was the
only cool one Of the three.
"See him laughing at me, shouted
the wounded boy. You'll die for
this; they'll hang you; you ought to
be lynched now"
II did nothing" said Font. "You
stole the box from me and let my
snake out before l could speak.
"Why didn't you tell him that il
was RATHER" said Bob.
Because he didn't ask me politely,
was the reply.
Then the pain of the snake Bit
brought another spasm to the victim
face. and he shrieked aloud, holding
up his arm to show where the swelling
was already Transforming the limb
run for the doctor, Bob, or I shall
die T. he cried. Can't you help me ?
He turned to Font in his agony
and the stolid little face suddenly re
Taxed, as he said:
81 know sure cure for snake-bite
but you didn't ask me before. It
better than doctors medicine.
Then get it quick | Hurry, or
will be too late" cried the stricken
boy.
Call right. III get it soon, an
then cure YOU.
Font suddenly disappeared in tn
swamp, and the two frightened boy