The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1838-06-09

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the young man was seen to lift as if it were
a dead weight, a body over the railing, and
bending fearfully over the roof to lower it
carefully down. The apparent lifeless form
of Miss Wentworth was received into the
arms of the crowd. Seeing his charge in
safety the young fireman threw himself on
the railing and descending by the same
rope, which he had secured around the
chimney, with the rapidity of lightning to
the ground. A sudden cracking of timbers
and loud roaring Of thefames caused a
cry that the building was falling. In the
agitation Of the moment he escaped from
the scene, and when the grateful crowd tur-
ned to reward him for his noble deed he
was not to be found.
CHAPTER II.
The next day the city rang with the prai-
ses of the young fireman. His reckless
ness of danger, determined courage, and
successful attempt, was the theme of every
lip. And still he remained unknown
Diligent inquiry was made, but no trace
could be found of him.
In the evening group of persons were
collected in a house in the neighborhood.
They consisted of household family; the
rescued one and her fatherwho had Just arri-
we'd, they were listening to her account Other
escape. She had not yet recovered from
the excitement Of the scene and was re-
calling on a sofa, over which her father
bent with pale face, listening with trem'
bling eagerness to her recital.
az was aroused" said Louisa, "lrom 6
death like slumber by the crashing of ;
window in the back part of the building
1t was some time before l collected my sen
ses to perceive thick smoke in the room
| Immediately arose from bed and hastenet
to the door which led to cnnsin Mary
chamber. AS ! opened it dense volume
of hot smoke drove into my face, wbicl
nearly blinded and strangled mel hat
presence of mind enough to close the door
Finding my escape cut of in that direction
rushed to the windows but owing to my
haste and terror, and not understanding tht
manner of their being fastened, couldnot
raise them. Filled with despair l stood
for moment unresolved what to do. Al
idea darted through my mind, if coul(
but reach the roof l might get assistance
from those below, as l could plainly distin
guish the shouts of the fremen.-With thi
intention rushed out of the door whicl
leads into the back entry-it was like plung
ING into hot oven. The hot air ant
smoke nearly destroyed respiration, and thu
cracking of the burr : wood with th'
fierce Kissing of the flames, like the soun(
Of an angry serpent at my heels, overcamt
me with terror.-IIow | reached the thirC
story | know not. was on the point o
ascending the gawet stairs when sudder
dizziness seized me-my head reeled vic
lently--I have a recollection Of graspins
the banister as a draught Of sufocatng al
passed by me. A wild narrowing feeling
of despair-of utter hopelessness; a Though
of home and you dear father-ofyour desc
lation-nashed through my mind and | be
came insonsible. When consciousness re
turned, found myself in this room in th'
arms of my uncle"
And may heaven bless the preseryer o
my child, said Mr.. Wentworth, in toni
of deep feeling, as lie pressed his daughte
to his bosom.
SIS it not strange that no trace can bt
found of him!" said Mr. Littleton. 81 have
made diligent inquiry, but have been unable
to get the least clue of him. He was seer
to descend the rope and in the CONSERVATION
that ensued he was lost sight Of"
"You will oblige me-" added the fathe
of Louisa, stepping to the table and writing
on a slip of paper, "by continuing your IL
quiries, and should you be successful, an(
he be found one in needy circumstances