The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1872-12-10


neighboring farm, but no boat was to be seen
at hand in which they could be followed. Al
ready the boat was moving down the current.
1t was still some distance from the rapids
but unless the boat be stopped in its course,
it must eventually reach them.
Mrs. Barton and Fanny cried in vain to the
spectators to aid in rescuing the children.
Some of the men ran along the bank up the
stream, but others stood STILL and declared
they had no power to save the children.
Still, if you would but swim in, you might
get on board the boat before it has gone far, -
exclaimed Mrs. Barton.
And run pretty fair chance of losing our
own lives, was the reply made by some of
the men.
Some way down, another boat was at length
seen. 1t was small, frai1 skiff, and moored
1 very near the commencement of the rapids.
swirl any one try and save my children? ="
exclaimed Mrs. Barton, in despair.
Again the men shook their heads.
Not for a thousand dollars. Before one
could reach the boat in that rotten canoe, she
would be among the rapids.''
The fond mother and Fanny became almost
frantic with despair. just at that moment a
figure was seen bounding down from neigh
boring height. In an instant, with knife,
he cut the "painter" securing the skiff to the
shore. A pair of paddles were in the skiif.
He leapcd in and showed off from the bank.
Mrs. Barton knew him, and so did Fanny.
cts Frank Carlton" they exclaimed.
sob, blessings on him May God protect
the noble and daring man ~
Already the boat was approaching the COM
mencement of the rapids. Once in their pow,
er, even his sturdy arms could scarcely stem
the current. Not for one moment did he cal
culatc the difficulty or danger hewas to under
go. With rapid strokes he pursued, the float
ing boat How eagerly did the fond mother
watch his proceedings She stood apparently
calm on the bank, only now and then extend
ing her arms, as if she would draw back the
boat which contained herloved ones.
Still, to those who looked on, it seemed
/ scarcely possible that the children could es-
cape. IL they We're lost, so also would be
! Frank Carlton. Still he pursued The mo-
ton of the boat, which contained the boys,
showed its near approach to the rapids. In
two or three minutes ii would be within their
| power. 1t seemed hardly credible that he
could reach it even in that time. Onward he
went, every now and then turning his head
round to watch the boat. Already it began
to leap and toss. The water foamedaround it..
See he has got alongside !" exclaimed
the people from the shore "but will he have
strength to stem the current on his return I? y
A glance showed him that there were two
oars in the boat. Leaving his canoe to its
fate, he eaped into the boat and seized the
oars Now came fearful struggle. Should
an oar give way, he and his young friends
must inevitably be lost. He nerved himself
for the undertaking by offering up prayer for
strength to One who alone can give it. Grasp
ing the oars, he placed his feet firmly at the
bottom of the boat and rowed manfully. At
first, it seemed to those who looked on that he
stream, but still she seemed to be going slowly
and surely downwards.-s He struggles on.
! The water foams around the boat on every
side. Yes he is making wayne has gained
an inch, another and another Slowly the
boat moves onward, out of the power of the
rapids. A foot is gained. Still, by the exer-
tions he is making his strength must become
exhausted. He, rows on and ON ; the boat
makes Roadway. Surely the prayers of that
fond mother are heard. The gallant young
man renews his exertions. He is resolved,
God helping him, to save the children. He
thinks not of himself or what will be the con-
sequences to his own frame The veins seem
starting from his forehead. Those only who
have gone through such contest, can under
stand what he had to endure. The people
from the neighborng farms now eagerly crowd
the Shore ready to render him assistance when
he reaches it, Some, however, even now
doubt whether he will accomplish the under
taking. Should his strength fail, even for an
instant, the boat would quickly be carried
back, with those on board, to destruction
With all his strength he continues rowing,
looking neither TO the right hand nor the
left. His eyes are on the young children
who sit .crouching down in terror at the
bottom of the boat. With a smile he
endeavors to encourage them. Again and
again he cries to Heaven for strength. Gradu-
ally the boat approaches the shore Now it
has reached an upward eddy. Still he rows
on, and the boat safely reaches the bank.
Scarcely conscious of his success he is lifted
out of the boat, and eager hands restore the
children to their mother. She clasps them to
her bosom, and pours out her gratitude to
their delverer. But there is one kneeling by
his side who entreats those who stand by to
bring some water to battle bis brow. The
handkerchief tied round his throat is loosened.
lie returns to consciousness, and sees Fanny
Aveling bending over him. In a short time
he declares himself sufficiently recovered to
walk, and joyful party return to Barton
Lodge.
| Our tale is finished Though he returned
home that evening" Frank could not do other
wise than, the following morning, visit Barton
Lodge, to inquire after the boys. Fanny Ave
ling no longer received him as had been her
wont. t,ufE 4.s.te nh
! "You have done something, she exclaimed.
| I 10 ot L.