Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1884-09-04
She rushed up stairs, calling. .I am

49,
But when she reached the bedroom
door, she could go no further She had
left it open; it was now nearly closed
and some obstruction prevented her from
moving it. She held up the lantern and
looked through the open space.
What a scene met her gael The
baby's crib in one corner stood un-
touched; but the chimney had fallen,
and crashing through the roof, had made
havoc of all else. Where her own head
had lain on the pillow, huge beam
rested, and just beynd it she could see
the white face and dilated eyes of her
little girl.
Jamie, . she gasped, '.are you hurt2
The roof has fallen in
@ No, mamma, said the child, "I am
not hurt at all, but 1 can't get up. Some
thing is holding me down"
The mother looked again, and now
could see that the stones and rafters
had fallen in such way as to i'm
prison the child completely without
injuring her. Oh, to be beside herl to
rescue her from her perilous positionl for
who could tell but that some slight jar
might loosen the whole mass, causing it
to fall and crush the child?
But the door was immovable, and the
poor woman clasped her hands in agony,
realizing her own powerlessness.
''Janie," she said, presently, '1isten
to me, and try to be my own brave little
girl. You must not move, if you do,you
may be hurt If you will keep quite still,
l hope you will be safe. can do moth
ing to help you, my darling' (and here
the mother almost broke DOWN, ''but l
can 60 for help if you will promise me
not to stir while am gone
eyes, mamma, :" said quivering voice
II will try not to be afraid, if yoi will
leave me the Light
mo, dear" said the mother, 81 can
not do that, for fear of fire; you are
much safer without it. You must believe
that God. will take care of you in the
DARK
eyes" said the child, gravely, 81
know; but. Oh, mamal if baby should
cryq"
Never mind baby, dear. He canno
get out of the crib 1t will not hurt him
to cry little, and will be as quick as 1
can. Now we will ask God to be with
you"
The mother knelt down and said aloud,
"oh, my Father, I pray thee keep in safety
my darling children. -
And the child's voice answered,
HAmen."
There was no more hesitation now.
Mrs. Austin knew what she must do, and
that there was no time to be lost
Throwing en- some articles of clothing
that hung in closet on the landing, she
hurled to the stable.
Her husbands saddle horse was there,
creature as gentle as he was fleet of
foot. She had him saddled and bridled
and was on her way in a few moments.
The storm was over, and in the
Western sky the waning moon shown
with feeble light. She urged the
horse to his utmost speed, for she was a
fearless rider, but it seemed to her that
the three miles she had to go were a
hundred at least. Midway she met with
an obstacle. 4 huge tree had been
blown down directly across the road.
She dismounted, and devoutly thankful
that the snake fence was one she could
pull down, she tore the rails from their
places, led her horse around, made
another opening and proceeded.
The village was reached at last. Stop
ping at the first house, where the black
smith lived, she knocked loudly at the
door.
In few moments voice asked, ''Who
is there 2"
Mrs. Austin. We have had fearful
accident. My husband is away. have
come for assistance
In moment more the door was open
ed, but she would not 60 in.
No, let me tell my story here.
must go back at once to my children" I"
In few words she told her story.
You will need. !" she continued, s'three
or four men to help you, and, above all,
ladder long enough to reach the upper
window; there is no other way of get
ting into the room. Now will go back.
know 1 need not ask you to make all
the haste you can, Mr.. Green"
For answer the blacksmith turned to
his son with orders to rouse the neigh
bors, while he himself at once left the
house to harness his team and get ready
the necessary tools.
Back the mother fastened along the
weary way, trying to still the agony at
her heart with the hope that no injury
had come to her children.
The day was beginning to dawn when
she reached her own gate. What was it
that fell upon her listening ear2 A child's
voice singing, actually singing
God shall charge His angel legions
Watch and ward Ger thee to keep"
For the first time Mrs. Austin burst
into tears She hastened up the stair.
sJanie, my darling are you still safe y
'sYes, mamma; l am so glad you have
comep
There was no tremor in the little voice
now.
sgpahz has o+ a.:l y. III