The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1878-03-09
CHAPTER II.

gloves and wooden comforters Uncle Dick
was led captive by "A couple of pretty neices,
one of whom took possession of each arm, and,
looking like miniature Arctic expedition,
we sailed forth to the pool
The sport was at its height when Sir Philip
Trcftiss and his daughter were seen approach
ing. No one noticed them till they were fairly
on the ice, and then we saw with alarm that
they were close to a spot where the ice had
been broken on the previous day for the con-
venIencc 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 Il human being. Uuclc
Dick saw their danger
Back back! the ice is unsafe" he shouted
Edith Trcfuss drew back accordingly, but
her father either not understanding the warn
ing, or too proud to regard it, continued his
cOurse, and in another moment the ice crashed
under his feet and he disappeared After a
couple Of seconds he rose again, and tlnging
his arms wildly upward, with "A hoarse cry Of
"Help! Save mel" once more disappeared
but this time did not rise again.
Good God he has gone under the ice!"
said voice and in Il moment all was terror
and confusion.
| Break the ice ~ shouted one.
Fetch laddern said another.
"Run for "a roper exclaimed another
A score of suggestions, practicable and i'm
practicable, were proflercd in "A breath; but
the ringing voice of Richard Polwhcle was
heard above the tumult:
"Silence, all! DR. Hamlyn, You have "a cool
head you tell them what to do a gate, quick,
and lay it over the hole"
Meanwhile, in less time than it takes to tell
| it, he had Invested 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 doctor, quiet, unaSsuming
man, but of iron nerves and unlimited resour-
ccs; and ere he had arisen for the second time Il
couple of gates had been raised from their
hinges and laid one on each side of the hole
A third time he divcd; and this time was so
long beneath the surface that IA dread came ov-
or us lest he, too, should be lost under the ice.
But ut last, after what seemed an age of sus-
| pensc, he was seen To rise once more.
"lIelp! Pm done!" he gasped.
Dr. llamyn kneeling on one of the gates,
caught his uplIfted hand. Stout arms were
quickly outstretched to help him.
NO, no; Philip first" he exclaimed; and
we learned that he held Tretusis IN his failing
grasp.
Under Dr. IIamlyn's directions they were
both, though with difficulty taken out and lad
upon the table Sir Philip was to all appear
anccs beyond earthly HELP, and a terrible dread
came over us that Uncle Dick, who was now
lnscnsiblc, had sacrificed his own life to no
purpose. Never were words more welcome
than DR.. llamlyn's assurance that he had only
tainted
Give him some brandy, some of YOU and
rub his hands and feet"
Eager hands volunteered for the service; but
almost ere they could begin their task he OPP
| cncd his ewes and gaZcd around
whats this? All! | remember now. But
where is Philip" And shaking himself like
a great Newfoundland dog, he rose unassisted
To his feet. Sir Philip lay ON the ground few
feet OIL, white and licess, ms daughter weep
| ing on her knees beside him. Uncle Dick
raised her with infinite tenderness
Nay, don'twccp, pretty one; by Gods help
we'll win him back to life yet Now, lads, lend
II hand Doctor, bring him to my place 1t is
nearer than his own house, and minutes are
precious Just now"
! Under the doctors guidance, coats and rugs
were laid upon one Of the gates; and on this
rude couch the silcGt form was borne up to the
lodge. Uncle Dick himself led Edith, tender.
| ly patting the little hand which lay upon his
arm, and whispering cheering words of hope
and comfort. Quickly we reached the lodge,
and the good doctor at once commenced the
struggle with the grim destroyer For more
than an hour the household was hushed in an
awful quicness, each hardly daring to speak
above Il whisper, till that tremendous question
should be decided us it life or death 2"
Poor Edith sat weeping apart, each moment
adding to her apprehension, while Howard,
almost equally distressed, vainly endeavored
to console her At last, after what seemed an
age of agoniZing dread the door opened and
Uncle Dick came forth, and went directly to
Edith.
God is good to us, my child your father
will live"
Edith threw herself sobbing on his breast.
80, Mr.. Polwh,tc, how can | ever thank
you for your noble, generous"
when I'm dryer, my dear, if you don't
mind putting it off Il little. | begin To realize
that I'm slightly damp, and | think it might
be as well TO put on a few dry clothes. You
may tell me all about il at dinner, :iy child;
and, gently touching her forehead with his
lips, he made his escape
Meanwhile though the rescued man had
given to the experienced eye of the doctor the
welcome promise of life there was much still
10 do to win him back To conscious existence.
Still the resources of skill and science were ap-
piled with unremitting energy: and after a
while the watchers were rewarded by the pa
tient opening his eyes and saying, in Il feeble
voice
Dick, dear Dick Where's Dick want
to speak To Dick"
What took place at that interview between
the two old friends, so long severed, none knew
save themselves, but when some hours later
we gathered round the well spread board,
Philip Trefusis and his daughter sat on either
hand of our generous host
And surely such dinner was never chroni-
cled. Pen and ink would fail me To tell how
the two ancient friends warmed into youth
again under the sunshine of love renewed,
We'd with each other who should best recall the
memory of youthful pranks and genial rccol-
leetions of happy boyish days. And how I'm
Gle Dick, sitting with Edith's little hand in
his and stroklng her silken hair, told her
what gay young dog her father was in those
merry days; and Sir Philip, not to he behind
Inland, recounied daring exploits and hai.-