Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1872-03-13


and shadows playing over the hOrro
strlcken faces below, the vivid Ou
! lines of the nearer trees against th
inky sky beyond, even the luttel
ing of frightened birds amid the
J branches.
Some Of the old Huguenot bloc
burned in the veins Of this girl; he
slender limbs were mOuldered of tn
pure stuff out of which martyrs wer
made. An old hymn of her child
hood sprang to her lips; wild an
sweet quaint melody rang out upOl
the air:
The Lord is coming, is coming.
/ In chariot OF FIRE
Fly up my soul. to meet Him,
On the wings of thy desire.'"
There is a sudden movement in tn,
crowd, focal gathering of all eyes
What do they see?
a bOyish figure, appearing, no ont
knows how or whence, climbing toll.
somely up the steep roof slope, cling
ing with bare feet and hands to thC
smoking shingles. sliding, slipping
yet advancing still He has reached
the top, he runs along the dizzy ridge,
he throws himself at full length along
the angle above the gable window, he
Is fastening something to the cornice
spire.
Something falling between her and
the sky strikes Margaret's hand. it is
the end Of rope, rudely knotted and
above she sees the face of Harold
Thorn. All the sweetness of life
swoOns back upon her with a dizzying
wish.
"Come!n
She steps upon the window sill, and
grasps the rope. She does not once
loOk dOwn-the boy holds her with
his magnetic eyes. She feels the
strength of giants tingle along her
slender wrists. Her old, childish play
with her brother, at sea-faring, with
mimic rigging fastened to the great
beams of the barn, will serve her now,
climbing for her life.
Up! up! the rope strains, but holds.
Upl up! she feels his hands. Half
half drawn, shelies pant
ing on the roof. The crowd cheers,
but only family yet, for the famesa are
bursting through the roof now, and
the danger is only begun.
4bAulnk ldSb " GhG1 OluGTg LuEN
work their way down. Great clouds
of smoke burst up, and snatch their
breath. They stand upon the shelving
caves, they leap together upon the
lower roof Ofthe wing-hruised, chok-
Ing, but unfalteIing. Courage! yon-
der are hundred waiting armsI
Now ~ cries Harold, 'jump"
Margaret springs through the sufio-
eating smoke-she feels herself caught
up and borne-sbe struggles for a
sight of Hal. There is a flash, a
rumbling like an avalanche great
columns rise of mingled smoke and
flame.
'Hal! Hall" she shrieks, butthere
IS no answer.
The people fell back as Deacon
strong arm took up his boy,
struck to death in his brave breast by
/ tile from the fallen chimney. He
but his eyes were closed.
The old doctor came near, and
shook his head. A quiver of pain
distorted the boys face.
Lay me down fatherv" he gasped.
Where is she"
She dropped upon her knees beside
lim-she, who would have drawn the
blood from her own heart to feed his
ife one hour-and took his head upon
Ter breast.
80 my son my son ~ groaned the
tern, strong man. Look at meat
ne, o my child"
The boy turned his eye toward him,
milling feebly, but, in a moment, his
Uncertain gaze wandered back to Mar
,areps face.
"Greater love -" he whispered;
say it ~
Greater love hath no man than
his, that a man lay down his life for
IFS friend y" she answered.
a glow, not Of the fire-light, shone
pon his face, then faded slowly, slow
y-and she closed his eyes.