Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1872-11-01

fierce gale, were playing over the
cleared space like electric fluids.
The smoke gradually drove ahead,
and enabled the daring rcscuer to
sec that to gain an outlet from this
awful oven, he must make a desper-
ate dash through that portion of the
wood where the fire burned lightest
having just ignited. Fortunately
it was in close proximity to the
road, and gathering the unconscious
form of the maiden tighter in his
arms, he loosened the rein and
shouted encouragement to his faith
full horse, as he bent forward on his
neck.
Whiz!-crash!-ten long, spas
modic leaps-and as the rush of hot
air had almost taken away his
breath, Dixon and his precious bur-
den were "landed" safe on the op-
posite side Of the flaming wall.
Safe, yet, only for a moment.
There was no time for hesitation or
delay. The tinderlike forest just
behind him was now fully on fire
he had passed through not second
too soon-and here it seemed as if
the Fates had conspired to raise the
wind to 4 perfect hurricane. One
glance behind, and the young physi
clan knew it was race with Death!
His pale lips set firmly together as
he once more frightened the bridle-
reins, and the fierce glare in his
distended eyes, told of the resolve
he had made-to challenge the fell
Destroyer with his noble steed.
One loud, peculiar cry from his
masters lips, and Erebus knew his
work. The road was reached,
blocked here and there by the pros
tratc forms of men and women, and
teams, suffocated and blinded unto
death; but there were none to help
them. Ercbus' head turned toward
Peshtigo, miles away, and down the
rough track he shot like thunder
bolt from heaven. On, on, on, at
the same terrific rate went the
powerful black, while close behind
came the waves of fire, the speed
of which nearly equalled his own.
But even the strong forces Of
nature could not compete with the
grand pace of Erebus. The animal
well knew what was expected of
him, and it required no urging from
his master to send him forward at
the best pace. Mile after mile flew
by-scores Of exhausted and sink
ing toot-travellers were passed and
left beside the road to die, crying
piteously for hclp-and here and
there a loaded wagon was avoided,
as the agile horse swept around
and on beyond al! distractions. Be-
hind, the roaring foe was steadily
advancing, and ut such rate that
any hesitation-a single false step
would be total destruction.
On, on, at this terrible pace, and
at last the village loomed into view,
just beyond the forest belt. A few
moments later, and the black stall
ion was dashing madly down the
street, his rider, with face be-
grimmed and blackened by smoke
and heat, and garments torn, scor-
ched and frayed, still erect in the
saddle, and shouting the fearful
warning to the now panic -tricken
people. And when the lower end
of the village was reached, and,
obedient to command, the painting
steed halted at the rivers edge,
allowing his burden to dismount,
a frantic, gray-haired man ran wild
ly to the spot, dashing the flying
people right and left in his mad
haste. He reached the bank, where
the young physician was kneeling
to bathe the pale, sweet face of his
still unconscious charge in the cool
water, andfell upon the earth beside
, them with convulsive cry
; "Thank God! thank God! Helen
my childw
CAY, John Graham-your child
and safe, at lea st, for the present,
, said the physician, without ceasine
his attempts at rcsuscitation. "She
has tainted, only"
"Ieaven be thanked for that
, And you, Doctor Dixon-oh, how
, can | atone for the past? My re-
ward is coming yonder-my punish.
, ment for headstrong follies; but the
greatest of all punishment has beer
inflicted by you! Doctor, can yor
fogivc an old mans harshness?"
, And the once proud Captain Gra
ham, seized the blackencd hand o
the young rescuer in trembling
grasp, and turned his tear-dimmed
eyes imploringly upon the face be
, side him.
"There is naught to forgive, Cap
tain Graham" said Dixon, return
ing the pressure of the old mans
r nerveless hand. "Naught to for
t give, for l had laid up nothing
against you.'
, "God bless you, Dixon,-it's just
like you, | own. Forget my in
) suits and the pain they caused you
) if you can. God willing, we shall
escape from this awful place III
, yonder boat-and she shall hence
forth help you to forget the past"
) The physician strove to reply
, but his emotion was evan deeper
than that of his companion. He
could only press his hand once more
in grateful thanks.
"Miss Helen is reviving, sir
, said he after a pause. "Wc must
, move on again. for the fire has en-
tered the upper end of the village,
Carry your daughter to the boat.
! please, while l bring up that noble
!, animal, yonder. He must swim the
river to safer spot, if he cannot
, accompany us farther
, The young man assisted the half
conscious maiden to her fathers
arms, and then turned away a little
distance, to where his exhausted
stced had lain down on the shore Ia
rest his aching limbs, AS he drew
near the noble animal, he called on
him rs usual to rise; but there was
no movement in response. Advanc-
ing to his side, Dixon repeated the