The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-09-27
life. Come. Charles, I have always

scarcely conscious Of his treble burden.
Though he bounded over the ground with
the feetness of deer, Henry saw with
dismay, as the breeze occasionally waited
away the smoke, that he did not gain upon
his enemy. BY much the largest stream of
fire was on their left, and the wind carried
il forward in n direction that would sweep
across the road, before they could reach
the open lands, unless they could ou,strip
its speed. Ofthis he had little hope. Still
Charlie flew onward, and still Henry spoke
cheeriugy, though his heart sank within
him. AT length they reached the critical
point-they mounted little hill, and the
hopelessncss of their situation burst upon
them in its full extend.
May God preserve u.s. exclaimed Hem
ry, for vain is the help of man.
My father oh, my father murmurcd
Grace in the same breath.
The fire had long since crossed the road
at the point which they must pass, in order
10 reach Mr. Harwood's, and was burning
icrcey on either side. One tree had al
ready fallen across the path and seemed to
present an insurmountablc barrier TO their
progress. For moment Henry stopped
his horse to breathe, and then put him to
his utmost speed We can but die--on,
Charlie They were amidst the flames
they were covered with burning cinders-
scorched aud breathless they reached the
fallcn irec--anotlIer was just tottering on
its base. Charlie made desperate plunge
he leapcd that fearful barrier, and in an
instant more sunk exhausted with his black
ened burden amidst the friends who, on
The other side, with specclilcss horror had
watched their movements. A loud crash
behind them thrilled through every heart as
they saw The flaming tree fall in the very
spot they had just passed.
1t would be mockery to attempt n des-
cripiion of the scene that ensued. MIR.
iiarwuod alternately embraced his daugh-
tcrs nnd their prescryer, while tears Of rap
turc pourcd down his manly cheek. Col.
Baldwin fully participated in his feelings.
Grace was almost as dear to him as his
own sou--every thing was forgotten but
their past danger aud their present safety.
When the first excitement had little sub
sided, Mr.. HnrSood extended his hand to
Col. Baldwin.
Can you,' said he, for the sake of old
friendship, and this happy providence, which
has saved us both from miserable bereave-
ment-can you forgive my long injustice to
you and yoursP
As easily replied Col. Baldwin, warm
ly grasping his extended hand, ms hope
to be forgiven.
And you, my young friend, what do |
not owe you! How can l ever repay
Here, Grace, give me your hand. What,
DO you refuse lie has saved your life,
girl-and more than that, he has saved your
poor old fathers too. Not to love him
would show heart blacker than an inf
daPs,-come.
At this moment Charles Harwood gal
loped up to the spot. lie had returned
home after he left his sisters, in great anx.
icty both for them and his own family buI
happily thougl, his dwelling was cndanger-
ed, it was not destroyed, and rs soon as it.
safety was uscertained he mounted his
horse to fad out what had become Of Grace
and Isabella. AS the fire was now raging
violently along the road he had SO recent,
passed, he had to take n circuitous route
~ what was his horror to learn upon reach
Ing his fathers that they had not yet return
ed. He instantly followed The directio,
Mr.. Harwood had taken, and arrived as be
fore mentioned. Ii will readily be believe,
that he was not much behind his father il
warm acknowledgements tn Henry, or n
that moment he remembered his torme
prejudices except to discard them from hi
breast.
Though Grace shrank from the public a
vowal her father called upon her to give,
must not be supposed that at more fittin
opportunity, and urged by more eloquen
plender, she was nnreasonably reluctant I
redeem tire pledge she had tactly given
when in monenary expectation of horri
death. In vain her father, who from lhi
memorable morning recovered all happines
aud former gaiety, told her with good hu
mo-ed raillery that she should do just as sh
liked about it-that promises made IN men
t,l extremity were not binding. She chos
Ia consider hers as sacred, aud the unio
then ST. happily effected between the fami
lies was never afterwards suffered to be dis
rnrbcd by thc re,,ewal of GOODNESS aud mis-
trust. All was peace, confidence and low
and except from the consciousness whc
each one seemed To feel Of a new happines
nulIiag indicated that their harmony ha
ever been broken by discord.
Charles Iiarwood often declared that th
day of the great fire. was the hnppiest h
ever knew, notwithstanding its terrible dan
gers. lie would not, he said, even exccp
d,e day he gave his hand to his own Ellen
ipr that even in his most joyous moments
he hal always been haunted by the ghos
of murdered friendship.
--z-s- .sn...s ....1s'
Spirit Of the age.-The increase of spec