Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1879-08-07
brave fellow, anyhow. wouldn't have ia
ken the risk he did for thousands"

"A brave fellow, indeed, was the response
"and would give very much indeed to know
his name and where he is to be found"
So would the policeman, that some OF the
glory might attach to himself. But the lady
departed homeward without obtaining the
desired information, and the sensitiveness of
Tom Orton caused him to lose one opportuni-
ty of his life to have risen above rOnhanded
poverty.
Meantime he was hurrying to business.
More time had been occupied in the rescue
than he thought possible, and though ap.
plause was dear to him Gas alD, yet he could
not stay to listen, and as for risking life for
money, he had not dreamed of such thing.
Out of breath, he rushed into the dressing
room, and was received with reproof for be-
ing late.
pair of fiery horses running with sleigh and
woman and two children-thought of my
Jenny and her children; and had to stop and
save them"
lie told the story very briefly and modest
ly while getting ready-didnt seem to fancy
he had done anything wonderful, and was
soon dashiug around the arena upon spirit
ed steed 'twitching the world with wondrous
horsemanship." .s.... ....
The audience applauded to the echo, and
carried away by the excitement, he rashly
determined to execute his most daring acts
those given only upon the greatest occasions,
forgetting that the horse he rode had not
been trained to them-and was young and
wild.
The result was soon painfully apparent.
Though some were accomplished in safety,
yet he attempted leaping over banner, the
huttering frightened the horse, he bolted sud-
denly and Tom Orton was thrown heavily to
the ground.
He endeavored to rise and make light OF
pain, but strange sickness came over him,
the lights fickered and grew dim, he gasped
for air, and knew nothing more until some.
what revived in the dressing'room he heard
familiar voices.
"Oh, God what will become Of Jenny and
the babes?" he gasped family. 81 am done
for, and-and"- tears and sobs choked
him.
"Don't fear for them, Tom," said dozen
hearty voices, and as many grasped his hands
as could obtain hold, "we'll see that they are
taken care Of"
"Thanks, thanks" murmured the injured
man. "But tell me the worst"
ga broken leg is all that appears serious"
answered gray headed mau-a strange phy.
sician who had been summoned. "Though l
cannot account for the marks upon your side,
my man"
One of the lookers-on explained them as
resulting probably from his heroic act OF
few hours before, and gave an extended ac-
count of his exploit. .......
"Humph! A very dangerous business
next to foolhardy not one in ten thousand
would escape alive" replied the physician,
with pursed lips and flashing eyes. Gall
that can be done now is to get him home.
Then l will make more minute examina-
tion."
Very tenderly was the noble hearted fellow
taken to his humble abode, and the scene,
when he was laid upon the bed, side by side
with his sick wife and children, caused every
eye to overflow with tearss
"Tom, dear Tom," said Jenny, as well as
she could for her pitiful sobbings, what will
become of us-the children? We shall
starve and die together"
"Not while we have hands," replied his as
socates, and every heart was touched and
every arm nerved to do the most to relieve
them.
They all looked around anxiously for the
physcian-they had supposed he had accom-
panied them. But he was not to be seen,
and their grumbling became loud and deep.
81 can bear anything" said Tom, "but
for you Jenny, and the children" and he
entirely broke down.
"And l could curse that doctor for all un-
feeling wretch" blurted out one Of the most
passionate. "3ut it is ever thus We give our
lives freely to please the public, and when
anything happens they care nothing for u.s."
Tom Orton groaned heavily. The sound
awoke his little girl. She raised up in bed,
strained her eyes, clapped her tiny hands, and
shouted in true childish glee and wonder
"Mama! Papa! see-an angel"
All eyes were turned in the direction she
pointed and in the doorway stood beautiful
woman leaning upon the arm Of the physi-
clan.
Yes, an angel had come. Tom Orton had
rsked his life to save that of the daughter of
DR.. Armitage and his grandchildren, and the
merest chance had given them the knowledge
who it was.
But never was an equestrian feat better re-
warded, and never more charitable angel
appeared upon earth, even upon the day
when alike from hill and valley it proclaim
ed: "Peace upon earth and good will to
men,"