Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1872-02-23
SELECTED STORY
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THE MASON'S CHILD.
CHAPTER ]

OdlA4 AIZAo L.
Faster and faster spread the flames, and
now the ship was enveloped in a fiery sheet
Men and women rushed madly over the side
to meet quicker but less painful DEATH
The boats, with one exception, had been
overladen ard capsized. There were hasty
prayers, and heart.fending cries of misery
and distress. Death lowered, vulture like,
over his victims some clung desperately to
the vessels side, some supported themselves
in the water by articles snatched hastily from
the burning ship. and with which they had
leaped wildly into the sea. The captain
sang through his trumpet, "Take heart and
sustain yourself as long as possible. A
ship is coming to our relief
James Durant stood upon the almost de-
serted deck with his only child, but four
years of age, folded closely in bis arms. His
eyes swept the horizon in search Of the ship
to which the captain had alluded. He dis
covered it at last, but it was at least four
miles off, Before the ship could arrive,
they must be burned to death or, if he
sprang, as others had, down into the water,
both be and the child would be drowned,
tor he was no swimmer.
The little arms were twined about his
neck, the pale cheek rested coufdingly
againt his own, but the brave child did not
tremble.
80 my God, is there no help p cried the
despairipg father. as the flames swept near
er, and he felt that his present, position
could be held but a little longer
"Here, give the child to me, aud | will
save" and turning quickly, MIR. Durans
stood face to face with stranger who had
a life preserver in his hand.
"Quick there is 40 time to be lost! The
child can have my life-preserver, and it will
float her easily. Yonder is another ship I
have been watching it for the last FIVE min
utes. It will reach us in half an hour at
the most There, that is fastened securely.
Now, little girl, am going to throw you in.
to the water. You are not afraid?'
"No, no but papa p
The father caught her frantically in his
arms.
"My darling Eva, you may never see
your father again but DO not fear-God
will guard you. and somebody will fnd you
and take care Of you. If you never see pa
pa again, remember he is in heaven with
mamma"
"Has she 20 relatives 2" asked the stran-
ger.
"None in this country am from Eng
land, and am travelling for her health"
''Take that pin from your bosom and fas-
ten it to her clothing"
"Heaven help you for the thought" said
the father and in moment the square and
compass was glistening on the bosom Of the
child, and the stranger took her from her
fathers arms saying; II am stronger than
you; she must be cast beyond the reach Of
these poor drowning wretches, or they will
rob her Of her life-preserver."
The white drapery Auttered through the
air, and sank below the waves then rising
i. foated lightly on the water.
James turned to tie stranger with fearful
eyes
''May God bless you and preserve you
noblest Of men. But you, as we'll as my
self, must be lost" 4s-a
"No, am good swimmer, aud here il
a piece of board with which you can sustain
yourself until relief arrives
The father cast another glance at tn
white speck floating rapidly away, and will
an inward ''God preserve her!' sprang in
to the sea, followed by tho stranger bu
the two foated in different directions, ant
they saw each other no more.
Tso hours later, James Durant awoke
as from the sleep Of death, and found him
self in the cabin Of a strange ship, with kim
and sympathizing faces all around him, ii
n moment he realized all that had passed
and said, eagerly. though feebly. "M.
child, little Eva; is she safe ?" There wa
no response, and low moan escaped thu
fathers lips.
Courage. SIR" said lady with tcarfu
eyes, ''some Of the passengers were save
by another ship"
The fathers countenance lighted. "Got
grant that e,may be safe"
Mr.. Durant recovered his usual strength
in few hours, and sought among the save
for the stranger who had proved himself 8
true Masonic Brother, but he was not t.
be found.
He must be on the other ship sal
Mr.. Durant, s'and he will care for Eva
Both ships were at port the followin
day, but although Mr.. Durant found tn
stranger who had befriended him, and VIII
proved to be Mr.. Wadsworth, from
Southern City, Eva was seen by no one, an
given up as lost.
CHAPTER II.
s.Hara uifo IL child thaf has inst hae