The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1908-01-30
"A Modern Samaritan.
"A horse. half-blinded by the falling

uhocdeSu iiutfs CtutCuiHB u1tCnhhiNdi
ly at rocks and grass. went hurtllng
down to death and mutilation. Tsen
came merciful oblivion.
Hidden behind q bush at the mo-
ment Of the mishap, and distant from
the horse only few feet, had been
pedestrian. AS the horse fell the
pedestrian started up. His first act
was to seize the bride. his next to
look down the ravine. AS his eyes
lighted on the face of the insensible
man his own cleaned with triumph.
Then something softer came into
them, and the softness gave place to
q grimly humorous light as he un-
coiled lettering rope fastened about
the horses neck. Holding this firm
1y, he lowered himself to where on
jutting rock and thorny bush the
fallen mans body had been caught.
He passed the rope beneath the 9TH
er's arms and knotted It, Then, with
a strength that threatened more than
once to give out, he clambered back
to the path.
Without moments rest or hesi-
tation he pulled off his thin coat,
folded 1t into cushion, and placed
it between the rope and the rocky
edge of the track. And, having start
ed the horse on a gentle walk, he
knelt by the raviiie, keeping the
rope from fraying as the body was
brought upward. Not until the task
had been completed did this chance
Samaritan exhibit any emotion; then
it took the shape of amusement, and
was expressed by prolonged
chuckle.
The man thus dragged from his
grave opened his eyes, stared about
him in a surprised manner, sat up,
and then sank back with an express
sion of agony on his face.
His rescuer unfastened the rope
and brought the horse to his side.
Again, almost everlasting himself, he
assisted the injured man to mount,
and, as if he had been especially en-
gagged for the occasion, led the horse
down the track.
During these many minutes the
Samaritan had uttered no word. It
was the horseman, Judge McAlister,
WIZ lnc I1lo WOIuD
were half-groaned, half-gasped, and
formed an inquiry whether the level
ground was far off.
The others answer was an extern
sion of his free hand; a turn in the
track showed a snow-covered road
way few yards distant This main
tanned taciturnity possibly irritated
the injured man, for he broke out:
"Are you dumb, or only a fool?"
The Samaritan did not furnish the
desired information; but he conde-
scended to remark;
keep your mouth shut; it's get
ting damp"
Judge McAlister started. For a
moment he had something other than
physical pain to occupy his attention;
his pride was hurt.
The judges eyes saw a typical
colonial of the daredevil, spendthrift,
happy-go-lucky variety. All the
judges pride began to expand like
heated gas. He pulled on the rein
suddenly, bringing the horse to Il
stand
"Well?" The Samaritan put the
laconic question.
Il wish to dispense with your
further services. How much do
owe you?"
The other fixed upon the judges
face an absolutely expre3sionless gaze
as he made answer:
You lost your senses when you
fell down that cliff, and don't seem
to nave found 'em again"
Judge McAlister passed his hand
across his forehead. The memory of
that awful time occupied by the ac-
cident had been effaced. Now it
came back. He looked at the Samar-
itan, and at the rope; then said, in
the tone of making an accusation:
You saved my llfe!"
The Samaritan took no notice
whatever. AS If enough time had
been wasted over trlvlalities, he start
ed the horse, a proceeding that
brought from McAllster's lips a faint
cry, followed by the words:
Man! my right ankle is broken.
Is there house near?'
The other pointed silently to low
building near the fast narrowing
horizon, and led the horse along a
cart track that passed through field
gateway.
why, the house is cmptyl" ex-
claimed the judge. when the build
Ing had been reached.
Looks like 1t"
How far is 1t to the next?"
1.-TWO miles at a guess, and the
road is bit rough. Does your leg
pain your"
Pain! Find a better word A"
groaned McAHster.
Then we'd better so inside, and
/ will fig it up"
The judge impatlently fretted in
MS saddle while his companion bat
tered at the door with piece of
scantling that had served to prop up
a fence. He saw him burglariously
enter and himself committed bur-
giary, hopping on one foot, when he
mad been assisted to the ground.
There ID packing case in this
corner. Sit down until we have a
fire."
The judge obeyed. The Samaritan
went out, and returned with an arm
iui or carpenters waste wood.
All of which Is directlv controru