Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1881-01-13

ness, more time had been occupied in tn
rescue than he had thought possible ant
though applause was dear to him (as t.
alD, yet he could not stay to listen, ant
us for risking his life for money, he ha(
not even dreamed of such thing.
Out of breath he dashed into the dress
ing-rOom, and was received with reproot
for being late
Gould not help it," he replied; II saw
a pair of fiery horses running away, with
a sleigh and woman and two children
thought of my Jenny and children, anC
had to stop to save them"
He told his story very briefly and
modestly while getting ready, and sooI
was dashing down the arena upon spi
rited steed, charging the world with
wondrOus horsemanship."
The audience applauded to the echo
and, carried away by the excitement, he
rashly determined to execute his most
daring acts, forgetting that the horse he
rode had not been trained to them-was
young and wild.
The result was soon plainly apparent
Though some were accomplished in safe.
ty, yet, when he attempted leaping over
a banner, the fiuttering frightened the
horse. he bolted suddenly, and Tom Or
ton was hurled heavily to the ground
He endeayored to rise and make light
of pain, but a strange sickness came
over him, the light fiickered and grew
dim, he gasped for air, and knew moth
ing more until somewhat revived in the
dressing-room. he heard familiar voices.
! 80, GOdl what will become of Jenny
and the babies? ?" he gasped family. 81
am done for, and-and-" his tears and
sObs choked him.
DO not fear for them, Tom," said a
dozen hearty voices, and as many grasp
ed his hand as could obtain hold, 1--WE
will see that you are taken care of"
Many carelessly condemn the ring and
the stage, but in the law of suffering
their hearts shine upon the surface. and
such charity is shown that none upon the
earth is brighter. Ali if all humanity
was true as the brother and sisterhoOd,
whose lives are given for the amusement
and instruction of others, there would
be far less of trial and suffering in the
| world
Thanks, thanks" murmured the in
jured man, "but tell me the worst"
"a broken leg is all that appears seri-
ous," answers gray headed mana
strange physician who had been sum-
moned; though L cannot 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.
"Humphl very dangerous business
next to fooihardy; not one in ten
thousand would have escaped aliveT
replied the physician, with pressed hips
and flashing eyes. "Well, all that can
be done now is to get him home. Then
1 will make a more minute examina-
tion."
Very tenderly was the noble-hearted
fellow taken to his humble abode. The
scene, when he was laid upon the bed,
side by side with his sick wife and chill
dren, caused every eye to overflow with
tears.
"Tom, dear Tom," said Jenny, as well
as she could for her pitiful sobbing,
what will become of us-of the children
of the children? We will starve and
die togetherp
Not while we have hands," replied
his associates, every heart touched and
every arm nerved to the utmost toward
relief.
They all looked around anxiously for
the physician. 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 1 could curse the doctor for an
unfeeling wretch" blurted out one of
the most passionate. "But it is ever
thus. We give our lives freely to please
the public, and when anything happens
they care nothing for u.s."
Tom groaned heavily. The sound
woke his little girl. She raised up in
bed, clapped her tiny hands and shout
ed, in true childish glee and wonder:
Mamma! papa see! see an angel"
All eyes we're turned in the direction
pointed, and in the doorway stood a
beautiful woman, leaning upon the arm
of the physician.
Yes; an angel had come to them. Tom
Orton had risked his life to save that
one daughter of DIR. Armitage and his
grandchildren, and the merest chance
had given them the knowledge who it
was.
But never was an equestrian feat bet
ter rewarded, and never more charita-
BILE angel appeared upon earth. even
upon the day when, alike upon the hill
top and valley, it proclaimed: Peace |
upon earth and good will to men,"