The Van Buren press., 1872-04-16
MISCELLANY.
Eva, The Hason's Child.
CHAPTER /.

Faster and faster spread the flames,
and now the ship was enveloped in H.
cry sheet Men and women rushed mad
ly over the side to meet quicker but
less painful death.
| The boats, with one exception, hand
been overladen and capsized There
were hasty prayers and heartreHding
cries Of misery and distress
Death hovered, vulture like over his
victims; some clung desperately to the
vessel side, some supporting themselves
in the water by articles snatchsd hastily
from the burning ship, and with which
they had leaped wildly into the sea. The
captain sang through his trumpet: e
"Take heart, and sustain yourselves
as long as possible. A ship is coming
to our relief "
James Durant stood upon the almost
deserted deck, with his only child, but
four years of age, folded closely in his
arms.
His eyes swept the horizon In search
Of the ship to which the captain had al
luded He discovered it at last, but it was
at least four miles off.
| Before the ship could arrive they raist
be burned to death before; or, If he
sprang. as the others had. down into the
water, both he and the child would be
drowned, for he was not swimmer.
The little arms were twined about his
neck, the pale cheek rested confidently
against his own, but the brave child did
not tremble.
t"Oh, my God is there no help?"
cried the despairing father, as the flames
swept nearer, and he felt that his present
position could be held but q little longer
"Here, give the child to me, and ] will
save her, +" and turning quickly, Mr.. Du
rant stood face to face with stranger
who had life preservcr in his hand
"Quick There is no time to he lost |!
The child can have my life preserver, and
it will float her easily, Yondsr is anoth-
er ship; have been watching it for the
last five minutes. II will reach us in
half an hour at most. There, that is
fastened securely. Now, little girl, am
going to throw you into the water You
are not afraid 7"
"No, no, but papa?'
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 find
you and take care OF you.
HAS she no relatives!'
"None in this country. ] am from
England, and ain travelling for her
health
Take that pin from your bosom and
fasten it to her clething.
Heaven help you for that 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
~ am stronger than you; she must
be cast beyond the reach of these poor
dro wning wrstches or they will rob her
Of her life preservor
The white drapery loatcd through the
air, and sank below the waves; then ris
ing. it hoated lightly on the waters
James turned TO the stranger with
fearful eyes. aa ne
"May God bless and preserve you, no.
blest Of men. Buty you, as well as my.
self, must be lost. "
mo / am good swimmer, and here
is piece of board with which you can
sustain Yourself until relief arrives. "
The father cast another glance at the
white speck floating rapidly away, and
with On inward "God preserve her"
sprang into the sea, followed BY the
stranger; bnt the two foatsd in different
directions, and they saw each other no
more
Two hours later James Durant awoke
as from the sleep Of death, and found
himself in the cabin Of a strange ship,
with kind and sympathizmg faces all
around him. In o moment he realized
all that had passed, and asked eagerly
MY child-my little Eva. Is she
safe ?"
There was no response and low
moan escaped his lips.
"Courage, sir. said lady with tear
full eyes. "Some OF the passengers were
saved by another ship.
The fathers face brightsled.
"God grant that she maj be safe,
Mr.. DuraHt recovered bis usual
strength in a few hours and sought
among tho saved for the stranger who
had proved himself 80 true Masonic
Brother, but he was not to be feand.
"He must be on the other ship, he
said, .'and he will care for Eva "
Both ships we're at port the following
day, but although Mr.. Durant found the