The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1885-11-19

where he put her within the door, saying
briefly, "Now you're safe, Mod; stay
there" and FASTENED on.
Stephen Dare was the best oarsman in
Smoketou, but he found himself surpassed
that day, not only in skill, but in cool,
ready daring; for Champ Preston had been
the crack oar of his college and had pulled
stroke in many a boat-race, and now, with
his brides kisses warm on his lips, he felt
strong with the strength of ten.
81 didn't think he had it in him, the
blame galoot," said Stephen, with un-
willing admiration. The languid, blue
eyes were quietly, keenly alert; the tall,
slender form proved to have muscles of
iron under the smooth, white skin Stephen
had so despised. And the strongest mus
cles, the readiest courage, had their work
cut out for them that day.
Apart at times, at other times together,
the rivals toiled, bringing many a boat
load of half-drowned wretches to safety
and such comfort as was o~btainable, while
the rain still fell and the water rose
steadily higher. As the darkness increased
it grew more difficult to avoid the logs,
beams and wrecks Of all descriptions which
the terrible river swept with
resistless force. One of these crashed at
last into Champ Preston's boat and crushed
in its side as though it had been an egg
shell. In half a moment it had filled and
sunk, and the rowers were struggling in
the black, raging current. Stephens boat
was close at hand. and rushed at once to
the rescue. One, two were picked up alive;
the third, with a small, fatal bruise upon
his temple; for the fourth they searched
some moments without success.
"And married, too, this morning, poor
fellow" said one Of the rescuers com
~passionately.
They were pulling away from the place.
when Stephen caught a glimpse OF a white
face and yellow hair ~entangled in the
lr,-oboc of a troo fh of hrrpn ouor FIJI W. ter
Should he speak? Why endanger the lives
of all aboard by going back for, perhaps, 9
dead mani? Besides, had not Fate paid of
his score against his rival? Then why
interfere?
But Stephen had for hours been spending
himself for others, and therefore tbs
struggle was short before he said quietly
"Hold up, fellows! Yonder he is"
Myra and Mod in the meantime had no
been idle. There was much to be done fo
those taken out of the water, and, as tn
two worked together, they learned, 1t no
to like, at least to respect, each other
Every room in Mr.. Tracy's house had beer
thrown open to the sufferers; mattresses
beds, hastily .improvised couches of all de
scriptions, covered the floors, and there dit
not seem to be room for even one more
when suddenly Stephen stood before them
saying anxiously: SNOW, girls, dom
either of you fly off the handle. There's n
charming young widow In this party, 10
he's alive and here y"
Myra Preston saw the white, ~unconsciou
| face of a form which four men were bring
ing carefully in, n sprang towards i
with q low cry.
"I saw him when the rest had given hin
up" sale poor Stephen, gazing wistfullI
after her, as she followed those who Dor
away her husband to a long but swee
recovery. 81 picked hin out of the tire
myself, and broke the news to her as care
full as a lamb, and. she never even sal,
'beans'p
"Did you save him, Steve7 o, Steve
did you, really?"
into Mods face, then, opening his arms
drew her to his breast, where, dripping
wet as he was, she laid her cheek il
rapturous content.
al won't be left by every girl in town,
said Stephen. hIn marry you, Mod. Yol
| kept me from making a blame fool of my
self this morning, and IIl make you
good husband.
Mods only answer was a happy smile
and Stephen, bending his handsome head
repaid with a kiss the lips that had ave-
his soul.-Chicdgo Tribune.