Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-03-16
VOLUME XIV.

and anxious thoughts Annie Brown might
have, her father always saw a smiling face
1t was long time before Annie could tell
what she had learned, but her fathers ear
nest questioning drew it from her and
when the old man heard the ominous words
hope and strength seemed to leave him.
His had been a weary life of struggling
and isappointment-of little gain and
many losses !. and now, in the sunset of
life, when he had gathered a few comforts
into his little home, he was to lose all. An
ME turned from her work to comfort her fa-
ther Gently she led him into the little
back room, and tried to infuse some of her
own brave, hopeful spirit into his, but all in
vain. Old age cannot look upon things
with youths hopeful eyes. While Annie
talked, suddenly red lights glanced in at
the windows, and the atmosphere grew
thick with smoke She left her father, and
hurrying to the door a scene burst upon her
that beggars description. The whole town
was blazing As far as the eye could see
it was tire-fire everywhere Through the
dense smoke she could distinguish hun
dreds of figures wildly running to and fro
There were heavy SobS-voices earnest and
pleading We're wild shrieks. and
children's screams of terror, mingled with
the tramp of soldiers and the cracking of
the flames
As the bewidered girl stood looking at
the fearful scene, three soldiers came and
ordered her to leave the house. She fixed
her dark eyes upon them, and begged, for
her fathers sake, that there little home
might be saved. They laughed at her
pleading, and at the tears that were cours-
ing down her checks She saw that tears
and words were vain, and as they threw in
the burning torches, she sprang to her
buckets Of water, and with a strength and
courage that seemed superhuman, she ex-
tinguished torch after torch.
The rude soldiers looked in wonder at
the brave girl, and would have left her in
the house she had so nobly saved, but for
one more brutal than the rest. Drawing a
pistol from his breast he exclaimed with an
oath.
" Put ont another torch woman, and your
life shall pay for your boldncss."
Annie neither saw nor needed the pistol,
though it was pointed at her, and the fierce,
angry face of the soldier told that he was
in earnest
Another torch was flung upon the floor !;
another bucket of water extinguished its
red glare There was bright FASH loud
quick report. The roldiers paused in their
work to see the brave girl fall But here
she stood, her checks flushed, her eyes glar-
ing defiance, and ready to cxtinguish an
other torch
Pour on the camphene, boys, and let us
burn the fiend'
The command was obeycd, and the white
flame spread over the store the brave girl
had tried to save
Leave this place, soldiers said voice
Of authority, and tall officer entered the
door
You deserve your home brave girl, "and
sciZing bucket after bucket he threw the
water on the flames that were rapidly gain
ing headway
Some one to help her, Annie's spirits
rose again and together they worked, the
officer only pausing to look at the bright
eyes and flushed face of the brave and now
beautiful girl. They worked long and stead
lily, and saved the little house, but the con-
tents of the store were gone Annie lean
ed languidly against the door, and gazed
sadly around her Bending over the dreary
=. girl, the officer whispered
Tell me your name, noble girl must
go now, but you shall see me again"
My name is Annie Brown" she answer
ed ; "and who must | thank for saving my
home ?"
1t was rebel, sweet girl, who you
shall see again he has saved your life and
honor, too Farewell"
Annie could see the tall figure but a mo-
ment, for it was lost in the black smoke
that now covered everything. She turned
from, tbn bnnto1 boor,- o,l
found her mother and father in the little
back-roOm, overcome with grief and terror
The store is gone, dear father but our
house is saved" she said, cheefully
Tears rolled down the old mans cheeks,
as he drew the little dreary figure to his
heart
And Annie felt more than repaid for her
labors, when her father proudly smiled up
on her through his heart
\ week of fearful suffering followed that
day Of fire. Neighboring towns sent bread
to the furnishing, and clothes to the naked
But thousands were houselcss and begger-
ed who had lived in luxury and taste They
fingered among the ruins hopeless and help
less, clinging to the blackened walls, and
loving them because they had once been
homes.
Annie Browns home was a refuge for
many who knew not where to lay their
heads and the little she had saved was
freely shared with those who had nothing.
\ week of toll, prvation, and suffering
had passed, but bravcly Annie Brown had
borne ii. She had soothed and comforted
those around her; and had felt the cravings
of hunger that others might not suffer But
even Annie's courage and bravery was
commencing to fail She sat upon her lit
tie back porch vainly trying to check the
tears that would come, and thinking sadly
and hopelessly of the future.
All were asleep within the low house and
she sat wondering what she could do to
keep hunger and wretchedness from those
she loved so well. A weary prospect lay
before her, and prayer rose to her lips
that God would teach her what to do.
The prayer was scarcely offered, when
she heard little, quick step, and looking
up, she saw tall form beside her She
could scarcely distinguish it in the dark
ness, but as the figure turned toward her,
the light from the window fell upon him,
and Annie recognized the officer who had
helped her save her house