The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1872-04-04
THE MASON'S CHILD.
CHAPTER /.

fiery sheet. Men and women rushed
madly over the side to meet a auiekel
but less paii1ts.l death. The boats, with
one exception. had been overladen and
capsized There were hasty prayers,
and hcartrending cries of misery and dis
tress. Death lowered, yulture like,
ever his victims; some elung desperate
" 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
yourselves as long as possible. A ship is
coming to our reilet. ~
James Durant stood upon the almost
deserted deck with his only child, but
four years of age, folded closely in his
arms. He discovered. 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 springs, as others
had, down into the water, both he and
the child would be drowned, for he was
no swimmer.
The little arms were twined about his
neek,s the pale cheek rested eon6dingly
against his own, but the brave child did
not tremble.
80 my God, is there no help?'
cried the despairing father as the flames
swept nearer, and felt that his present
position could be held but little long
er.
Here, give the child to me, and l
will save her." and turning quickly Mr..
Durant stood face to face with strang-
er who had life preser1 yer in his
hand.
Quick! there is no time to be lost !!
The child. can have my life preserver
and it will float her easily. Y"nde' is
another ship, have been watching it
for the last FIVE minutes. 1t will reach
US in half an hour az the most. There,
that is fastened securely. Now little girl,
Fam going to throw you into the water.
You are not afraid ?'
mo, no, but father %
The father caught her franticaHy in his
arms.
Mr. darling Eva, you may never see
your father again but do not fear, God
viii guard you, ami somebody will find
70 and take care of you. IF you never
see papa again, remember he is in heav-
en- with mamma"
Has she no relatives?' asked tie
stranger.
"None in this country I am from
England, and am travelling for her
health.
cake that pin from your bosom and
fasten it in her clothing
Heaven help you for the thought"
said the father; and in a 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
drowning wretches, or they will rob her
OF her life preserver"
The white drapery futtered through
the air, and sank below the. waves !;
then rising, it Heated lightly on the
water.
James turned to the stranger with
fearful eyes.
MAY God bless you and preserve you,
noblest and best of men. But you as well
as myself. must be lost
mo [ ans .. good swimmer, and here
is piece eff board with which you can
sustain yourself until relief arrives"
The father cast another glance at the
white speck floating rapidly away, and
with an inward God preserve her /"
sprang into the sea, followed by the
stranger; but the two foated in differ
ent 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 strange ship,
with kind and spmpathizing faces all
around him, in moment he realized all
that had passed, and said eagerly,
though feebly, NY child, little Eva,
is she safe? ?" There was no response,
and low moan escaped the fathers
lips.
Courage, sir, said lady with tear
ful eyes, ''sone of the passengers were
saved by another ship"
The faith er' scountenanee lighted "God
grant that she may be safe.''
Mr.. DuraIt recovered his usual strength
In few hours, and sought among the
saved Tor the stranger who had proved
himselfso true Masonic Brother, but he
was not to be found
He must be on the other ship, -
said Mr.. Durant. land he will care for
Eva"
Both ships were at port on the follow
ing day, but although Mr.. Durant found
the stranger who had befriended him,
aud who proved to be Mr. Wadswortb,
from southern city. Eva was seen by no
one and given up as lost.
CHAPTER H.
Here, wife, IS child that has lust
been washed upon the beach. She is
cold and stiff, but [ think she is no,
dead. Let US have some warm 1anne,,s
Immediately. and tell Thomas to run for
Dr. Hunt"
1t was long before the quiveriug
lashes and feeble futtering of the heart