The Potter journal and news item. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1872-1874, 1874-02-18

the black whirl of water whore poor
Fred went out of sight-when, with
kind of swoop, Robert Hart came
down upon them and crying out,
"Out of the way, boys" he rushed
by and with a plunge disappeared
in the cold blackness.
Instantly, Roberts bravery stirred
them into action. They rushed to
where some dried branches lay heaped
/ up on the shore, dragged the longest
ones to the place and at last had the
JOY Of helping both the boys from
the water, or rather of helping Rob
ert-the hoy he held in his arm, was
unconscious.
who'd a thought itr' exclaimed
one of the boys, as they were all rub
bing and pounding poor Fred back
into life and warmth. ''rhat wet
chap running off there is worth
more'n any OF Us, rough as he is.'
Fred was led TO his home by bis
troop of friends, all punching and
shaking him occasionally to keep
him from freezing. But, ah. what
a happy home his was that night!
On the farmers hard bed lav Rob
ert, wondering still about the load
( of greens. He made errands around
by the way of the church curing the
next two or three days. Once be
ventured to 90 as far as the stone
steps leading up into the vestibu!c,
but the SouuC of voices within fright
ened him away. 1t was the Yer,
day before Christmas. Hands were
busy tying greens. feet were hurrying
up and down the aisIes. The great
cross was just ready to be put in
place and there was not help enough
within the church. While il hung
just poised in the air, little Lu Lee.
Fred's sister. ran out to call some
one in. And behold. it was Robert.
the red-haired, freckled boy, who
stood in sight.
"Oh, come here, do. AMI help
crie,l Lu. half wringing her small
hands with fear lest the great cross
should fall. "Robert-what's your
name:-pieaSe come, she called.
II was the first time in his life that
Robert had heard any one say please
to him.
In he rushed ut her call. She held
the door open for him. Go right
up, quick, and help hold it," she
said.
An awesome stricken feeling came
over the boy when he saw tue great
evergreen arms stretched out over
the children. lie stopped. Is though
to take Oft his shoes, then hurried on
and steadie,j The cro>s while ii was
nailed TO its place
La Lee waited for Robert when lac
came down the aisle. She had put
her sacque and hood on, and was
r.-.,rg,- =, r~r. ~
I'm going to walk 4 little way
with you" she said. Il want to tell
you all out Of my own mouth how
glad am tha. you saved Fred
"Oh, don't. said Robert. Il
could DO it dozen times; hut won't
you tell me what you are fixing the
church up for"
why" said La, ",lon't YOU know.
. Christ Is coming
Christ coming, WHERE When
. dear,,'' exclaimed Robert. ve. Y
much puzzled. What does it all
mean" Then turning. and seeing
the happy shine on the child's face,
be crie,I out; You know; lell NE
81 about it,"
Lu put her tiny hand UP and
touched Roberts own. "Wiu You
) come with us tonight to church. Ii
is CLristmas-eve," she said; and
thinking not OF his hair. nor his
freckles. nor his ouJgrown garments,
Robert said: Il will. Lu told him
. the time.
|. He Eas st Mr.. Lees house when
the fir<t stroke of the bel told that
Christnas-eve Vas come. How the
bell did ring that night The thin
white sPire seemed to tremble in the
, sir with the noise it made. E0herl
, thought the very stars must lear the
Changing. Then the brightness ot
. thewelI lii cLurch, How Il did stream
. forth in pure abundance. - if saying
, 70 all the outside darkness: "Cone
: ard I VIII give you light
: The light; tie organ. rolling thun
: ders Of sound; the church. sdorned
) for Christ. the Great green er1SS