The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1879-12-27

that as soon as the trembling steeds had
been taken charge of by others he had
disappeared.
YWho could he have been?" ques-
toned the lady, with still CHASTITY face
and bloodless lips.
"Can't say" answered policeman,
constituting himself spokesman, "but
he was brave fellow, anyhow. l would
not have taken the risk he did for thou
sands.'
GA brave fellow, indeed, was the re-
spouse; "and I would give very much
to know his name and where he is to be
found"
So would the policeman, that some
thing of the glory might attach to him
self. But the lady departed homeward
without obtaining the desired informa-
ton, and the sensitiveness of Tom Or
ton caused him to lose the one oppor-
tunity of his life to have risen above
iron-handed poverty.
Meanwhile he was hurrying to bust
ness; more time had been occupied in
the rescue than he thought possible, and
though applause was dear to him Gas to
ally, yet he could not stay to listen, and
as risking his life for money, he had not
even dreamed of such thing.
Out of breath he dashed into the dress
ing-room, and was received with reproof
for being late.
"Couldn't help it, he replied; 81
saw pair of fiery horses running away
with a sleigh and woman and two
children; thought of my Jenny and
children, and had to stop and save
them.''
He told the story very briefly and
modestly while getting ready; didn't
seem to fancy he had done any thing
wonderful, and soon was dashing around
the arena upon spirited steed, switch
ing the world with wondrous horseman-
ship.''
The audience applauded to the echo,
and, carried way 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-was young and wild.
The result was soon painfully appar-
ent. Though some were accomplished
in safety yet when he attempted leaping
over banner the futtering frightened
the horse, he bolted suddenly and Tom
Orion was hurled heavily to the ground!
He endeavored to rise and make light
of pain, but strange sickness came
over him, the light flickered and grew
dim, he gasped for air, and knew moth
ing more until somewhat revived in the
dressing room he heard familiar voices.
go God! what will become of Jenny
and the babies," he gasped, family. 81
am done for, and and his 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,
"wen see that you are taken care Of"
Thanks, thanks" murmured the in
jured man. sBut tell me the worst.''
GA broken leg is all that appears Sc
rious," answered gray headed man
strange physician who had been sum-
moned. "Though can not account for
the marks upon your side, my man."
"Probably he hurt himself, when he
stopped the runaway horses" was sug-
gested and the story told.
Humph! A very dangerous bust
ness-next to foolhardy; not one in ten
thousand would have escaped alive"
replied the physician with pursed lips
and flashing eyes. "Well, all that can
be done now is to get him home. Then
I will make q more minute examina-
ton"
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 tears.
"Tom, dear Tom," said Jenny, as
well as she could for her pitiful sobbings,
"what will become of us-of the chill
dren? We shall all starve and die to-
gether.'
"Not while we have hands," replied
his associates, and every heart was
touched and every arm nerved to do the
utmost toward relief.