The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1864-03-29

l
all knew it was impossible to throw tn
rope up high enough to reach the top o
the chimney, or even, if possible. i
would hardly be safe. They stood il
silent dismay, unable to give any hell
or think Of any means Of safety. 8
And Toms father. He walked round
end round the little circle, the dizzy
height seeming more and more fearful
and the solid earth further and further
from him. In the sudden panic he los,
his presence Of mind, his senses failed
him. He shut bis eyes he felt as if the
next moment he must be dashed to
pieces on the ground below.
The day passed as industriously as
usual with Toms mother at home. She
was always busily employed for her hus-
band or children in some way or other,
and to-day she had been harder at work
than usual, getting ready for the holiday
tomorrow. She had just finished her
arrangements, and her thoughts we're 81
lently thanking God for her happy home,
and for all those blessings, when Tom
ran in.
His face was white as ashes. and he
could hardly get the words out Moth.
er, mother /! he can-hs cannot get
down !"
"Who, lad-thy father ?" asked the
mother.
They have forgotten to leave him
the rope" answered Tom, still scarcely
able to speak. The mother started up,
horror struck and stood for a moment
paralyzed, then pressing her hands over
her face, as il to shut out the terrible
picture, and breathing prayer to God
for help, she rushed out of the house.
When she reached the place at which
her husband was at work crowd had
gathered around the foot OF the chimney,
and stood quite helpless, gazing up, with
faces full Of sorrow.
He says he'll throw himself down"
Thee munna do that, lad" cried the
wife. with clear hopeful voice thee
munna do that-wat bit. Take off
thy stocking, lad, and unravel it, and
let down the thread with bit Of mortar.
Dost thou hear me, Jem %
The man made sign OF assent for it
seemed as if he could not speak. and
taking off the worsted stocking, he un,
raveled the yarn row by row.
The people stood around in brea,hless
silence and suspense, wondering what
Toms mother was thinking of f.; and why
she sent him in such haste for the car
pentsr's ball of tsine.
Let down one end Of the thread with
bit of stone. and keep fast hold OF the
other" cried she. to her hus
band. Tho little thread came waving
down the tall chimney. blown hi,her and
thi,her by the wind, but it reached the
outstretched hands that were waiting for
it. Tom held the ball of twine while
his mother cautiously tied one end of it
to the thread.
Now pull it slowly" cried she to
her husband, and she gradually unwound
the string until it resched her husband
Now hold the string fas. and pull, 1"
cried she. and the string got heavy and
hard to pull, for Tom and his Mother
had fastened thick rope to it. They
watched it gradually and slowly uncoil-
ing from the ground, as the string was
drawn higher.
There was but one coil left. 1t had
reached the top. Thank God !" ex
claimed the wife. She had hid her face
in her hands in silent prayer. and tremb
lingly rejoiced The iron TO which il
should be fastened was there all right
but, would her husband bo able TO make
use OF it? Would not the terror Of the
past have so unuerved him as to prevent
him from taking the necessary measures
for safety? She did not know the mag
ical influence which her few words had
exercised over him. she did not know
the strength with which the sound o
her voice. SO calm and stcadiast hsd fill
ed him-as il the thread that carried tC
him the thread of life once more, haC
conveyed to him some portion OF tha
faith in God, which nothing ever de
stroyed or shook in her pure hesrt. Sh,
did not know that as she waited there
the words came over him, Why ar
thou cast down. o my soul, why AT
thou disquieted within me? hope ii
God" She lifted her heart to God 70
hope and strength, but could do nothin!
more for her husband, and her hear