The Findlay Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio) 1870-1881, 1878-09-06

early appeal of our good old vicar was
not difficult of application; and many
eyes were turned upon the two Squires
TO see in what spirit they received this
public admOnitiOn. There was a touch
OF heightened color upon Uncle Dicks
handsome face as he stepped forth into
the churchyard, the very model of a
gallant English gentleman, dispensing
hearty handshakes and kindly Christmas
greetings to friend and neighbor. Close
behind him came Sir Philip Trefusis
his daughter hanging on his arm. Al
the lych-gate Uncle Dick stepped aside
to let them pass. With kindly eyes he
looked straight at Sir Philip, and We
felt instinctively that with him, at least
Mr. Pentreaths appeal had not missed its
mark, and that at the slightest answer,
ing sign his hand would have out
stretched with cordiality. Whether Sir
Philip saw the look, / know not; but his
daughter did, and an expression of pain
came into her sweet eyes as he strobe
on, proud and silent, and the Opportm
ity for j reconciliation had passed away
CHAPTER II.
We were merry party round the
luncheon table at the lodge, for Richard
Polwhele was accustomed to keep
Christmas right royalty, and, besides his
own family, nephews and nieces ofevery
degree, and friends from far and near
were gathered round his hospitable
board. Luncheon being ended, a dis
cussion arose as to how we should en-
ploy the interval before the important
hour of dinner, the dinner, which was to
be the crowning glory of the Christmas
festival. Some one suggested skating
and the idea was at once hailed with
acclamation. Polworthy Pool, a piece Of
water almost within a stones throw OF
the Lodge, was frozen over, and afforded
capital skating ground. Every avail,
able pair ofskates was speedily in requi-
sltlon. There was general rush for
great coats, seal skin jackets, muffS. furs
warm gloves and wooden comforters
Uncle Dick was led captive by couple
OF pretty nieces, one of whom took pos
session Of each arm; and looked like a
miniature Arctic expedition, as we sailed
forth to the pool.
The fun was at its height when Sir
Philip Trefusis and his daughter were
seen approaching. No one noticed them
till they were fairly on the ice, and then
we SAW with alarm that they we're close
TO Il spot where the ice had been broken
on the previous day for the convenience
of certain ducks and geese,who were the
regular inhabitants of the pool, and
which, though now again frozen over,
would certainly not bear the weight of
human being. Uncle Philip was the
first TO perceive their danger.
Back! back! the ice is unsafe" he
shouted.
Edith Trefusis drew back, according
ly, but her father either not understand
ing the warning or too proud to regard
it, maintained his course, and in another
instant the ice crashed under his feet
and he disappeared. After couple of
seconds he arose again, and, fiinging his
arms wildly upwards, with hoarse cry
of Help! save mel" once more disap-
peared, but this time did not rise again.
GOOD God. he has gone under the
ise." said voice, and in an instant all
was confusion.
Break the ice," shouted one.
Fetch ladder" said another.
"Run for a ropeI" exclaimed third.
A score ofsuggestions, practicable and
impracdcable, were proffered in a
breath; but the ringing voice of Rich
ard Polwhele was heard above the tu-
multi.
Silence, all! DIR Hamlyn, you have
a cool head; you tell them what to do.
\ gate, quick, and lay it over the holer'
Meanwhile in less time than it takes
10 tell it, ne had divested himself of hat
coat and boots, and without waiting for
an answer, plunged into the ice cold
water. Twice he dived without success.
He had well chosen his aide in the doc
tor, quiet, unassuming man, but of iron
nerves and unlimited resources; and ere
he had risen for a second time a couple
of gates had been lifted from their hinges
and laid one on each side of the hole
4 third time he dived; and this time he
was so long beneath the surface that a
dread came over us lest he, too, should
be lost under the ice. But at last after
what seemed an age Of suspense, he was
seen to rise once more.
*Help I'm doneo he gasped.
DR. Hamlyn, kneeling ON one of the
gates, caught his uplifted hand. Strong
arms were quickly outstretched to helr
him.
"No, no; Philip first" he exclaimed
and We found that he held Trefusis in
his falling grasp.
Under DR. Hamlyn's directions they
were both, though with difficulty, lifted
out and laid on the bank. Sir PHILIP
was to all appearance beyond earthly
help, and terrible fear came over III
that Uncle Dick who was now insensible
had sacrificed his own life to nopurpose
Never were words more welcome thar
Dr. Hamlyn's assurance that he had only
tainted.
Give him some brandy, some Of yol
and rub his hands and feet"
Eager hands volunteered for the ser
vice; but almost ere they could begir
their task he opened his eyes and gazeC
around.
whats this? All, l remember now
But where is Philip" And shakin!
himself like great Newfoundland do
E he rose unassisted to his feet Sir Philil
| lay on the ground a few feet off, whit
f and lifeless, his daughter weeping on he
knees beside him. Uncle Dick raise
her with infinite tenderness.
2 "Nay, don't weep. pretty One; b
Gods help we'll win him back to Lii
: yet. Now, lads, lend a hand. Docto
bring him to my place. 1t is a goo
deal nearer than his own house, an
= minutes are precious just now"
> Under the doctors guidance coats an
e rugs were laid upon one of the gate
# and on this rude couch the silent forr
|, was borne to the Lodge. Uncle Die
: himself led Edith, tenderly patting th
e little hand which lay upon his arm, an