Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1872-02-22
THE. MAsON'S CHILD.
CHAPTER I.

l
capsized. There were hasty prayers,
and heartrending cries of misery and
distress. Death hovered, vulture 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 il
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 il
was at least four miles of. 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 confdin ely
against bis own, but the brave child did
not tremble.
30 my God, is there no help :"
cried the despairing fathers as the flames
swept nearer, and felt that his present
position could be held but little long.
or.
Here, give the child to me, and I
will save her," and turning quickly Mr..
Durant stood face to face with strane-
er who had a ife-preserver in his
hand.
"Quick there is no time to be lost |!
The child can have my ife-preseyer
and it will float her easily. Yonder is
another ship; have been watching it
for the last five minutes. It will reach
us in half an hour at the most. There.
that is fastened securely. Now little
girl, I am going to throw you into the
water. You are not afraid7"
mo, no, but father2"
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 Z" asked the
stranger.
"None in this country; I am from
England, and am travelling for her
health.
"Take 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:< I 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 fluttered through
the air, and sank below the waves !;
then rising, it floated 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 az myself, must be lost"
"No I am a 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 an inward "God preserve herr"
sprang into the sea, followed BY; the
stranger; but the two floated 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 sympathizing faces
all around him, in moment he realized
all that had passed, and said eagerly,
though feebly, my child, little Eva,
| is she SAFE 2" There was no response.
and low moan escaped the fathers
lips.
Courage, sir" said 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 usual
strength in few hours, and sought
among the saved for the stranger who
had proved himself so true q Masonic
Brother, but he was not to be found.
''He must be on the other ship. -
said Mr.. Durant, "and he will care TO,
Eva."
Both ships were at port on the fol
lowing day, but although Mr.. Duran1
found the stranger who had befriend
ed him, and who proved to be a Mr.
Wadsworth, from southern city, Ev.
was seen by no one aud given up al
lost.