The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-07-25

I VI AhSH anu SuSst. Viih oeSp"''
they witnessed the unsuccessful termination
of the efforts made TO save her, while hope
again animated them as they witnessed the
desperate attempt of the young fireman
No one could tell who he was. His COM
ing upon them, and his disappearance up
the ladder, had been so sudden and rapid
no one had time 10 recognize him. min-
ute or two of anxious suspense, which TO
the spectators seemed SO many hours, pass
ed by, and there was no signs of his reap
pearance. AS they stood gszing at the
root, black body of smoke rolled from the
upper windows, streaked with flame, and
soon broad sheets of the destroying element
shot fercely up, like fiery tongues, tapping
air. An universal sbiver ran through the
crowd below, and an anguishing cry of
they are lost y was uttered from many n
whitened lip. The ladders were hastily re-
moved, for the fire had seized upon them,
and hope had fled from every bosom. At
this awful crisis, q hoarse and smoihered
cry was heard from the back Of the house I;
there was general rush to that point.
The flames had not reached this part of
the building, but heavy wreaths of smoke
"ClC iiOHi WtHuOWe. giving
fearful evidence Of their proximity. As
the wind occasionally blew the smoke aside,
the young fireman could be dimly seen,
clnging to the railing, making rapid and
vehement gestures, to these below. Lad
ders were placed against the building, and
men rushed up, cropping their way through
the binding smoke, to his assistance. Not
observing this demonstration in his favor,
the young man was seen TO lift, as if it
were dead weight, a body over the railing,
and bending fearfully over the roof, to lower
ii carefully down. The apparent liieless
form of Miss Wentworth was received into
the arms of the crowd. Seeing his charge
in safety, The young fireman threw himself
over the railing and descended by the same
rope which he had secured around the
chimney with the rapidty of lightning to
The ground. A sudden cracking Of Tim
bers, and loud roaring of flames caused
cry that the building was failing. In the
agitation of the moment he escaped from
the scene, and when the grateful crowd
turned to reward him for his bold deed, he
was not to be found.
iLh
The next day the city rang with the
praises of the young fireman. His reck-
lessness of danger, determined courage,
and successful attempt, were the theme
of every lip. And still he remained un-
known. Dilgent enquiry was made, but
no trace could be found of him.
In the evening group of persons were
collected in house in the neighborhood.
They were listening to her account of her
escape. She had not yet recovered from
the excitement of the scene, aud was reclin-
Jog on u sofa, over which her father bent
with pale face, listening with trembling
eagerness to her recital.
/ was roused,' said Louisa, from II
deathlike slumber by the crashing of win
dow in the back part of the building. 1t was
sometime before i collected my senses to
perceive thick sufiocating smoke in the
room. l Immediately arose from bed aud
fastened to the door which led into cousin
Mary's chamber. As | opened it dense
volume of hot smoke drove into my face,
which nearly blinded and strangled me.
had presence Of mind enough to close the
door. Finding my escape cut of in that
direction, | rushed to the windows, but ow-
lug to my haste and terror, and not under
standing the manner Of their being fastened,
could not raise them. Filled with despair,
! stood for a moment unresolved what to
do. An idea darted through my mind, if
could but reach the roof, might get assis-
tance from those below, as ! could pl,inly
hear the shouts of The liremen. With this
mt i glaI IF sl, -
leads into the back entry-it was like plung.
ing into an oven. The hot air and smoke
nearly destroyed respiration, aud the crack
lihg of the burning wood, with the fierce
kissing of the flames, like the sound of an
angry serpent at my heels overcamc me
with terror. How ! reached the third story
| know not. was on the point of ascend
ing the garret stairs when a sudden dizzi-
ness seized me-my head recled violently
! have recollection of grasping the banis-
ter MS a draught Of sufroeating mir passed
by me. A wild narrowing feeling Of de-
spair-of utter hopelessnes a thought of
home aud you, my dear father, of your des-
olation, flashed through nv mind, and
became Insensihle. When consciousness
returned, I found myself in this room, 10
the arms Of my uncle
And may heaven bless The prescryer Of
my child y said Mr.. Wentworth, in tone
OF deep feeling, ms he pressed his daughter
to his bosom.
Is It not strange that no trace can bc
found of him ? said Mr.. Liuleton. Il have
made diligent enquiry, but have been una
BILE to obtain the least clue Of him. lie was
seen TO descend the rope, and in the con-
siernaiion that cnsucd, he was los, sigh,
Of
You will obiige me- added the father Of
Louisa, stepping up to the table and wri.
ting on slip ofpaper, by continuing your
enquiries, and should you be successful. and
he be found one in needy circumstance.
you will present 20 hin, this'-banding t,