South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1878-06-14

pills we're on board, coming back from q
match of baseball; among them, Clar-
ence and John.
When half way across the river. there
was loud explosion, and Mr.. Nagle
found himself clingiEg to the deck rail.
his legs in the water.
The boiler had burst with such force
that the boat was shattered. A portion
Of the deck lad parted from the hulk as
the latter sank to the bottom OF the riv-
er. There was frantic struggle for
life. Then the portion Of the wreck he
was on foated down the stream.
About dozen Of the passengers
chung to it. The night fell fast. The
shore was but fast-receding dark line,
with red twinkling lights.
Upon the shattered deck cabin hung d
single life:preserver. John saw it climb
ed like cat to where it was, and
brought it down.
Give me that!' shrieked Clarence.
oh, give it to me can't swim!
It's for this woman
Give it to me, say! Help, help!
We're drowning
He seized the life-pre server. John
quietly took it from him. and buttoned
it about the old woman's waist.
Then he began to drag out one or two
benches and boxes that were in the
cabin.
Mr.. Nagle noticed how cool and alert
the boy was, in spite of his deadly pale
ness and trembling.
we had better tie ourselves to these
he said. This deck is so shattered it
will go to pieces before they see us from
Shore
Mr.. Magic, without word, followed
his advice. John was no latinest and
no poet, but he had one quality which
made him q leader just then.
A few moments later, the deck broke
up and Mr.. Magic found himself in the
rushing current; hut was picked up by
one of the boats which were out in
search Of the victims.
The banks were lined with pale, ter
rified faces. AS he was lifted on shore,
he saw boy dragged out of the water,
and poor little woman in black, fly to
him with wild cry.
I'm all-all right, mother gasped
John; and then he cried on her breast
like the child that he was. Il thought
I'd never see you again = he sobbcd.
Now there had been stranger on
board-a queer, wizzened little man
with foxy wig: This man who was
among the saved took up his quarters
at the village inn, and presently there
arrived by express mysterious engine
or pump directed to him, which was
placed in the hallway Of the inn.
1t seemed TO have a curious fascina-
ton for John. He spent half his leis-
ure time porting over it-measuring the
tubes with his inch rule.
In front OF the case there was O square
of plate.glass. Now it happened that
one day, while John was relaxing his
mind by game Of ball in the street, he
threw the ball plump into this costly
bit Of glass.
The other boys ran, and John ran too
but only for few steps. Then he
went home, went to the savings bank
and took out the money which was
meant for Christmas. He presented
himself before the old man, who was
looking at his shattered glass and tax
ing snuff violently.
Il did that, sir. There is the money
to pay for it. Will it be enough?'
ooh, you did it eh?' scowling Mt him.
We'll, give me the money. What are
you etcrnally prying into my press for,
anyhow?
Its not press. It's pump. l un-
derstand It all but that wheel I can't
make out what that wheel Is there for
Staring at it, his hands in his pockets.
The old Ius.r talked TO John while.
That evening lie called on Mrs. Steele
and sent up his card; Peter Coplcy,
Machinist.'
I've had my eye on your boy, ma
am lie said abruptly, for some time.
Noticed him tie night of the explosion.
I'd like to take him with me and teach
him my trade.-lIe has sound, practi-
cal head, that boy
Mrs. Steele accepted the offer, md
went with her boy.
Twenty years afterward, Mr.. Nagle.
then Judge in the State Supreme
Court, tried IL case in which the firm of
Copley &c Steele, engine builders, was
plaintiff.
In the course ofthe suit he became
acquainted with the junior member Of
the firm, man Of high standing in his
business, and or equally high repute as
a man of probity and honor.
One day there was sudden recogni-
ton.
John Steele, tie
Good for nothingY Yes said John
with n laugh and no better acquain.
ted with the classics or belics-2eHers than
then, Judge. had but one talent. and I
came very near burying it for life. When
ever hear boy dCspond because ne
has not dozen talents, I say :-'Look
for one talent boyi Look for one! Re
becca H,trdi"0 Dosis, IN Youths Compua.
ion.
t0-Red is used for danger signals on
railroads, and always means stop"
On mans nose it ought TO give the
same warning.
EVrGeorge Parsons. prominent ag-
riculturist near Bloomington, Iowa. has
on his farm a turkey gobber which not
only toboa 10 vvator lilo a Ill. - III