Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1866-02-07
How Willie Watson was saved from a

Fire.
The smashing in of windows and
breaking down of doors seemed as if
but child's play to these heroic men
and with a dauntless courage that
seemed almost more than human, they
sprang up the burning staircase, and
across the cracking floors, to seize
the panic stricken tenants, or drag
them, already half suffocated, 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-begrimed,
seorched, and bruised, but vet i n
life.
Nor had they quilted it one instant
too soon. Scarce had the last one
been received by the sympathizing
crowd, ere the three lower stairs fell
in with tremendous crash. and with
renewed vigor the flames darted up
wards, threatening, in a very short
space of time, to engulf the remaining
portion in the smoking ruins.
A hasty council was held to see if
all the lives had been saved, or if some
unfortunate beings were yet in the
devoted house.
All are saved! No, not all A
wOman's voice calls out: Mrs. Wat
son? Is Mrs. Watson here ?"
"Mrs. Watson, who is she ?" inter
rsgated by-stander.
"a poor widow who earns her living
by going out to wash, and nurse the
sick"
"Mrs. Watson was to pass the night
with lady who is very ILL.," said an
other, "she told me so yesterday. But
where is Willie, her little boy ?"
would she not take him along with
her?' inquired a member of the fire
brigade.
"Impossibler' calculated third
female, "she would not take him into
a sick room. Poor darling! he must
be in the ruins still"
All eyes were once more directed
towards the burning mass, and some
could scarce credit their senses, on
behOlding at an open window on the
upper story, the delicate form of a
child, apparently not more than four
or five years Of age, habited in white
night-dress, his little hands cIasped
as if in the attitude of supplication,
but otherwise calm and selfpossessed,
as if fully prepared to meet the doom
that seemed to await him.
At this moment a woman, poorly
but decently clad, forced her way
through the crowd.
"My boy! my Willie is he saved 2"
she gasped. No answer was required.
Her eyes turned upon the little figure
in that upper story, and with wild,
despairing shrek she sprang forward
to rescue her child or share its fate.
But strong arms were out-stretched
to seize and bear the struggling. half
frantic mother from the fearful scene.
The fire 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 a feather bed to
be had 2 cried a loud strong voice.
eyes, yes, here is one;" and irmed-
lately some volunteered their services
in hosting this chance of escape.
1t was difficult and tedious enter
prise, and meanwhile the fire was max
ing fearful progress. The forked ton
CUES Of fame played about the win
dow where the child yet stOod-calm,
selfpossessed as ever. Five minutes
more and the little cotton night-dress
would have proved his fiery shroud !;
but the bed was now arranged.
"Come now, my brave little fellow
shouted one of the men, throw YOUR
self down on this Don't be afraid
offalling, we'll catch you"
AT once the child obeyed. One
moment his light form lowered in the
darkened air, one moment of terrible
suspense to the lookers-on below, then
one long, loud, universal "Huzza y
burst from every lip-he was saved!
"Well, my brave little hero, asked
a strong, rough man, as he Rugged
the boy to his bosom, weren't YOU
afraid in the midst of that fire ?'
40, yes, [ was for long time"
said the boy, but | remembered the
story mother has often told me ofGod
saving the Hebrew children out of the
fire the wicked king put them into
And prayed to God to save me. too.
and then | was no more afraid. be-
lieved He would save me, and YOU see
He has,"
That night the poor widow might
have been seen creeping softly into
little room in neighbours house, and
kneelng in prayer at the bedside of
her darling boy as he lay fast asleep.
There, with tears filling her eyes, she
poured out her heart in grateful thanks
to God for His goodness to her that
day-to Him who is Husband to the
widow, and a "Father to the father
less"
FILIAL AFFECTION.-Th Windbam
county Conn., Transcript, tells the
following good story: In neighbor-
ing town not long ago lived Aunt
hezlah, an industrious and thriving
widow. She had not only kept good
Ter estate, but had increased it much
n value, and she loved to refer to it
Is "the little home that poor dear
Daniel left her."