Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1912-09-27
The Escape.

Tho Escape.
A BOyE, Mrs. Delaney was moan
~ ing and imploring CROSBY 10
~ come back to her s1de' even
threatening to spring from the
beam to the floor before he could reach
the bottom Of the ladder.
"Bv George!' he exclaimed, and then
climbed up three or four rounds OF the
ladder, greatly to the annoyance OF
the dog.
"What Ia it7' cried Mrs. Delaney, re-
covering her balance on the beam.
LET me think for minute" he an
swered, deliberately resting his elbow
ON an upper round.
at Is about time you were doing
little thinking" she said, relief ana
asperty In her voice. SIN another sec
ond I should have jumped into that
dogs Jaws"
"I believe 1t can be done,' he went
ON. excited enthusiasm growing in his
voica ..rhat's what bulldogs are fa-
nous for, isn't it7''
II don't know what you are talking
about. but I do know that whenever
thew take hold of anything they have
to be treated for lockjaw before they
will let 60 II you don't come up mere
beside me I'll have it, Mr.. Crosby
That's It; that's what [ mean he
cried eagerly. eff they close those
Jaws upon anything they won't let go
until death them doth part. CAD!
believe see way out Of this pickle.
81 don't see how that can help us.
The dogs jaws are the one ana only
obstacle, and 1t is usually the othef
fellows death that parts them. Oh
she went on plaintively, IF we could
only pull his teeth! Good heavens,
Mr.. Crosby!" sitting up very abruptly,
"You are not thinking Of undertaking
1t, are your
"No. but I've got a scheme that will
make Swallow ashamed Of himself to
the end Of his days. l can't heip
laughing over it, he leaned back
and laughed heartily. Hold my coat,
please" He removed his cot quickly
and passed 1t up to her.
"I insist on knowing what you in
tend doing" she exclaimed.
"Just wait and see me show Mr..
Swallow a new trick or two" He had
already taken his watch and chain, his
fountain pen and other effects from
his vest. tanning them into his trous-
ers pockets. Mrs. Delaney in the grow
ing darkness looked on, puzzled and
anxious.
"You might tell me-" she argued re
sentfuliy "Are you going to try to
swim outT'
Folding the vest lengthwise, he took
q firm grip on the collar and cautious
" descended the ladder.
"T'll not come to the hospital" she
cried warningly. Don't! He'll bite
your leg off,
I'm merely teasing him, Mrs. De
lancey. He sha'n't harm my legs. don't
fear. Now watch for developments"
Pausing Just beyond reach of the dogs
mightiest leaps, he took a firm hold on
the ladder and swung down with the
vest until it almost slapped the head
of the angry animal. It was like cast
ing fly directly at the head Of hun
cry pickerel. Swallows eager jaws
closed down upon the cloth and the
teeth met like a vice. The heavy body
Of the brute almost jerked Crosby's
arm from the socket, but he braced
himself. recovered his poise and chung
gaily to the ladder, with the growing,
squirming dog dangling free Of the
floor. Mrs. Delaney gave little
shriek of terror
"Are you-going to bring him up
here?" she gasped.
Heaven knows where he'll end"
"But he will ruin your vest"
'I'll charge 1t up to your account.
Item: One vest, SIS"
BY this time he was swinging Swal-
low slowly back and forth, and he aft
erward said that it required no little
straining Of his muscles.
"You extravagant thing!" she cried,
but did not tell whether she meant his
profligacy in purchasing or his wanton-
ness in destroying "And, now, pray
enlighten me. Are you swinging him
just for fun or are you crazy?"
Everything depends on his Jaws and
my strong right ARM" he said, and he
was beginning to pant from the exer.
ton Swallow was swinging higher
and higher.
"Well, it is the most aimless pro
ceeding I ever saw"
81 hope not. On second thought, ev-
erything depends on my aim"
''And what is your aim, Mr.. Her.
cues?"
See that opening above the box stall
over there?"
''Dimly."
That's my aim. Heavens he's a
heavy brute"
"Oh. I sect" she cried ecstatically
cIapping her hands. Delicious! Love
ly: Oh, Mr.. Crosby. you are so clever!