Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1867-05-30

you not listen to me If you will stay
with me now-if you will wait till your an
ger is cooled-and then 60 speak kindly
to Solomon Gordon, | give you my SOL
emn pledge that you will if you
But Jack did not hear his wife out
He had sworn that he would thrash Sol
Gordon, and be would keep his word
His temper was at the boiling point, and
he was fairly aching to get his hands on
the man who dared to strike his boy; for
Freddy was his pet, and every blow THAT
had been laid on his child's body had
made mark of FIRE on his heart. So he
put his wife away from him, and hurried
from the house, slamming the door after
him.
Away went Jack Spront, with rapid,
heavy strides, and had Solmon Gordon fall
ell in his way just then, he would have
most assuredly been badly beaten; for
though Solomon was stout, bold man,
Jack was very Hercules.
But Jack Sprout was destined to get
thoroughly cooled of before he met the
object of his wrath. AS he approached
the bridge that spanned the river just be-
low the falls, he heard loud cries of alarm,
and upon Fastening forward he found that
a boy had fell from one of the projecting
| timbers into the water. He looked over the
railing, and saw the little fellow Just COM
ing to the surface of the foaming, boiling
flood-a curly headed boy just about the
age of his own darling Freddy stretch
ing forth his tiny arms in the agony of
despair. It was a terrible place, that
seething, roaring pool, where the waters
of the great river came pouring down
from over the high dam but Jack did
not hesitate. He forgot his enemy-for-
got everything but the danger of the little
one-and only stopping to kick off his
heavy boots, and throw aside his coat, he
leaped into the angry food He caught
the boy in his arms, and then struck out
for the shore. It was mighty conflict
but the strong man persevered More than
once those who gathered upon the bridge
and upon the rocks had reason to fear
that neither the man nor the child would
come forth alive but Jack held his own
against the mad torrent, and finally reach
ed the shore, where many hands were
ready to help him. AS for himself, few
minutes so restored him that he was able
to walk and he sustained no injury ex-
cept few trifing bruises. And as for
the boy, he had come forth in perfect safe
ty, for Jack had held him above the. wa
ter during all the time of his struggle.
And when Jack Sprout had regained
his breath, and was able to speak, he look
ed to see the boy he had saved, and saw
it was Andy Gordon, a brighteyed, curly
haired, fairfaced boy, not a year older
than his own Freddy "Where's papa 2"
asked the dripping child. ''Here he
| comes, answered some one.
Jack Sprout looked, and saw Sol Cor
don coming-Sol Gordon, pale, and ter
ror-stricken-and with all possible haste,
he seized his coat and boots, and hurried
away. He could not meet Sol Gordon
then. mercy! what is it, Jack p Mrs.
Sprout was alarmed Her husband was
dripping wet. his step was labored, and
there was a lived mark upon his forehead.
as thoueh he had received heavy blow.
ut is nothing, Abby" ''Has Sol"
"Pshaw Dye think Sol Gordon could
have done this [ have been in the riv-
err. A little boy had fallen from the
bridge right into the boiling food be-
meath the falls. jumped in and brought
him out" s'Alive ?" eyes, alive and
unhurt.' D 80, thank God Whose child
was it, Jack p
Jack Sprout hesitated Don't stop
to ask questions now, Abby, but get me
a cup of hot, strong tea, while I get some
dry clothing; My soul I had narrow
dodge ofit!''
Jack Sprout put on dry clothes, and
when he had rested while drank his tea,
and in the course of an hour all traces of
exhaustion had passed away. II tell you,
Abby, have had a good many tough
jobs in my day, but never had any one
like that before. A weaker man than [
could never have brought out that child
alive" 80, how grand it is, Jack, to use
ones strength i'll such cause. But
whose child was it Do you know?''
Before Jack could answer, the outer
door was unceremoniously opened, and
Solomon Gordon entered the apartment. -
Abby sank back in alarm when she saw
how pale and excited he looked, and how
he trembled, for she did not notice the
moist, trimming light that shone in his
swollen eyes. "Jack," spoke the new
conner, in gasping manner, at the same
time holding out both of his hands He
choked and stammered, but presently he
gained sufficient strength to add,
20, my God! what canI say? Jack l.
Jack p Here the stout man broke fairly
down, and burst into tears
(. Jack Sprout almost as much affected as
was his visitor, arose and took the extend
ed hand. Never mind. Sol. It's all
right" mo, mop cried Gordon. 1T
isn't right 1t never can be right. O,
what can I do? Jack if could only &c
back TO where I was this morning. My
God | beat your child for "a trifing thing,
and you saved mine from terrible death
saved him almost at the expense Of your
own life. Kill me if you will. Beat me
jack Do anything you like. only for