Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1878-04-09

spauned the river just below the fall, he
| heard loud cries of alarm, and upon hurrying
forward he found that boy had fallen from
| one of the projecting timbers into the water.
He looked over the railing to the little fellow
| lust coming to the surface of the foaming
| hood-a curly-headed boy, just about the ago
of his own darling Freddy-stretching forth
his tiny arms in an agony of despair. ID
was terrible place. that seething, roaring
pool. the waters of the great river came pour
ing down from the high dam. but Jack did
not hesitate; he forgot his enemy-forgot
everything but the danger of the little ons
and only stopped to kick of his boots, and
throwing aside his coat, he leaped down into
the angry flood. He caught the boy in his
arms, and then struck ont for the shore. IL
was mighty conflict, but the strong man
persevercd. More than once those who had
gathered upon the rocks had reason to fear
that neither the man nor the child would coma
forth alive, but Jack held his own against
the mad torrent, and 6ually reached tho
shore, where many hundreds were ready TO
helm him. As for himself q few minutes
rest so restored him that he was able TO walk:
snd he had sustained no injury save few
triffiing bruises. And as for the boy, ho had
come forth in safety. for Jack had held him
above water during all tho time of his
struggle. ~
And when Jack Sprout had regained his
breath. and was able to speak, he looked 60
see the boy he had saved and he saw that 10
was ANDY Gordon, \ bright eyed. curly
haired, red-faced boy, not year older thsn
his son Freddy.
"Where's papa7" asked tho dripping
child.
"He is coming" answered some one In
the crowd.
Jack looked up and saw Solomon Gordon
comiug-Solomon, palo and terror,stricken
and with all possible hast he seized his
coat and boots aud hurried away. He could
not meet Solomon Gordon then.
"Mercy what is it, Jack p
Mrs. Sprout was alarmed. Her husband
was dripping wet, his step was totteriug. his
forehead as though he had received heavy
blow.
~, is nothing. Abby"
"Has Solomon
"Pshaw! Dye think Solomon Gordon could
have done this2 have been in tho river. A
into the flood beneath the falls. Jumped in
and brought him out"
"Alive p
"Ycs, alive aud unhurt," replied Jack.
ooh. thank God! Whose child was 1t,
Jack ?'
Don't stop to ask questions now, Abby.
but bring me n cup of hot, strong tea, whils
get out some dry clothes! My soul! I
think had narrow dodge of it."
Jack put on some dry garments, and when
he had rested awile, he drank his tea, and in
the course OF an hour all traces Of ex haustiou
had passed away.
'T tell you, Abby. l have had good
many tough jybs 10 my day, but never hal
one like that before. A weaker man than [
could never have brought out that child
alive"
"0h how grand it is, Jack, to uso ones
strength in such case. ISu, whose child
was it? Do you know?"
Before Jack could answer, the outer door
was unceremoniously opened, and Solomon
Gordon entered the apartment. Abby
shrank back in alarm when sho saw how pale
and excited tho man looked. aud how ho
trembled, for she did not notice tho moist
trimming light that shown in bis swollen
eyes.
Jack" spoke the new conner. in a gasping
manner, at the same time holding out both
hands. He choked and stammered. but
presently gained strength to add. "Oh my
God! what can say Jack Jack
Hero tho stout man broke fairly down.
and burst into tears.
visitor, arose and took tho extended hand.
Never mind. Sol It's all right"
mo, no." cried Gordon. 'It isn't all
right 1t can't be right. o. whs. c.n I
do? Jack, If could only 90 back to where
was this morning, My God beat your
child for trIa ng thing, and you have saved
IN inc from n terrible death, saved him simost sr
the expense of your own life. Kill me il
you will. Beat me. jack. Do anything
you Ike, only forgive ne. so that this saving
act of yours shan'r bo always like 4 hoap OF
Goals upon my head"
And with a sudden impulse under tho
influence of an omotiou such as was never
before experienced, Jack Sprout ssid:
"SOIomOn, tell you its all right. You
have no more reason TO thank God that
saved your child than have. When I went
forth from my house was full Of wrath and
madness, and curses we're upon my lips aud
in my heart. / would sought such revenge
as the wild beasts seek. Is il not better that
1 found your little Andy in the food, and is
it not better that my great strength was used
in saving his life ? forgive you, Sol, FROM
the bottom of my heart. And now 1 say, it's
all right"
And SO was cemented friendship holy
and lasting.
Seeming slight perturbations in the cur
rent of mems life sometimes work marvellous
changes for good or for i'll.
ABBY" said Jack Sprout-it was late iur
tho evening, and they had been sitting for
some time without speakiDg-'1 believe I
am converted. Saul Of Tarsus, that you
read to Freddy about las, Sunday, vas NOS
more suddenly brought to light than have
been. Really aud truly there is more virtue
in Kindness than in enmity it blesses every
.bin1 md auarvhndy He win heetoUs IL il