The tribune. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1875-05-05

be remaining. On that, she felt, rested
her life or death, and with trembling
hands she raked over the ashes. Not a
single spark rewarded her search.
Lost, lost ~ she cried, wringing her
hands; call hope is lost, and L may as
well submit at last !! What an end to all
my dreams of happiness I must save
myself must find way soop, for in
few moments it will be too late Faith
er in heaven, direct met Oh, I cannot
remain here to De burned alive! 1t is
too horrible ~
She sprang out in the thick, sitting
air. During her absence the fir; had
made fearful progress, and was now al
most upon her. AS it came roaring
towards her, the dense smoke stifed and
blinded her; with every sense but de-
sire to escape benumbed and palsied,
she sprang away in the opposite direc-
ton like hunted deer. Only once she
paused and gazed behind her. The tent
she had just left was on fire, and the
flames were spreading after her. On
on, faster and faster she few-still she
could hear the cracking, kissing sound
close behind her, nearer and nearer; I'M
til the hot air scorched her delicate skin.
1t was terrible race-a race for life and
love-which that weak woman ran with
the roaring, hungry monster behind her.
Who would conquer
Still on she ran, her speed increasing,
for the love of life was yet strong, until
something yawned before her. 1t was
clear, soft flowing stream of water; and,
with glad cry and n quick bound, she
had crossed it. She stood upon the lit
tie island-there was water all around
! hnr md i, nkDf, 4 Il. L
wearily upon her knees. But all danger
was not over. Where she had crossed,
the brook was very narrow for several
feet in length; and, MS light wind famed
the flames upon the opposite bank, the
result was yet doubtful.
But Gertrude's brain had become
clear, her wits more keen, and she was
ready for this emergency. With her
own weak hands she broke two great
branches from bush which grew close
beside her. With one in each hand, she
stood calmly up, and watched the pro-
gress of the fire. Soon, rs she had ex-
pected, stronger gust of wind sent the
nearest flames towering far up, until
they had crossed the barrier between
them, and caught in the dry grass at her
feet. But she was fully prepared. For
moments, that seemed like ages to her,
she fought bravely with the flames. At
last, she conquered. Her efforts were
successful; the fire passed her, but it
left her secure.
The hot air had burned and blistered
upon her face; the smoke had choked
and stif1ed her; but not until it all was
passed, and she was again free from
danger, did her strength utterly give
way. The flames still rolled and hissed
around her; but she knew it not. She
had tainted.
Hours, long, blissful hours rolled on,
but still she remained in that death-like
swoon. At last q voice sounded over the
prairie-a voice that was wont to send
the warm blood coursing through every
vein, but now it awoke no answering
thrill. A moment more, and Horace
stood beside her, pressing her light form
madly to heart.
"Gerty, my wife-my Gerty!" he
cried, passionately; "you cannot be
dead! I expected to find you black
ened corpse on my return. Heaven has
saved you, and you must live for my
sake" sEe
He bathed her face with the water
from the brook, but it was long. very
long, ere she exhibited any signs of re-
turning life.~ At length she opened her
eyes wearily.
: alt is terrible fire - she said,
family. "Oh, Horace, would l might
live to see you once more! :"
81 am here, Gerty; don't you see
me?" he answered, pressing her closer
to him. 1.-The fire has all died away;
but, thank God, it. has left you to me,
my wife. I care. nothing for the rest,
so that my darling is injured"
For a long while she lay in his arms rs
weak and helpless .as a babe; but after
an hours rest and quiet, her strength
was in some degree restored, 80 that she
was able to sit up, and tell her husband
calmly of her peril and escape. With
grateful hearts, they sank upon their
knees together, and thanked God for the
victory.
A few months later. and neat, taste
full log cabin marked the site of the tent
which had been burned; but this time
there was no fear that the fire would
ever reach it, for the immigrants adopted
precautions to prevent it.