Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1909-12-03
erless. lie felt himself sinking and

He knew what had seized him. IL
was cramp. His mind was quite clear
despite the drumming In his ears. He
. realized that he was drowning. He
wondered how the street would take
II and what the papers would say. He
offered no resistance as the waters
drew him down. His head roared;
there was fire before his eyes.
Then he was fighting and struggling.
He struck out with his clinched hands.
He clung madly to the dark thing that
was attacking him.
The next thing he remembered was
the sound of a pleasant voice. He
was lying on the soft sod beside the
swimming hole with his face down
ward. Somebody was rubbing him
briskly with a coarse towel.
You're coming back all right" said
a pleasant voice. Lie still until |
get the circulation going. | fancy the
cramp has gone. II was lucky | saw
you leaving the road. And II was lucky,
too, that | heard you call for help.
You were in the deepest hole Of all
and you gave me a hard fight for a
moment or two. But you're all right.
There. Now you can put on your
clothes. No symptoms OF a chill,
eh?"
He was a fine looking young fellow,
clear eyed and dark haired. alert and
quick and CHEEKY. He brought Jim
Atherton his clothes and helped him
dress.
"Sit here in the sun until you are
warmed all through" he said. Now
you are looking yourself again"
The rescued man found his voice.
Fine boy" he murmured. Fate
sent worthy messenger. It's a good
thing she didn't send laggard. But,
boy. you are dripping. Take care OF
yourself. Don't mind me-"
I'm all right" laughed the young
man. 81 warmed up working over you.
I've a coat on the fence yonder and
I'll slip II on. too"
Jim Atherton eagerly watched him.
Boy" he said. "a good many peo-
ple will think you have done a good
afternoons work. | confess I'm one
of them. Give me your hand" He
took the young mans hand and stared
into his face. "You need not tell me
your name. 1t is Philip Ingram"
The young man started.
That is a very good guess" he said.
1T is not a good guess" Jim Ather'
ton answered. II knew your mother.
He paused moment. "Twenty-seyen
years ago-and today her son saves
my life"
The young man had drawn back q
little. Now he came nearer.
MAY | ask your name, sir?'
James AthertOn."
why. why" cried the young man
you once lived here And you knew
the old swimming hole. OF course, Of
course. I've heard OF You very often
sir The village IS quite proud o.
you You are really the Mr.. James
Atherton of-of Wall street,?
The financier slowly smiled.
"I think | am the Atherton you
mean"
Then, said the young man, Il have
a packet for you"
a packet"
Yes. Ii is at the house. My moth
er gave It to me just before-before
she died. Il contains all the letters
you sent to her when you were chill
dren together. She wanted me to give
Il into your hands some time and say
10 you that she had not forgotten"
There was a little silence.
'T want the packet" said Jim Ather'
ton slowly, land I want you"
The young man started and drew
back.
Wait" said Atherton. II am doing
this not SO much for you as for your
mothers memory. / know she would
wish IL. She gave you en education
m AZ you for better things. 1t is In
nv power to help you. to develop you
IN make a useful and influential man
of YOU. have no son. ! am alone III
the world
The face OF the young man was
pale.
NO" he said, II cannot accept
have a father who needs me-"
81 know about your father" sao
/ Atherton. Il know about the western
tourney he Is advised to take. Here.
He quickly drew money from his pock
ct and thrust it into the young mans
hands. That's an advance on your
salary. You will take your father tt
Colorado. You will see that he II
comfortably settled. You will provide
everything for him that he needs
And then you will come to me. Is 1t
promise?"
The young man hesitated momen
longer.
"Yes," he said, 7 promise"
Now bring me the packet" salt
Jim Atherton.-W. n Rose In Cleve
land Plain Dealer.