The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1882-02-03

head was thrust; two dimpied, baby
hands were reached pieadingly toward
the crowd, and an eager little voice
called:
Papa, tate Essier'
The Judge spral,g to his feet, unmind-
full OF the bruises, tottered step or two
toward the house, and fell with moan
OF despair.
Below that window was sheet OF
lurid flame, over which no ladder could
bo placed, and to reach tho place in
time to save the child by any one unac-
qudinted with the interior OF the build
ing was impossible.
The servants would not return, and
the master could not. What was to be
done?
Suddenly, from ont the crowd, sprunga
slender, boyish form.
Judge Walton beheld the movement,
and knew the boy. Alasl he could save
her if he would, but would he? A great
fear smote his heart as he remem bered
the cruel words he had that day spoken
to this same boy.
was familiar to Frank. One glance up
at Elsie, and his resolution was formed.
Springing quickly around the corner of
the house, he entered a side door.
One deafening shout went up from
the lips OF the people, then a solemn
silence fell on the waiting. breathless
crowd.
At last the Judge beheld the boys
form darkly outlined beside his dar-
ling's at the window. He saw him catch
her up in his arms, and saw Elsie clasp
her chubby hands around his neck, and
then the proud, stern Judge WAS praying
praying to the God he had spurned all
his ife-casting away the mantle Of
self-esteem and bowling in deep repent
ance and supplication In that moment of
awful suspense.
After reaching Elsie. Frank started to
return the way he came, but the flames
had cut offretreat III TINT direction, and,
turning, he sped up another flight of
stairs, opened little window and sprang
out on the roof Of the west wing.
Many a time in old days he had
reached the ground in this way, but now
he was tired out, his hands were bills.
tered and his eyes blinded with smoke,
while heavy weight was clinging to his
neck.
Slowly and carefully he climbed over
the roof until he reached the covering of
q porch.
A hundred hands were lifted through
smoke and fame to him. He handed
down the sohbing child, and then the
weak hands relaxed their grasp, the
dizzy brain reeled, the feet grew uncer-
tain, o misstep, sudden crash, and
they drew the brave, unconscious boy
away from the burning building, not a
moment too soon, for Judge Walton's
beautiful home lay there II lurid wreck
before them.
The next morning, as Frank lay in
bed, weak aad pale, al his bright brown
hair gone, and his mother bathing his
poor, burned hands with her tears, there
came rap at the door.
When she had opened it, q gentleman
entered, saying that Judge Walton had
requested him to call and make inqui-
ries respecting Franks injuries.
After he had done his errand, lac rose
to go. handing Mrs. Rea letter, at the
same time laying package on Franks
pillow.
After he had gone she opened the let
ter and read, in the Judges trembling
hand:
DEAR MADAM The noble conduct of your
son last night III risking his life to gave that
which was dearer than anything on earth to
noe, was such that / can find no words with
which 10 express my feelings. The debt OF
gratitude owe him can never be Cancelled, but
humbly beg the privilege OF bearing the ex-
pense OF his education which favor l nope and
trust you will grant.
Respectfully yours, JUDGE WALTON.
On opening the package, she found
the mortgage which had cost them so
many heartaches.
Turning away his head to hide the
falling tears, Frank murmured:
God does care, mother, and His
ways are the best after all. Golden
Days.