The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1870-06-18
THUNDER-STRUCk.


hurrisd on ovsr the new untrodden ana
slippery path, he acknowledged the truth OF
Mr.. Hows,s remark that it would be very
unsafe for Ella though he felt a pang at the
thought of the child's dIsap pointment, and
thought how much he should miss her silent
companionshlP.
He had been in the school less than an
hour, and was thinking what sad void the
little ones absence had made to him, when
the door burst hastily open, and late
scholar rushed in, and exclaning, "Baby
Ella! Oh, the mill stream saw her
quick !" sunk breathless on the floor
Robert waited to hear no more: one bound
and he was gone. He needed no words &c
tell him the story. He saw it all with quick
intuitive perception. The child had N an
aged to elude Mrs Howe's vigilance and ha d
set out to come to him. A blind instinct had
led her to follow his half effaced footsteps
Alone, unused to the way, and blinded by
the driving storm, her little feet had slipped
on the narrow, icy bridge. and-Robert
dared to think no farther. Plunging, shP-
ping, staggering on 10 headlong haste, mar
blinded By the icy sleet, half bewildereu Win
terror he reached the deep mill stream
swollen black, and turbid win cakes Oh oio
ken ice. He was just IN time to see the
dark rayeuous waters closing over the little
hright head so dear to him-to see the little
HELPLESS hands beating vsinly upon the sur
face Without one thought of his own
bresthess condition he plunged into the
seething waters. and succeeded in grasping
the child clothing.
Fortunately the stream, though deep, was
narrow. He neared the bank, but, encum-
bered by the weight Of the child and his own
saturated garments, he would not have been
10 20 81 DO, t. Il L
must himself have persisted, had not the
widely spread alarm brought him timely
assistance. Strong, willing hands drew him
up and offered to relieve him of his precious
burden; but, declining all farther aid,
Robert, clssping the lifeless form closer TO
his BOSOM and trembling with terror lest he
were too late, hurried on, breathess and
blind, and deaf to all entreaty, until he
reached the house, and laid down his CHASTITY
burden on the wide hearthstsne in Auntis
Howe's kitchen. and knelt to chsie her rigid
limbs. In moment, Mrs. Howe herself
was ct his side, using all the restorative
means which her skill and experience could
suggest.
"Oh, it ia of no manner of use, Mr.. Mid
dleton," said the Deacon, sadly, as he lifted
up one of the little, nerveless hands, and
held glass to the cold, blue lips. at is of
no use; the breath he's returned to Him
who gave it, and you can do no moro. Come
with Inc, Mr.. Middleton, and change your
own clothes. You are bound to take care
OF your own life, aud YOU can do no more
here. 1t is of no use-it is of no use
There is use, | tell you," thundered
Robert, almost fercely. pushing the good
man out of the way. "See here, Doctor
Manyne," he said, as that gentleman, hastily
summoned. now entered the room
'see here, Dactor Mayue, put your hand
here
Another half hour of skilful care and fear.
ful suspense, and then u slight convuisive
twitching round the faint lips; few mos
men,s more, and faint sob struggled up
from the little marble bosom
Thank God, she will live - said Doctor
Msyne, turning TO Robert 1.-THE danger is
over and you have saved her. NV go, my
dear fellow, and change your wet clothes.
Nay, If you do not" he continued, seeing
that Robert still hestated. ~ shall leave
my little patient here and devote myself to
you, 10 which case l shall charge double
fees"
Peassured by the Doctors playful man
her, Robert rose to obey him: but dizzy, stiff
and faint, he had to accept the support OF
the friendly Deacon, who put him into bed
and administered q very hot draugnt of bis
own preparing, the component parts OF
which, and their exact guam stiles, ss ne was
the respected deacon of very res pectsble
church, it Id as well not to give st full length.
Suffice it to say, it had all the virtues the
Deacon claimed for it; profuse persaira-
ton took the chill and stiffness from Roberts
trembling limbs, and a heavy slumber
weighed down his eyelids in complete and
refreshing oblivion.
When Mv. Middleton again opened his
eyes it was nearly night, and he was startled
at finding Dr. Meyne standing at his bedside.
ELLA ! is she worse ?" he asked, halfafraid
to heat the answer.
mo, no; she is first rate Mr.. Middleton, -
said the Doctor. Il only hope you may
come off as well. Can You rise and dress
now? lwant you to come in and see her y
What is it, Doctor" said Robert, hastily
springiug up and arranging his dress. SIS
there any change-for the worse
None at all for the worse, but ! think q
decided change for the better. 1t is for that
| want you. You have studied her so closely
you would be sure to see; In fact, my dear
fellow. fancy this cold plunge may have
brought about the crisis that DR.. OTIS has
always insisted upon; but you can judge bet
ter than l can. Come in and see her, and
give me your opinion"
Robert was at Elias side before his friend
had ceased speaking. One look was con-
vincing. The clear, calm light Of recovered
reason shone at last in those beautiful eyes
He had thought them beautiful before, but
now, as he saw them smiling with intelii-
gence, he felt that they had been but dumb
witnesses hitherto. Silently kissing her, for
ne would not trust himself to speak, be took
the Doctors arm and left the room,
Am | right?" said DR.. Maybe, ear
nes,ly; land do you see it too?' But Rob-
ert had no words to answer him; the sudden
revulsiou of feeling was almost overwhelm-
ing. AS he had battIed with the angry
waters for their prey, or struggled on with
her unconscious little form clasped to his
heart, life, her life, such only as he had
known her, was all he had asked. or even
hoped for; and this blessed change, beyond
all hope, go overoame him that, already
"eahened by the sudden shock aud the snc
ceeolng anxiety, the strong broke (
down and wept like nervous girl; but they /
were happy, blessed tears of 10y and thank /
fnlness, and they brought SPEEDY relief /
"And now listen" said tho svmna,biy;re
Doctor when Robert had controlled himself .
81 have few directions to give Won Re
membe this Do not let her see, oy ANY
change of manner in you, that there is anv
change ia her; be sur you do not overtask
the reawakened intellect, or try the renewed !
sensibilities above all. beware of any ex |
ci,ement-it might be fatal TO all our hopes. |
Remember she ia still baby i'll progress
and intellect, and let her mind have time
enough to expand slowly, day by day. as
the mind of an infant naturally does Ella
will learn fast enough when the time comes, |
no fear about that but for this winter let
her r., mind have rest and peace"
tnis advice, which he earnestly reiterated
70 W., mrs. howe, was faithfully followed. The
'u ana weakness consequent upon her
fearful accident, by confirming the little pirl |