The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1876-11-26
JUVENILE coLUMN.
THE HOUSE ON FIRE.
ny ZkTTA HANGER.
.fcondeused from the Young Crusa der !


inhabitants could not recollect ever bavinl
passed.
The Storm King seemed to have let loos'
his legions of imps, and the wind WHEELED
and sbrieked, as if they were holding higl
carnival; all their voices blended in o granc
medley, stIikipg teri or to the hearts OF the
bravest; for there is no time when mar
feels his insignifcance so profoundly as
when the elements are at war, ana ht
j stands powerless'to CO lbat their fury.
Faster and faster fell the snow, in blind
1 ing masses, whirled by the wind into great
drifts, which rendered the deserted streets,
of the little town of K, in Germany,
almost impossible; making the stray
watchmen, or gend arnaes, whose duty it
was to patrol, guarding the peace and
safety of the inhsbitants, to growl forth
language more emphatic than refined, as
they made their way through the binding,
drifting masses, while the lanterns they
carried shed around their burly forms,
buttoned to the chin, like 30 many num-
mics, a ghostly light.
Cold and stormy though the night is out
side, there is no trace of it's discomforts to
be found in the substantial old fashioned
mansion of the Burger. meister. The large
oaken dining room is brilliantly lighted up
with waxen candles. A large wood fire 10
blazing in the open fireplace, spreading
warmth and cheerfulness by it's ruddy
glow over the scene.
Bright and enticing as the room might
look to an outsider, it's charm seems to be
lost ON the owner, for be sits before the fire
in bis large easy chair, look of deep apx
iety on his bearded and handsome face,
ever and anon casting impatient and ex-
pectant glances at the door.
And we'll might he he anxious for his
only child and heir, lovely, curly, head
ed boy of two summers, has for several
days lain sick unto death whilst his young
"a IL
love, has never left the bedside of her first
born, hut fought with Azrael for her darl
ing's life.
At last the door opens, and the good old
doctor enters. Leapipg to bis feet the
father rushes toward him, his eyes asking
the question that his pale lips refuse to
epesk, and, ss he reads the answer in the
doctors smiling face, he grasps the band
extended in both his own, uttering fervent
" Thank God ~
Yes, Carl, you may we'll say so; it's
been hard tusale for the little ones life
but, thanks to His mercy, and frau Agnes
care. he is out of danger now F.; SO cheer mp,
"Doctor. how can ever repay the love
and devotion you have shown me and
mine3 Yoc-"
"Bah Pray don't mention it, Carll But
what's that red glow in the distance7 it looks
IL. DU,
answered Carl carelssly.
Bot it seems too far away to be that,
and besides, the glow is too large"
"True, doctor, it does look mysterious
let me see the gransry of Herman & Co,
is in that direction, and the adjoining build
You don't think-great God, it is too horri-
BILE to utter" and the two men gazed at
each other in terror, afraid to give voice to
the fears which 30 suddenly took posses
ZION of them.
"Hark! Merciful Father it is only too
rue there is the fire bell; God have pity |!
IN the poor on such night as this 1t is |
ny duty to go forth, doctor; my post is |
7onder. You will remain, it you please:
will return as speedily as possible. John,
ny hat and coat,-quick I"
No, Carl, l'll accompany you perhaps
ome OF the poor wretches may need my
ervices."
Very well, just as you please. John
? there the room of Agues is is go retired from
he main building, and the walls go thick,
hat they will deaden the sound of the
'prosr, 30 my darling won't be alarmed"
Poor Carl! little he dreamed that the
cry fact he now rejoiced over would prove,
&c the night was ended, a source of the
interest anguish to him
Ah, well may we glorify an all wise
.rovldence, who mercifully wells the future
If we could but see what unlocked for
,isery few hours may bring forth, how
,aDy of us, mayhap, would die with hor.
Or at our fate
John, do not leave the house and.
bove all things, see that no one disturbs
our mistress" and with these words the :
wO men hastily left the room and house,
pr the scene of the confagration.
;
" say, Earnest, that is a pretty big fire :
st us go {" /
The servant hesitated a moment, gazed
nth considerable uucertitude out of the @
Findow in the direction of the fiTe,' which t
as now plainly visible, aud then replied. q
But, John, if the master should find US o
pay, it would be as much as our place is
., Bah How is he ageing to find out
mere is no one here to tell; we're all alone
u the house; and besides, We'll be back r
'eIore he returns" a
"But-n %
oh, come along What are you afraid t,
~ We're all riHht. let,a 90 and GET nnr :.