Tom Slade on the River

by Percy Keese Fitzhugh

William Bronson

Theodore Bronson

Connover Bennet

George O’Connor

Charles O’Connor

Wade Van Ester

He blinked as he gazed at the highly polished metal, at the names which had meant labor and long effort for him, and which bespoke his success. His hand almost shook as he fumbled the silken tassel of the beautiful instrument, and the familiar names upon it seemed like fifty names wrought into an intricate design.

“That’s all right, Tom,” said Mr. Ellsworth, smiling and placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “They understand.”

But it was Roy who came to his rescue, as he had done more than once before, and saved him further embarrassment.

“Blow it, Tomasso,” said he. “Maybe you can blow up your other recruit if you blow loud enough.”