The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1878-07-25

shouted no answer. Two men went
hastily for ladder; it would be an eter-
nifty before they returned. Mean while
they were in the very jaws of death. A
tall tree rose firm and grand near the
window. Redmond flung his coat on
the dewy grass and ascended it quickly.
How, he could not tell, but he gained
projecting branch, threw up the windows
and vaulted into the room. He was a
clever gymnast, but in his hours of
amusement he never dreamed of this ter
rIhle need. The room was full of smoke
that almost stopped his breath. The
girls lay unconscious in a sleep that in a
few moments more would be eternal
He caught the first one, and supporting
her light form in one arm, with the
other he aided his downward descent,
and placed the unconscious form in the
hands outstretched below. The lulid
light showed the still face of Louise.
Till then he had not known which one
he had rescued, for he had purposed TO
save both, or die in the attempt. This
had been the work of a moment. 1t was
only that of another to resscend, perform
the beave deed, snd give to the trembling
arms the other unconscious form.
Redmond Clarke had large reserve
power in his organization; but his real
strength. physically, was far from enor-
NOUS. The need for exercise for his
tremendous will being over, he tottered
and fell insensible a few rods from the
spot where two girls lay on some bed
ding that had been thrown out from the
burning house.
Kind neighbors were making prepare
tions for the removal and accommoda-
ton of the sufferers. Louise, under the
reviving influence of the night air, ,gasped
once or twice, and then slowly unclcned
her eyes. She looked around on the
buTning building and the disordered
scene with a strange, unreal sensation.
She rose slowly to 8 sitting position, and
saw Redmond lying still as death on the
dewy green sward. The flames Ieaped
and Toared, and the harmless silyery
moonlight paled before their lurid,
wrathful gleam.
"How did I come here % asked Louise,
in dazed, bewildered manner.
"YOu have been carried out of this
burning building, unconscious" said q
gentleman standing nsar. That per.
son." pointing to Redmond, Saved you
both. He has not spoken since"
"Redmond Clarkei" she said, half
dreamily. "He was not here last night,
He went to Ashland to escape the food, -
and again ssuk back unconscious
The three were carried to the game
house, and in few days the girls re-
covered their usual health. RedmOnd's
recovery was slower. He had not robust
health, and the anxiety and exertiOn of
that terrible night, coupled with cold
taken while lying on the damp grass
threw him into q fever, from which he
recovered slowly. The two girls att
tended him with thankfulness for the
privilege to show their gratitude for the
service ne had rendered.
BiSnche magnanim0uay refrained
from reminding Louise of the thoughts
to which she had given expression on
that memorable day. There WAS no
need. Louise remembered with sharp
regret for the injustice. In Redmond's
eye she seemed to have developed into
new character, she was 30 gentle, 30
wOmanly. The elixir OF life seemed to
emanats from her presence. The under
current of her thoughts ran thus: "Cdn
l ever admire enough his noble cOurageW
She, wondered how he came there on that
night, He had not returned when she
retired at a late hour, but the matter
had not been mentioned between them.
the least excitement.
One day ghe stood looking at him as
he seemed TO slumber on a low lounge,
to which be had removed from his bed.
'I never thought he would prove such
hero," she said, halfslOud." Il see now
how utterly false are appearances. She
touched his forehead lightly with her
soft palm, and then was turning to go,
but q clasp of his large white hand de-
tained her.
"I have heard your words" he said,
looking into her flushed face and un-
steady eyes calmly, steadily. "Win
you sit moment beside me?'
She ebeyed the request. The inherent
power of his nature was rising to the sur%
face, and stronger individuality than
her own was making itself felt above
more physical weakness.
"WHl you say that you love me,
Louise ?"
The question was low, steady and firm.
The answer came lower, and with a slight
culver in the tOne-"I love you"
az am not exacting a debt of grati~
tude. Do yOu love me of your own
sweet wilIP'
She looked at him. A new atmos-
phere seemed to surround him. He was
not to her the Redmond Clarke of old
She reached her other hand for him to
clasp. ''I don't love you through g1ati-
tude. If you had saved the life of my
greatest enemy / should have admired
and loved you as well.
She was noble in her surrender as she
had been conscious in her doubts,
CAT last, at last" he said, and with
her hand in his he glided into a gentle
slumber.
Afterwards he told her of his dream
and midnight walk. She WAS puzzled.
"Ah, Redmond, we can truly say with
Hamlet, that
8. 'TueIe are more things in heaven and earth,
Than are dreampt of in your philosophy
"WeH, We had a FIRE instead of a
food" said Blanche, who had been glad
dened by the turn of affairs. 81 sup
pose we shall have to call that the full
fllment. What did the story mean,
anyhow ?"
&Half fiction. half truth, ike hun
dreds Of other things" said Redmond.
I shall never regret the weeks spent at
WOodville; they brought me the happi-
ness of my life"
Aud his eyes met those of Louise in q
tender, hsppy smile.
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Important If True.