The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-10-03
By William Wallace, Jr.

the speed Of the flying train; but this
seemed impossible, as they were running
down grade. When the engine got within
200 feet of Teddy and Pug, Teddy was
seen to lift his companion in his arms
and drop him over the side of the trestle-
work into the swamp. 10 feet below.
Then his own body quickly followed, and
he landed on his feet in the cold mud just
as the great heaving, painting train dashed
over the spot he had that instant vacated.
The Mortified boys ran to the spot
where Teddy was picking pug out of
the mud. They all pressed around Teddy,
trying in their boyish ways to express
their admiration of his brave act. With
tears flowing from his eyes, now that all
was over, Frank folded his little cousin
to his breast while he sobbed out his
thanks to Teddy for having saved the
dear child's life.
Jaw. I didn't do nothing to make
fuss over" said Teddy. pushing the boys
aside. He was a modest fellow and
praise caused him 10 become Ill at ease.
why, boy, you put yourself in danger
of death to save -'Pug's nfe," declared
one of his companions.
well, somebody had to do It," an
swered Teddy, coolly. "As none Of you
fellows seemed anxious for the Job 1t
was left to me to do It Anybody could
have done the same--had he wanted to"
And he cast a sarcastic glance about him.
"But-come! Pug's cold. Hear the poor
kids teeth chatterf'
AS they waded their way out OF the
swamp they saw the train had come to
stop preparatory to pushing backward.
At the approach to the trestlework the
boys were met bv the train men and sew
eral of the passengers who lad come to
see whether the boys had sustained any
injuries. On learning that the boys were
from town the conductor Of the train In
vited them to have a free ride home, and
the band were pretty glad to avail them
selves of the opportunity, for since the
exciting incident just related, the spirit
of gaiety had cooled, and all felt that the
days adventures would better close.
Once inside the car the boys located
themselves as best they could, some shar-
ing seats occupied by single passengers.
Little Pug" found a seat beside a lovely
young lady who had heard Of the little
fellows narrow escape from death. and
who showed great interest in hearing
him relate the story. Il come with
cousin Frank" explained Pug" In his
innocent way. but it wasn't him what
saved me from being run over; 1t was
throwed me over like 1 was lump Of
mud, or something"
Teddy Traversv' And the pretty lady
raised her eyebrows. els he on the
trainr'
..Yes'm," nodded pug" THAT Teller
over LneTe WIN Luc bltlpSu eWCoAek oA 40
him.
The lady quickly arose and crossed the
aisle, stopping beside Teddy, who was list
ening to the big talk of two Of his COM
panions; they were explaining how they
would have gone about saving Pug"
hadn't Teddy taken the matter into his
own hands. Touching Teddy on the
shoulder the lady smiled and said: II
want to Introduce myself to the hero Of
the day, Master Teddy Travers. I'm your
aunt May"
Aunt May And Teddy's cap was of
instantly, and he was shaking hands
with his relative whom he was seeing for
the first time. As the lady bent and
kissed him she said: I've heard from
the conductor all about your heroism in
saving your little friend. I'm very proud
to meet you as you are coming fresh
from the field of glory
Teddy blushed and turned the subject
by asking how she come to be on that
train. telling her that his mother was ex-
pecting her to arrive much later. After
explaining that she made better train
connections than she had anticipated, she
asked Teddy to come and share the seat
occupied by her and Pug
Just before the train pulled into the
station Teddy said in low tone to his
aunt: Say. Aunt May. this morning