Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1868-05-02

Struck cut Tor the sholc. III WIS
mighty conflict, but the strong man per-
severed. More than once those who had
gathered upnn 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 H.
nally reached the shore, where many
hundreds were ready to help him. As
for himself, few minutes rest so far re-
stored him that he was able TO walk; and
he had sustained no injuries save few
trifiing bruises. And rs for the boy, he
had come forth in safety, for Jack had
high above the water during all the time
of his struggle.
And when Jack Sprout had regained
his breath, and was able to speak, he
looked to see the boy he had saved, and
he saw that it was Andy Gordon, a
bright-eyed, curly Haired, red-faced boy,
not year older than his own son Fred
dy.
'Where's papa" asked the dripping
child.
HE is coming" answered some one
in the crowd.
Jack looked up aud saw Solomon Cor
don Solomon, pale and terror
s;ricken--and with all terrible haste he
seized his coat and boots. and hurried a
way. lie could not meet Solomon Cor
don there.
"Mercv! What is it, Jack?'
Mrs. Sprout was alarmed. Her l1us-
band was dripping wet, his step was tot
ering, his breathing was labored. and
there was liyid mark upon his forehead
n though he had received a heavy blow.
II is nothing, Abby"
"Has .SUlomon-"
"Pshaw! rye think Solomon Gordon
could have do ne this | have been in the
river. a little 10Y had fallen from the
bridge right into the flood beneath the
fails. ! jumped in md brought him out"
"Alive"
"Yes, alive and uni 'urt,' replied Jack.
"Oh, thank God. Whose child was it,
Jackg"
''Don't stop to ask on, stions now, Alb
by, but make me cup vi hot, strong
ten, while get on some dry clothes
Ny soul. think had na. rrow dodge
of IL"
Jack put on dry garments, a, I'd when
he had rested q while he drank /. us tea,
and in the course Of an hour all t.races
of exhaustion had passed away.
Il tell you, Abby, | have had geo, 7
many tough jobs in my day, but never
had one like that before. A weaker
man than could never have brought out
that child alive"
s0h, how grand it is Jack to use ones
strength ia such cause. But whose
child was il Do YOU knowl"
Before Jack could answer, the outer
door WAS uncermoneously opened, and
Solomon Gordon entered the apartment.
Abby shrank back in alarm when she
saw how pale and excited the man look
ed. and how he trembled. for she did not
notice the moist trimming light that shone
IN h;s swollen eyes.
"Jackr' spoke the new conner, in a
gnsping manner, al the same time hold
mo out both o! bis hands. He choked
and stammered, but presently gained
strength to add, "Oh, my God. what
can | say Jack. Jack!'' Hero the stout
man broke fairly down, and burst into
tears.
Jack almost as much affected as was
his visitor, arose and took the extended
hand.
"Ncvcr mind Sol. It's all right"
mo, no." cried Gordon. at isn't
right. 1t never can be right. o, what
can do Jack, if l could only 90 back
to where l WAS this morning! Ny God,
| beat your child for a triflng thing, and
you saved mine from terrible death,
slyed him almost Mt the expense of your
own life. Kill me if you will. Beat me,
Jack. 20 anything you like, only for
give me, so that this saving act of yours
shan't be always like heap of Goals up
on NV head :"
And then with sudden impulse-un-
der The influences Of an emotion such rs
he had never before experienced, Jack
Sprout said: Solomon. [ tell you it's
MI right. You have no more reason to
thank God that saved your child than
| have. When went foith from my
house WIS full OF wrath and madness
and curses were upon my lips and in my
heart. should have sought such revenge
as the wild beast seeks. Is it not better
that found Your little Andy in the flood
and !, il not better that my great strength
vas used III saving his life! ! forgive
you Sol. from the bottom of my heart.
And now say its all right"
And so was cemented a friendship no
" ard lasting.
Seemingly slight pcrturbations in the
current of mans life sometimes work
marvellous changes for good or i'll.
ABBY" said Jack Sprout-it was late
in the evening. and they had been sitting
for some time without speaking-"L be-
lievc am converted. Saul Of Tarsus,
that you read to Freddy about last Sun
day, was not more suddenly brought TO
light thaa have been, Really and tru
", there is niare virtue in kindness than
enmity; it blesses every tking and every
body. He who bestows it Is as much
blessed as he who receives it.,
And then the wife, with her arm plac
ell gently around her husbands neck,
kindly said: Dear Jack, wouldn't We
both be happier if we would try 10 live