Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1872-02-28
THE MASON'S CHILD.
CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER 7.
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 and
capsized. There were hasty prayers,
and heartrending cries OF misery and
distress. Death hovered, vulGure like,
ever his victims some clung desper-
ately to the vessels, side, some support
ed 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
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
neck, the pale cheek rest eonfdin ely
against his own, but the brave child did
not tremble.
go my God, is there no help .
cried the despairing fatheras the flames
swept nearer, and felt that his present
position could be held but little long
err.
!" Here, give the child to me, and I
will save her" aid turning quickly Mr..
Durant stood face to face with a strang-
er who had life-preserver in his
| hand
"Quick there is no time to be lost
| The child can have my hfe-presevel
and it will float her easily. Yonder is
another ship / have been watching ii
for the last five minutes It will reach
us in half an hour at the most. There,
that is fastened securely Now little
girl, [ am going to throw you into the
| water. You are not afraid ]"
''No, no, but father?' -
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. If you
never see papa Lagain, remember he is
in heaven with mamma.
"Has she no relatives 2" asked the
stranger
"None in this country I am from
England, and am travelling for hel
health"
"Take that pin from your bosom an6
fasten it in her clothing"
Heaven help you for the thought,
said the father; and IN moment The
square and compass was glistening Oh
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 hel
life preserver."
The white drapery futtered through
the air, and sank below the waves
then rising, it foated lightly on the
water.
James turned to the stranger will
fearful eyes.
May God bless you and preserve
you, noblest and best of men. But you
as well as myself, must be lost"
"No am a good swimmer, and here
is piece Of board with which you cal
sustain yourself until relief arrives" "
The father cast another glance at th'
white speck floating rapidly away, and
with inward 2God- preserve herrl
sprang into the sea, followed by tht
stranger but the two hoated in differ
ent directions, and they saw each othel
no more.
Two hours later, James Duran
awoke, as from the sleep of death, ant
found himself in the cabin of strange
ship, with kind and sympathizing faces
all around him, in a moment he realized
all that had passed, and said eagerly
though feebIy, "My child, little Eva
is she safe 90 There was no response
and low moan escaped the father'f
lips.
Courage, SIR" said a lady with
fearful eyes, ''some of the passengers
were saved by another ship"
The fathers countenance lighted
"God grant that she may be safe"
Mr.. Durant recovered his usua
strength in a few hours, and sought
among the saved for the stranger whc
had proved himself so true Masoni,
Brother, but he was not to be found.
He must be on the other ship,
said Mr. Durant, "and he will care fol
Eva.'
Both ships were at port on the fol
lowing dag, but although Mr.. Duran
found the stranger who had befriend
ed him, and who proved to be a Mr.
Wadsworth, from a southern city, Ev;
was seen by no one and given up al
lost.