Omaha daily bee., 1908-11-11

For some little distance the cavalcade
made its way down the smooth level OF the
PARK road. The president was chatting
with a little group that included Secretary
Garfield. Mr.. Bacon, General Bell and Cen
eral Wotherspoon head of the war college
when he suddenly cast his eyes to the
right.
Wen, here's a promising place" he said.
gazing at the thick underground that clad
the steep hill. up we gor'
Up the little army went. Many were
scratched by thorns and much clothing
was torn by brambles, but all came out ON
the crest of the rise. Before those who
were breathing stentoriously could recover
the president looked them over quickly and
a grin spread over his face.
BY GODFREY he exclaimed, there's
nothing up here, Down we go again"
Down the hill the marchers made their
way garnering more scratches and moro
torn clothing on the way.
once on the path at the bottom of the
ueclvlty the president struck his gait
whlch is more rapid than the double
time In the army. His hat damned down
on MS head and his coat tails spread ont
nehlnd by the rapidity of his stride. he led
the party, now well trailed out, along the
way. ~
without warning he plunged into the
thick WOODS through which the path ran
IN narrow and winding fashion and the
marchers were compelled to fall into single
Tile. BY this time the inclination for CON
versation had passed. The rand. naoo
made every one conserve his breath. and
there was a general disposition TO attemnt
nothing but the business immediately IN
hand. "
The path broke into the omen AZ tbo
base OF a rocky cliff, almost precipitous
on the banks of Rock Creek. This is one
OF the presidents ~favorite spots, and at
us base the stream is about seyentv-five
iced wide and from four to six feet deem
straight up the rocky wall the president
cllmoed hand over hand. Behind him
one by one, came his followers. General
beil' who Is the beau ideal of the service
was close behind Mr.. Roosevelt when the
TOP Ao rect up, was reached, and at Gem
eral Bells heels came General wother-
spoon. who weighs 1870 pounds, but is hard
as nails.
Glorious climb, Bell" said the presi.
dent, his eyes twinkling and his face
glowing with the exercise. Lets wait a
minute for the rest and then wen go
down again. Nothing like climbing as an
exercise"
Then down the rocky wall the party
went slipping and sliding, and arriving
at the bottom drenched in perspiration.
The president looked contemplativeIy on
the stream and then removed his hat.
Into 1t he placed his eyeglasses, his
watch and keys, and one or two other
things that water might lnjure. Taking
the cue, those who knew their leader did
likewise.
Wen, let's go across" said Mr.. Roose-
Velt' when he had completed the prelim-
mary arrangements. And he waded i'm
In a moment he was up to his armpits.
Four strides further along the water
reached to his chin. Through it all the
president smiled delightedly, and when
two of the smaller officers were forced to
swim to strike shallow water on the far
shore, he laughed heartily.
shaking himself like a great dog. tha
president struck out from the stream on
The way back to the lights of the city.
II was growing chilly, and the teeth of
many of those who strobe in wet clothes
Were chattering like castanets when the
welt however, seemed to radiate heat and
happiness.
That was a bully walk" he exclaimed.
shaking hands with a number of those
nearest. Nothing like brisk exercise 10
get UP an appetite for dinner. Good night" /
And the president accompanied by Sec
rotary Garfield and Mr.. Bacon entered the