The Van Buren press., 1878-06-25
MISCELLANY.
The Mason's Child.
CHATTER |


and now the ship was enveloped in
fiery sheet Men aud women rushed
madly over the side to meet quicker
but less painful death. The boats, with
one exception, had been overladen and
capsizcd. There were hasty prayers,
and heart rendin9 cries of misery and
distress Death hovered. vulturc like
over his victims; some clung desperately
to the vessels side, some supported them
selves in the water by articles snatched
hastily from the burning ship, and with
which they had leaped wildly into the
sea. The captain sang through his
trumpet. "Take heart and sustain your
selves rs long as possible. ship is com
ing to our rescue
James Darant stood upon the almost
deserted deck with his only child, but
four years Of age, folded closely in his
arms. His eyes swept the horrison i'll
search Of the ship to which the captain
had alluded He discovered it at last,
but it was at least four miles off Before
the ship could arrive, they must be bum
- 80 -l~,'tf' 90 'r 'sv ~P''"s, 90 -~Ut'o'"
had, down into the water, b, til he and the
child would be drowned, for he was no
swimmer.
The little arms were twined about
his neck. the pale cheek rested confiding
Is agains' his own, but the brave child
did not tremble.
.Oh, my God. is there no help cried
the desparng father, as the flames swept
nearer and nearer. and he felt that his
present position could be held buta little
longer.
Here, give the child to me. and
will save her. and turning quickly, MIR.
Durant stood face to face with stran
ger, who had life-preserver in his
hand.
Quick there is no time to be lost !.
The child can have my life preserver,
and it will float her easily. Yonder is
another ship; have been watching it
for the last five minutes 1t will reach
us in half an hour at the most There
that is fastened securery. Now. little
girl, am going to throw You into the wa
ter, You are not afraid ?
No no, but papa r
The father caught her franticsIly in
his arms.
My darling Eva, you may never see
your father again, but 90 not fear, God
will guard you and somebody will find
YOU and take care of you. II you never
see papa again, remember he is in heaven
with mamma.
HAS she no re lativcsp asked the stran-
ger.
None in this country; | am from
England, and am travelling for her
health ......... ....
Take that pin from your bosom. and
fasten II to her clothing. ..
Heaven help you for the thought
said the father; and in moment the
square and compass was glist"ning on
the bosom of the child. and the stranger
took her from her fathers arms, saying :
am stronger than you; she must be
cast beyond the reach of those poor
drowning wretches or they will rob her
of her rlife.prescrvcr,'
The white drapery futtered through
the air, and sank below the waves; then
rising, it foated on the water.
James Durant turned to the stranger
with fearful eyes.
May God bless you and preserve you,
nobest of men But you. as well as my
self, must be lost
No; am good swimmer. and here
is piece of board which you can sustain
Yourself until relief arrives
The father cast another glance at the
white speck floating rapidly away, and
with an inward God preserve her !!
sprang into the sea, folowd bv the stran'
ger, but the two noated in different
directions, and they saw each other nc
more.
Two hours later James Durant awoke
as from the sleep of death, and found
himself in the cabin of strange ship
with kind and sympathising faces all
around him. In moment he realized
all tha, had passed, and said eagerly
though feebly:
My child - little Eva; is she
safe ~
There was no response, and low moal
escaped the father S lips
Courage, sir said lady with tearfu
} eyes; some of the passengers were saved
. by another ship ,
Tho fathers cOuntcnance llghtencd