Year: 1861

u


His first jump took the snake clear from the
ground, and as john stole hasty glance over
his shoulder, he was Mortified TO find the snake
securely fastened to the extremity of his gar
mcni, while the speed with which he rushed
forward kept the ser[ ent extended at an angle OF
ninety degrees with his body.


Here was quandary. If he stopped, the
snake would coil around his body and squeeze
MN TO death if he continued his race he must
soon lali from sheer exhaustion. On he flew,
scarce daring to think how this dreadful race
was TO end. lnstlnctIvely he had taken the
direction for home, feeling Of security came
over him. Suddenly flashed across his mind
the true state of affairs-his father gone-the
quilting, and, worst of all, the girls! This
new horror sent the blood back, curdling about
his heart, and he came to a dead halt. The
next moment he felt the body of the cold,
clammy monster in contact with his bare legs,
his tallEcreeping around them in sort ofa cozen.
ing way, as though his snakeship only medita.
ted little fun, by way of tickling John upon
the knees.


This was too much for human endurance.
with yell, such as man never utters save when
in mortal terror, poor John again set forward
at break-neck speed, and once more had the
pleasure of seeing the snake resume his hori-





the tail of CONT.


On, on they new John forgot the quilting,
forgot the girls, forgot everything but the
snake. His active exercise (he paid particular
attention TO his running,) together with the
excessive heat, had brought on The nose bleed,
and as he ran, ears erect and head thrown
back, his chin, throat, and shirt bosom were
stunned with the flowing stream.


His first wild shrek had startled the Quilters,
and forth they rushed, wondering, if some mad
indian was not p'oWlIng about. By this time
John was within few rods of the barn, still
running at the top Of his speed, his head turne,
so that he might keep one eye on the snake
and with the other observe what course he
must take. The friendly barn now concealed
him from the sight of the girls. He knew they
were in the yard. having caught glimpse of
them as they rushed from the house. A few
more bounds and be would be in their midst.
For moment modesty overeame fear, and he
once more halted. The snake evidently pleas.
ed with his rapid transportn lion, manifested his
gratitude by attempting TO enfold the legs of
our hero within his embrace.


With an explosive ouch :" and urged for
ward by circumstances over which he had no
CONTROL" poor John bounded on. The next
moment be was in full view OF the girls, and
as he turned the corner of the barn, the snake
came round with Dhiz, somewhat after the
fashion of 4 coach whip.


Having reached the barn-yard, to his dsmay,
he found the bars up But time wac too precious
10 be wasted In letting down bars. Gathering
all his strength, he bounded into the air, snake
ditto, and as he alighted on the other side, his
snakeshIps tail cracked across the upper bar,
swapping like an India cracker


Again John set forward, now utterly regard
less of the girls for the extra tickle from the
snakes tail, as he leaped the bars, banished
all his bsshfuness and modesty, and again he
had the pleasure Of finding the snake in a
straight line drawing steadily at the hem of his
solitary garment.


The hC use now became the centre OF at
traction, and around it he reyolved with the
speed Of thought Four times in each revolu-
ZION, as be turned the corner, his snakeshp
came around with a whz that was quite re-
freshing.


While describing the third circle, as he
came near the group Of wonder-struck girls,
without removing his gaze from the snake he
managed to cry out


"CALL A MANI"


The next moment he had whisked out Of
sight, and, quick as thought, reappeared upon
the other eide of the house


"CALL NAM"


And away he whirIed again, turning the
corner SO rapidly that the wLiz of the snake
sounded halfway between a low whistle and
the repeated pronunciation of double-o
Before either of the girls had stirred from
their tracks, he ha / performed another revolu-
tlon-


"CALL MANI"
Away he flew once more, but his strength
was rapidly failing. Nancy Clark was the
first to recover her presence of mind, and size
ing hoop pole, she took her station near the
corner of the house, and as John reappeared
she brought it down upon the snake with a
force that broke his back aud his hold upon
Johns garment at the same time
John rushed into the house and went to his
room. and at tea-time appeared in his best
Sunday clothes, but little the worse for the
race, and to all appearances entirely cured Of
bashfulness. That night he walked home with
Nancy Clark. The next New Year they were
married, and now whenever John feels inclined
10 laugh at his wife's hoops, or any other Pc
culiarity, she has only to say &" Call a mar" "
when he instantly sobers down.