Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1874-01-02


1t flashed across his mind that the eastern
express, passing through the village he had
just left, was even now due, and any mo-
ment might round the curve proudly. And
then james saw, as once he had 10 dream,
the locomotive and cars whirling over and
over, and away down at the bottom OF the
ravine faces of wounded and dying. Even
with this vision before him, he was carefully
turning Shag about. Yet what could he do
If he only had lantern he might swing il
around his head, and thus warn the engineer.
But he hadn't one, nor anything to make
light with Yes, he had, solitary match
picked carefully up from the floor Of the
store, his book-his precious book-and the
pine wagon-box.
In an instant his plans were laid Shag
was urged back at his best speed few rods.
Every second was precious. Out sprang
james, jerked the tailboard from the wagon,
and, in less time than can write it, had
with the aid Of jack.knife made il into
kindling wood This with quick fingers he
piled Clubhouse fashion, on the middle Of the
track, filling up the interstices with leaves
ruthlessly torn by the handful from the new
history until nothing Of it was left but its
strong leather cover. Then with eager haste
he crossed carefully over the top the long
side-pieces Of the wagon.box, and kneeliug
down, drew the solitary match quickly across
his rough boot. A pale blue light Aickered
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 ignitcd, but not a mo.
ment too soon for the earth trembled, the
rails were Jared by low rumbling, and
near and nearer came the train.
Hard down upon the brakes, and the cars,
laden with human beings, were at sudden
stand STILL Open few windows, out popped
heads. Several men jumped down into the
snow.
What's the matter, what's the matter ?''
they cried inquiringly, of the little figure
erect by the bonfire.
The boy could not speak but pointed
dumbly to the curve, and as they disappear
ed in that direction, fell, overcome by con-
fiicting emotions, face down upon the snow.
Strong and gentle hands bore him into pal
ace car; some one unbuttoned his worn over
coat, and out dropped the cover of his histo-
ry, all that was left of what cost him so much
thought and sef.denial. This sight was just
what he needed. 1t brought the tears to
his eyes and the sob to his voice.
q had to burn. it" he faltered, as kind,
sympathetic faces crowded about him.
Don't cry, boy, yOu's good and 'Izzio
loves you" lisped a curly -haired little one,
as she climbed into James lap and pressed
her arms caressingy about his neck.
1" But for you" said a fne-looking gentle
man, my darling might never again have
seen the mother waiting for her return 50
anxiousy."
A lovely lady pressed forward, and stoOp-
ing gently kissed the boy on either cheek
shall never forget you. Remember me
by this" As. she spoke she slipped a ring
sparkling with brilliants upon the boys fore.
finger"
Il cannot be outdonc by you, lady," ex.
claimed grateful young man, as he took
from his person an elegant watch and chain
and laid them in the lap Of the astonished
boy.
Add this to the gifts rung out the
hearty voice of man, who, unobserved, had
entered from another car. Here, lad, y
he continued, holding toward the young
hero hat almost full of notes and currency
A." take this, with the thanks of two hundred
passengers
Not so fast" calculated 'Izzes papa
" there are others here who would like to Dc
their share" Aud round went the hat
more bills, and some Of them large ones
falling into it.
The cars were under motion again.
"I-l must get off cried the alarmed
boy, Shag's out there
No, he amt answered the conductor
" | know about you, and sent a man oil
ahead with the pony Wen drop you a
your place"
"Oh, how good you all are !" exclaime,
the happy james.
Reckon We ought to be; you saved al
our lives" answered the conductor.
The little rough house is closed. Tn
widow lives again in her old village home
James goes to school, and both are happy i
the consciousness that their good forum
was not il.deservod. -RuraL Home.