Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1878-07-10

nervous haste. The moon shone di-
rectly into his room and its light was
all-suficient. He was only fsur miles
from Woodvllle. He could walk that
distance. He could not rest with this
horrible impression upon him-some-
thing might be even now happening.
He let himself out noiselessly at the
front door, and commenced rapid
walk. The church clock tolled the hour
twelve. He wouldrea there in less
than an hour. What if he should find
his dream realized, He was a good
walker, and the distance between him
and Woedville rapidly lessened. AS
he drew near he began to feel reaction |
indeed, almost inclined to turn back.
He came suddenly upon the village,
lying serene and lovely under the moon
light. The Cocassett House, to which |
his gaze was directed, loomed up large
and tall among the quiet cottages
around, and some stately elms threw
their protecting shadows over its white
walls.
All! what is that ? The horror Of the
dream is srepeatsd' broad, angry sheet
of flame suddenly bursts from the win
dows of the east side Of the building
1t is not far from the room occupied by
the two girls.
'Merciful heavenv burst from his lips. |
The fire must have made terrible head
way inside.' He rushed up the steps
and rang the bell violently, while his
voice sounded on the stiffness with the
most horribly eminOus words one can
bear in the dead Of night,
Fire Fire.
The house was aroused in moment.
Partly dressed persons Of both sexes
rushed wildly along through the halls,
which were filled with suf'ocating
smoke. The fire had the upper hand.
There was little time to save ausht but
precious lives.
Redmond, who had at once opened
the door with his latch key, rushed up
stairs to the room which hi, friends oc-
cupied, but was hsrrifed 10 find the
passage in flames. Good God,' he
groaned, how shall rescue them 2
He rushed out again and joined the
crowd who had collected under LOu.e's
window. No sound issued from the
room. Perhaps they were already suf-
focated, Redmond shouted; no answer.
Two men went hastily for a ladder; it
would be an eternity before they re-
turned. Meanwhile they were in the
very jaws of DEATH A tall tree rose
firm and grand near the window. Red
mond nug his coat Oh the dcwy grass
and ascsnded it quickly. How, he
could not tell, but he gained project
ing branch, threw up the windows and
vaulted into the room. lie was a clever
gymnast, but in his hours Of amusement
he never dreamed Of this terrible need.
The room was full Of thick smoke that
almost stopped his breath. The girls
lay unconscious in a sleep that in few
moments more would be eternal. He
caught the 6rst one, and supporting her
light form in one arm, with the other he
aided his downward descent, and placed
the unconscious form ia the hands out
stretched below. The lurid light show
ed the still face Of Louise. Til then he
had not known which one he had res
cued, for he had pulposed to save both,
or die in the attempt. This had been
the work of moment. 1t was only
that Of another to reascend, perform
again the brave Decd and give to trem-
bling arms the other unconscious form.
Redmond Clarke had large reserve
power in his organization ; but his real
strength, physically, was far from en-
ormous. The need for the exercise of
his tremendous will being over, he
tottered and fell insenNble few rods
from the spot where the two girls lay
on some bedding that had been thrown
out from the burning house.
Kind ncighbors were making prepara-
tions for the removal and accommoda-
ton of the sufferers. Louise, under the
reyiyns influence Of the night air, gasp
ed once or twice, and then slowly un-
closed her eyes. She looked around on
the burning building and the disordered
scene with strange, unreal sensation.
She rose slowly to a sitting position,
and saw Redmsnd lying still as death
on the dcwy grcensward. The flames I
leaped and roared, and the harmless
silvcry moonlight paled before their
lurid, wrathful gleam.
How did come here = asked Louise,
in a dazed, bcwildered manner.
You have been carried cut Of this
burning building, unconscious, said n
gentleman standing near. That per-
son. pointing to Redmond;' saved
you both. He has not spoken SINCE
Redmond Clarke = she said, half
dreamily. He was not here last night.
He went to Ashland to escape the
flood, and again sank back unconscious.
The three were carried to the same
house, and in few days the girls re
coved their usual health. Redmond's
recovery was slower. He had not
robust health, and the anxiety and extra
exertion of that terrible night, coupled
with a cold taken whilo lying on the
dump grass threw him into fever, from
which he recovered slowly. The two
4 IL -l-c q ! .