Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1866-01-26

age That seemed almost more than human, they
sprang up the burning stair cases, and across
the cracking floors, to seize the panic stricken
tenants, or drag them, already half sufocated,
from a repose that might soon prove fatal.
A loud warning. shout from those outside
told of some fearful danger, and speedily every
one had fled from the devoted building, smoke
begrimmed, scorched and bruised, but yet in
life.
Nor had they quilted il one instant too soon.
Scarce had the last one been received by the
sympathzing crowd, ere the three lower stairs
fell in with a tremendous crash, and with re-
newed vigor the flames daried upwards, threat
enug, in a very short space of time, to ingulf
the remaining portion in the smoking ruins.
A hasty council was held TO see il all the
lives had been saved, or if some unfortunate
beings were yet in the devoted house,
All are saved No. not oil A woman's
voice calls out: "Mrs. Watson Is Mrs. Wat
son here P"
"Mrs. watsonP Who is she P" in,errogated
a bystander.
"a poor widow who earns her living by go.
ing out to wash, and nurses the sick"
Mrs. Watson was TO pass the night with
lady who is very ill.," said another, "she told
me so yesterday But where is Willie, her lit
tie boyP"
"Would she not take him along with her P"
inquired member OF the fre-brigade.
"Impossible !" calculated third female "she
would not take him into sick-room. Poor
darling he must be in the ruins still"
All eyes were once more directed towards
the burning mass, and some could scarcely
credit their senses, on behodirg at an open
window on the upper story, the delicate form
of child apparently not more than four or
! five wears of age, abed in white night-dress,
his little hands clasped as il in the attitude OF
supplca,ion, but otherwise calm and sef-pos-
sessed, as if fully prepared to meet the doom
that seemed to await him.
At this moment n woman, poorly but decent
" clad, forced her way through the crowd
"My boy my Willie is he saved P" she
gasped. No answer was required. Her eyes
turned upon the little figure in that upper sto-
ry, and with Wild despairing shrek she
sprang forward to rescue her child or share its
fate.
But strong arms were outstreched to seize
and bear the struggling, half-frantc mother
from the fearful scene.
The fre-escape was brought close to the fire,
and several brave men mounted the ladders, to
make one last attempt for the rescue of the
child.
Alas their efforts were in vain-the ladders
were too short
"a bed is there feather bed to be had p
cried loud, strong voice.
"Yes, yes, here is one;" and Immediately
some volunteered their services in hoisting thi'
chance of escape.
1t was difficult and tedious enterprise, ant
meanwhile the fire was making fearful progress
The forked tongues Of fame played around th'
window where the child yet s,ood-calm, self
possessed as ever. Five minutes more and thu
little cotton night-dress would have proved hi
fiery shroud but the bed was now arranged.
Come now, my brave little fellow" shouted
one of the men, "throw yourself down on this
Don't be afraid of falling, we'll catch you"
At once the child obeyed. One moment hi
light form hovered in the darkened air, on
moment of terrible suspense TO the lookers-oi
below, then one long, loud, universal huzz
burst from every lip-he was saved
"Well, my brave little hero" asked a strong
rough man, as he hugged the boy to his bosom
"werent you afraid in the midst OF that fire ?"
80, yes, was for a long time" said the boy
'but remembered the story mother has oftei
told me of God saving the Hebrew children
out of the fire the wicked king put them into
And prayed to God to save me. too, and thel
l was no more afraid. believed he would say
me, ald you see He has"
That night the poor widow might have beel
seen creeping softly into little room in
a neighbor's house. and kneeling in prayer a
the bedside of her darling boy as he lay fas
asleep. There, with tears filling her eyes, sh
poured out her heart in grateful thanks TO Go
for His goodness to her that day-to Him, VIII
is Husband to the widow, and Father to til
d fatherless"