Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1867-07-10

/ Ills temper was at the boiling point, and he
was fairly aching to get his hands upon the
man who dared to strike his boy, for Fred
dy was his pet, and every blow that had
! mark of fire upon his own heart SO he
put his wife away from him and hurried
from the house slamming the door after him.
Away went Jack Sprout with rapid,
heavy strides, and had Solomon Gordon
fallen 10 his way just then he would most
assuredly have been severely beaten for
though Solomon was stout, bold man, yet
Jack was very Hercules.
But Jack was destined to get thoroughly
cooled off before he met the object Of his
wrath. As he approached the bridge that
spanned the river just below the falls, he
heard loud cries of alarm, and upon hurry
ing forward he found that boy had fallen
from the projecting timberS into the water
He looked over the railing and saw little
fellow coming to the surface of thetoaming,
boiling fiood-a curly headed boy, just about
the age of his own darling Freddy-stretch
ing forth his tiny arms in agony of despair
1t was terrible place, that seething, roar
ing pool, where the waters of the great river
came pouring down from over the high dam,
but Jack did not hesitate a moment, he for
got everything but the danger of the little
one, and only stopping to kick off his boots,
and throw aside his coat, he leaped down
into the angry food He caught the boy in
his arms, and then struck for the shore it
was a mighty conflict but the strong man
persevered. More than once those who had
gathered upon the bridge and upon the
rocks had reason to fear that neither the
man nor child would come forth alive; but
Jack held his own against the mad torrent,
and finally reached the shore where many
hsnds were ready to help him. As for him
self, few minutes rest so far restored him
that he was able to walk. and he had sus-
tanned no injury save few trifing bruises
And as for the boy, he had come forth in |
safety, for Jack had held him high above |
the water during all the time of his strug-
gle. When Jack reganed his strength and |
was able TO speak, he looked to see the boy |
be had saved and he saw that it was Andy |
Gordon, bright eyed, curly haired boy,
not a year older than was his son Freddy.
Where's papa p asked the dripping
child:
He is coming" answered some one in
the crowd.
Jack looked up, and saw Solomon Gordon
pale and terror stricken
and with all possible haste Jack seized his
coat and boots. and hurried away. He
could not meet Solomon Gordon then.
Mercy what is it JACK p
Mrs. SprOut was alarmed Her husband
was dripping wet, his step was tottering, his
breath labored, and there was lived mark
upon his forehead as though he had receiv-
ed heavy blow
1t is nothing, Abby"
Has Solomon
''Pshaw Dye think Sol. Gordon coaId
nave done this ? | have been in the river.
\ little boy had fallen from the bridge right
nto the flood beneath the falls, aud | jump
ID in and brought him out. !"
"Alive -
Yes, alive and unhurt.'
ack. +"
Jack hesitated
Don't stop to ask questions now, Abby,
,ut make me cup OF hot, strong tea, while
get on some dry clothes My soul I
hinK had a narrow dodge of it, -
Jack put on his dry garner is, and when {
e had rested awhile he drank his tea, and (
\ the course of an hour all traces of ex-
austion had passed away.
Il tell you, Abby, | have had a good
1any tough jobs in my day, but | never had {
ne like that before. A weaker man than '
ould not have brought that child out alive - {
u, how grand 1t Is, to use one 5 strength T.
] such cause. But whose child was it ? S
10 you not know ?'' '
Before Jack could answer, the outer door c
as uncerimoniously opened, and Solomon
-ordon entered the apartment. Abby
lrank back in alarm when she saw how '
ale and excited the man looked, and how 5
e trembled, for she did not notice the moist I
light that shone in his swollen Il
yes. a
Jack - spoke the new conner, in a gasp a
g manner at the same time holding out c
9TH his hands. He choked and stammer- t
J, but presently gained strength to add, e
o, my God, what can | say Jack jack" a
Iere the stout man broke fairly down, and Q
lrst into tears. q
Jack, almost as much affected as was his ?
sitor, arose and took the extended hand
Never mind, Sol, it s all right \
mo, no, cried Gordon, 1T isn't right. q
never can be right. O, what can I do? :,
ack, if | could only go back to where was =
lis morning My God [ beat your child -
r trif1ing thing, and you have saved n
inc from terrible death, saved him al h
ost at the expense of your own life. Kill
e If you will beat me Jack Do any
ing you like, only-forgive me for what L II
d to your little reddy-forgive me. so that h
rs saving act of yours shan't always be as i
heap OF Goals upon my head u =
And then with sudden impulse-under :"
e influence of an emotion such as he had
.ver before xperienced-Jack Sprout said: :,
Solomon, [ tell you it's all right. You i
I've no more reason to thank God that [ u u
we'd your child than [ have. When | 81
INT from my house | was full of wrath u
adness and curses were upon my heart.
would have had such revenge as the wild r.
asst seeks. Is it not better that / found Y,
ur little Andy in the flood? And is ii q
It better that my strength was used in saw g