Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1860-09-08

You, my lad ; are you strong enough :"
ooh, yes, sir; am used to climbing"
Then 60 ahead, my little Spartan"
said the Judge, at the same time giving
him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
Steadily, hand over hand, his feet clutch
ing the pole in manner that proved him
an expert climber, George made his way
to the very top of the staff, which was so
slender that it swayed to and fro with his
weight, Nothing daunted he wound his
legs right and left around the pole, and
with his right hand UNFINISHED the cord
Shouting fearlessly to those below to hoist
away, he clung on till the flag fairly reach
ed the top, and then slowly descended.
The cheers that now rent the air were
terrifc-everybody, opposition and all,
joining in with one universal shout
After the excitement had somewhat sub
sided, Judge S. looked upon the boy
with admiration, and took out his pocket
book to pay the promised reward.
George noticed the action, and cxcaim-
ed
" Keep your money, sir, ! want no pay
for helping TO raise the American Flag"
"NobIy said my little man; what is
your name p inquired the Judge.
George Wentworth, sir; l am an Or
phan and have just arrived here in search
Of employment, replied our hero, his bright
eyes glistoning with tear.
"Well, you shall live with me, exclsim-
cd the Judge; I'll Il take care Of you for
the future
Five years passed from the time George
Wentworth became n member Of his bcne-
( factors family. In the meantime Judge
s. had been defeated by his political
opponent, and George had been initiated
into the mysteries of the cart of Arts"
lie had become general favoritc with
the citizens and was looked upon as the
adopcd son of the Judge 1t was even
whispered in private circles that he was to
be the enviod husband of the beautiful
and accomplished Ida, the Judges only
child. But this George had not dared to
dream of; It's true he never felt so happy
as when in her presence, and it did make
his muscles twitch to see the foppish stu.
dents from the college swarm around the
unacknowledged idol of his heart. Poor
youth had he known the real state o.
lda's feelings, the thought would have al
most turned his brain and could he have
interpreted the CLEAN Of joy that flashed
from her eyes whenever he uttered a noblC
statement or sally Of wit, it would hay,
filled his soul with ec.tacy and delight.
! One fine day in the latter part of June
Ida, her father and George, were cnjoyin!
sail on the lake in their trim little yacht
the "Swau'-which had won the soup" a
the last regatta, under the management @
our hero, who was standing with his ham
on the mast gazing at the beautiful scener
on the opposite shore; the Judge held tn
tiller and Ida was leaning over the side Q
the boat trailing her pretty hand throug
the clear water Of the lake, when a suddcl
gust Of wind careened the yacht so that sh
lost her balance and fell into the water
George heard the splash made by Ida, an,
before the Judge could utter a cry, he ha,
kicked off his light summer shoes, an,
plunged in to her rescue. Being skillfu
and vigorous swimmer he came up with til
struggling girl before her clothes allowe,
her to sink, and entwincd her waist Will
his left arm, struck out with his right, an
kept her above water till the Judge turne'
the boat and came to their relief. In
few moments they were safe in the boa
again, and Ida soon recovered from tn
effects Of her unexpected bath. The oil
Judge embraced George and exclaimed
with tears starting from his eyes
" God bless you, my dear boy, you hav
saved my daughters life, how can eve
repay you?'
" BY saying nothing about it," replie
George. {" l owe you now thousan
,imcs more than can ever repay, and al
too hapy in being able to render even thi
slight service"
The lovely Ida could say nothing, he
heart was oyeraowing, but she gaaed upo
her prescrver with an expression that tol
volumes. Her father even observed lie
earnest, loving glances, and began to gues
5 the true state of affairs. He was not pre-
, pared for it, and in silence he turned tn
boat toward the shore. They reache
home with feelings far different from thos
they had started with.