The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-06-14


iaid, AZ see that l have wise little
head on these delicate shoulders that
thought to spare. Iou will surely Sc z
cure my success one of these days"
"Do you really think so?" said Mldg-
ct. 'Then l am just as happy as L can
be-"
So the matter was adjusted, and from
that time with varying success, the plan
adopted then, was substantially -iol-
lowed. Midget was sole manager OF the
domestic part Of the firm, and he oi the
He kept his word IN re-
gard to depositing TO her account the
sum saved by her management, anu m
vested it for her as she directed. Al
length she came into possession oil
small legacy, and after few years sue
cessful Investment, she found that she
had enough laid by to purchase nome.
As their family had Increased WIN IN
creasing years, she felt 10th TO brinS /
them up without home OF their own
and after due deliberatiOn IA house was
purchased. 80
Harry had become so thoroughly con- \
WINGED of the utility of allowing ms wlie
to assume responsibility, that he pro- !
posed that she should hold the home as /
her own private property, and he would
still pay rent and board, so that she
would feel Independent in whatever out
lay she might desire to make.
While she was busy with her own al
fairs, finding no time for discomfort or
envy OF her richer neighbors, the firm
had pushed their business from one
one branch of trade to another, till they
occupied a stately warehouse with an
iron front and "fire-proof' roofing, and
were counting on large profits from the
fall trade that had opened so prosper
ously. Saturday night, October 9Th,
they were alarmed by the cry of fire, and
as the bells changed and clamored, Alidg-
ct began TO fear that they might be in
danger. Harry went out and watched
for time, and returned, telling her that
the wind was carrying it from them, but
they had better be ready to take their
valuables to the warehouse on short no
tice, as that was near the water and fire.
proof.
That was a great comfort, that word
''fire-proof." Things were mentally as
sorted, the necessary and the sump-
tuary.
First the trunks of clothing, with the
silver, and all the important papers.
Then they must have beds and bedding,
and crockery and cooking utensils.
Midget looked at the new piano which
/ had only been brought home the week
/ before, and the new centre-table and the
new carpets; but she said they must
save what was absolutely essential first,
and she went To work packing the most
needful.
As night advanced, and the fire seemed
/ subdued, she left of packing and went
I to sleep. The next day found them all
at their accustomed Sabbath duties, for
/ theirhOuse had been dedicated 10y prayer,
and ''HOliness to the Lord' was in
/ scribed on all their treasures.
Among those who returned thanks for
mercies received that Sabbath night as
they lay down to rest, Harry Dalton and
f, his family were among the most earn
est and grateful. Disturbed on the
night before, they soon slept soundly,
till reused from their sound slumbers by
wild cries, by deafening clang of bells,
and by loud knocking at their doors.
1t was no longer night, but q lurid light
filled the air, and craZed and wild-lOok-
ing spirits seemed flying past. They
opened the door, and there before il was
one of their huge drays, filled with the
hastily gathered goods of one of the
partners. Over the hastily gathered
load a wet carpet had been thrown, and
in the midst of mattresses, and looking
/ glasses, and pots, and kettles, and bro
ken rOcking-hOrses, and china, and cut
glass, sat the mistress of these strangely
assorted goods with her three little ones,
crouching under the wet shelter.
The fire had broken out anew, and
their home had been threatened sa
speedily, that they had at once sent fol
the team, and fled hither for shelter and
safety.
Midget opened her arms for the little
ones, consoled the affrighted mother,
gave orders for the hasty bestOwal Of the
plunder, and then looked out to SET
whether they were indeed safe. Thu.
far the wind had favored them, and she
at once set about planning for the need,
of her increased family. She had {
. friend i'm one of the pleasant towns Few
, miles off, and she would send her chill
, dren there, and thus make room for tn,
, houseless.
, Meanwhile, the fire, which at frs
marched steadily forward, now flew
p with winged speed, leaving the ives
: side where our friends were sheltered
/ but aiming at the grandeur and power o
: the proud young city. Its very vital
I We're gained. The marble palaces ol
: State Street and Washburn Avenu
p crumbled like dust, the iron melted lill
' wax, the wood was consumed like stub
bic.
I Early in the devouring march, Daltol
: and his partner saw that their statel,
/ warehouse was aimed at, and with som
: desperate hope that they might seeur
} something from the wreck, they made
. detOur, and reached it in time TO saw
: their papers-nothing more. Like ma
riners ship-wrecked, they turned back
+ aiding to save life, and that alone.
I Night found them scOrched and eX
hausted, but safe at Midget's door. Sucl
: 4 welcome! Who dares attempt Il, The,
\ had been down to the gates of death
; they had passed through the fiery fur
, mace, and they were safe, thank God; bu
l the labor of years was gone.
I "Only small insurance, and that per
. haps, quite worthless,'h said Dalton
> "but never let US fret. We have our
, selves left, and my Midget has he
/, home.n
They did not feel too sure of that 70
, some time, but kept their valuable
packed ready for an EXODUS, il the de
7 stroyer should again break loose.
was chained by the bold, brave deeds 0
, Sheridan, and others equally brave,
/ not 50 bold; and then the tide slowly re
! ceeded.
, What now were these men TO do
They had no warehouse, not even al
: Office; and where could one be found ?
, Fright here" said Midget, who wa
now in all their councils. 81 will con
vert my parlor into a dining-room, an,
put some old drugget over this carpe
and convert it into an Office, and TO
r morrow you can lang out your sign
Dalton & Co., Warehousemen.' Shoul'
! you need any additional clerical force,
shall be able TO offer you my services
advice giatis."