Beadle's Pocket Library No. 480

# "The Village Sport: The Young Mechanic's Muster" ## By James L. Bowen

This serial opens in a small western village founded by Maurice Jonson on promising land with water-power potential. Lawrence Estey, a skilled twenty-four-year-old mechanic hired by Jonson, arrives as a stranger. Estey encounters Jerry Buffin, the brash "Village Sport," who drunkenly declares his intention to marry Rose Jonson, Maurice's eighteen-year-old orphaned niece and ward.

During a community nut-gathering excursion in nearby hills, Rose and her aunt fall into a swift, deep stream when Jerry disturbs the primitive log bridge. While others hesitate, Estey plunges into the cold water, rescuing both women from drowning. His heroism wins village admiration and awakens romantic love in him. Six months later, Estey's suit is accepted; he and Rose are engaged, with their wedding imminent. Jerry Buffin has finally abandoned his pursuit.