Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1873-06-24

urged back at his best speed few rods
Every second was precious. Out snrsno.
James, ierked the tail, board from the wagon,
and, in less time than l can write it. hadwith
the aid of a Jack-knife made it into kindIips
wood This with quick fingers he piled cob-
mouse fashion, on the middle of the track
n'ins up the in terstices with leaves, ruth
iessly torn, by the handful from the history,
until nothing was left in his possession but its
strong leather cover. Then with eneer haste
he crossed over the top to the long side>pieces
OF the wagon box, and, kneelins down. drew
the solitary match quickly across his rough
boot a pale, blue light fickercd an instant,
then gust of wind and it was out But no
matter, the paper had taken fire, and up
through the quaint little pine tower sped the
flames. The boards, dry as pine could be-
| now Ignited, but not, a moment too soon for
the earth trembled, the rails were Jared by a
low rumbling, and nearer and nearer comes
the train.
Hard down upon the brakes. and the cars.
laden with human beings, were { sudden
.stand>stili. Open few windows, out popped
heads. Several men jumped down into the
snow.
: ''What's the matter, what's the matter 2''
they cried, inqniringly, of the little figure
erect by the bonfire
The boy could not speak, but pointed
dumbly to the curve, and as they disappeared
IN that direction. fell overcome by conflicting
emotions, face down upon the snow: Strong
and gentle arms bore him into palace car !:
some one uuhuttoned his worm overcont. and
ont dropped the cover of his history, all thnt
was left of what c6st him so much thouobt
and self-denial This sight was Just what he
needed. II brought the tears to his ewes and
the sob to his voice.
81 had to burn it, he faltered, as kind
sympsthetic faces crowded about him.
Don't cry, boy, you's good. and 'Tzzie
loves you" ]isped curlv-haired little one. as
she climbed into James lap. and pressed her
arms caressngly about his neck.
"But for you,' said fine looking gentleman
INV darling might never again have seen the
mother waiting for her return so anxiouslv.
lovely lady pressed forward, and stopping,
gently kissed the boy on either cheek. "I
shall never forget you. Remember me by
this AS she spoke, she slipped a ring
Fsnark!ing with briliants upon the boys fore
finger.
81 cannot be outdone by you, lady," ex-
cla'med grateful young man, as he took
from his person an elgant watch and chain.
and laid them in the lap of the astonished
boy.
"Add this to the gifts, rang out the hearty
voice OF man, who, unnbserved, had entered
from another car. "Here lad i" he continued
holsiog toward the young hero, hat almost
full OF notes and currency, 'stake this. with
the thanks of two hundred pnsseneers"
Mot so fast" ejaculatcd 'Izzie's papa
"there are others here would like 10 do thcir
share. And round went the hat. more bills
some of them very large ones falling into it.
The cars were under motion again.
:. IL must get off," cried the alarmed
boy: 'Shag's out there"
"No, he ain't," answered the conductor.
know abopt you. and sent man on
ahead with the pony. Well drop you at
your place"
"Oh, how good you all are,' exclaimed the
haprv James.
*'Reckon we ought to be; YOU saved all
our lives" answered the conductor.
The little rough house is closed The wild.
ow lives again in her old village home
James goes to school. and both ore happy in
the consciousness that their good fortune was
not i'll deserved.