Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1878-11-04

be here. It's better to be where they
are; don't you think so p
"Oh, no no not to linger by their
graves always" I said. eOf course you
loved them, but it is our duty to do all
the good we can in this world, and you
can do no good by staying here"
"How do you know that? 1t isn't for
you to say where l can do good, miss, 1
shall stay here while 1 like" and he
uttered the words with half offended
air.
"Good night, then." I said; 'for l
certainly must stay no longer" :" and
with feeling of deep pity for the poor,
despondent being. 1 now passed him
and hurried on. He did not even say
GOOD night IN reply, nor did | turn
again to look at him.
The cartway crosses the little brook,
by stone culvert near where it empties
into river which flows up and down
with the set of tide, through broad marsh
es, to and from the bay below. On the
lower side of the culvert is broad, deep
basin, which is sometimes filled to the
very top of the culvert by the tide. 1t
happened to be full at this time.
Just as | was about to cross the cul-
vert or bridge, saw a rat swim out
from under it with stick in his mouth
The high tide may have driven him
from home, | thought, and he was try
ing to save some of his valuables. Not
having that fear of rats that some have.
| sprang forward on to the very outer
most stone of the culvert to watch this
one as he swan across the basin. But
my feet had hardly pressed the outer
most stone, than the whole of that part
of the structure crumbled and sank, and
going down with it, the water covered
me.
suppose uttered an unconscious
scream as | sank, but all | remember
was a dreadful rushing sound in my
head. l have no such vivid recollection
of drowning as some people profess to
have. The next thing | knew 1 was
lying on the bank. near the culvert and
man was bending over me.
I'm afraid you'll be late home now,
miss" the man said very calmly.
1t was he with whom had been been
talking-the tramp. He had saved my
life saved me from drowning THE
full force of the thought rushed upon
me at once.
at wasn't wicked for me to be here
was it, miss ?" he asked when | had
made feeble effort to thank him.
"You must forgive me for saying that
l did not know did not know and
unable to say more, burst into tears.
"Well. its all right" he sand "yor
needn't cry about it. l am glad l was
here; and guess you are not sorry. I'll
have to go home with you now, though
and I'd rather not do that"
"But you must-you must go home
with me, that my father and mother
may thank you. You must go home
with me-"
OH have to 60 part way, l suppose
You'll have to walk smart, too, or yo,
will get cold, with these wet clothes on
Do you feel like starting now ?"
l had to wait till more strength re
turned; but at last l rose and started
homeward with my preserver by m,
side. Indeed, for time l had to leal
upon his arm.
"It's not just the thing for a youn,
lady to be walking this way with
tramp, is it ?" he asked. in a pleasante
tone than had imagined he could use
as we came upon the brick walks of th
city. 81 guess I'd better not go an,
further"
"You surely will not leave me here
my father is Christian, and he will d
more than thank you"
81 don't know about that-if he's
Christian. l haven't had much luc
with Christiaps-and l don't care muc
about thanks any way. I guess | won
go any farther"
But you surely will not leave me
My father is kind-he means all b
says, and am sure you will not regre
going home with me. We are poor
have not much to give, but you mus
CO."
Well, if you haven't much to Civ
perhaps | will; though I've got all h
thanks l want. 1 couldn't help savin
you, you know"
II should have drowned if you ha
, not. You have saved my life, and
, never can repay you"
"Well, your life was worth savin!
at all events. and that's more than an,
body can say of mine. I had rattle
think you would have drowned, if
hadn't been there"
t had suspicion that he had SOM
| time tried to put an end to his own Ii
by drowning but dared not ask him an
, he kept by my side till I was safe hom
, Nv fotbor moe on tho point of etar