The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-09-02
Eva, the Mason's Child.
CHAPTER. I

t'''ii ~ >tSo,A. nv UOdLS, Will sOuc CA
ception, had been capsized. There we're
hasty prayers and disheartening cries Of
misery and distress. Death lowered vu1-
ture-like over his victims; some chung des-
lerate)y TO the vessels side, some support
ing themselves in the water by articles
snached hastily from the burning ship,
and with which they had leaped wildly
into the sea. The captain sang through
his trumpet, "Take heart and sustain
yourselves as long as possible. A ship is
coming to our relief"
james Dufant stood upon the almost
deserted deck with his only child, but
four years of age, folded closely in his
aims. His eyes swept the horizon in
search of the ship to which the captain
haG alluded. He discovered it at last
but it was at least four miles off: Before
the ship could arrive they must be burn
ed to death; or if he sprang, as others had,
down into the water, both he and the
child must be drowned, for he was not a
swimmer
The little arms were tWined about his
neck, the pale cheek rested confdingly
against his own, but the brave child did
not trcmblc. ,ea.... 80.
80, my God, is there no help?" cried
the despairing father, as the flames swept
nearer, ard he felt that his present posi-
ton could be held but little longer.
Here, give the child to me, and will
save Ler," and turning quickly, Mr.. Durant
Stood face TO face with a stranger who
had a life prescrver in his hand. ~,
"QUiCk, there is no time to be lost! The
child can have my life-preserver, and it
will float easily. J onder is another ship;
l have been watching it for the last tive
minutes. 1t will reach us in half an hour
ut the most. There, that is fastened Sc
cureIv. Now, little girl, l am going to
throw you into the water. You are not
afraid?" -.. -
ono, no, but papa?"
The father caught her frantically in his
MY darling Eva, you may never see
your lHther again; but. do not fear--God
VIII guard you, and somebody will find
you and take care of you. II you never
see papa again, remember he is in heaven
with mammal
HAS she no relatives?" asked the
stranger. 49,. ~. ... H.
None in this country. I am from
England, ard am travelling for health"
AXE that pin from your bosom and
fasten it to her clothes" los
"Heaven help you for the thought
said The father; and in moment the
apT .r1s
the bosom OF the child, and the stranger
took her from her fathers arms saying:
i am stronger than you; she must be
cast beyond the reach Of these poor drown
Ing wretches, or they will rob her of her
life prcscrVer."
The white drapery fluttered through
the air, and sank beyond the waves; then
rising it hoated lightly on the waters.
james turned to the stranger with tear
full eyes.
MAY God bless you and preserve you,
noblest of men. But you, as well as my.
self, must be lost"
NO, am good swimmer, and here is
piece Of board with which you can sus.
lain yourself until relief arrives"
The father cast another glance at the
white speck; floating rapidly away, and
with an inward God preserve herr
sprang into the sea, followed by the
stranger; but the two floated in different
directions, and they saw each other nc
more.
Two hours later James Durant awoke
as from the sleep of death, and founC
himself in the cabin of strange ship
with kind and sympathizing faces al
abound him. In a moment he realized al
that had passed, and said eagerly though
tcebly, '"Aly child, little Eva, is she safe?'
There was no response, and low moal
escaped the fathers lips
r"CCurage sir" said lady with tearfu
eyes, some of the passengers were savet
by another ship" =
The fathers countenance lighted. "Got
grant that she may be safe'', =,
MIR. Durant recovered his usual strength
in few hours, and sought among tn
saved for the stranger who had proved
himself SO true Masonic Brother. but b,
was nowhere to be found :.
HE must be on the other ship" sal,
Mr.. Durant, land he will care for Eva.
Both ships were at port the following
day, and although Mr.. Durant found tn
stranger who had befriended him, VIII
proved to be a Mr.. Wadsworth from
southern city, Eva was seen by no one
and was given up for lost.
CHAPTER IT,
"Herc, wife, is a child that has just beer
washed upon the beach. She is cold an(
stiff, but think she is not dead. Let u
have some warm flannels Immediately
and tell Thomas to run for Dr.. Hunt"
1t was long before the quivering lashe
and feeble futtering of the heart gave tok
en- that success would crown the effort
of Eva's rescuers; but by and by the lid
parted and revealed two large liquid, sky
blue, eyes that wandered from face to fac,
in bewildered. way, and then CLOSED
YEARLY.
Il fear she will not recover very rapid
ly,' said the doctor. ,"She hasa elicat,
constitution, and will require. the best O.
care"
poor child" said Mrs. Turner, II dc
not wonder she is nearly dead; but who
can she be? Some terrible accident must
have occurred at sea-"
"Iou had better examine her clothing
said the doctor, perhaps you may FIND
some clue to her relations"
Mrs. Turner lifted the gossamer white
dress, and turned it over and over. The
square and compass placed there oy Mr.
Dulant flashed upon the eyes of all al