Huntsville gazette., 1886-07-10
not run. He was neatly dressed, and

not run. He was neatly dressed, and
did not wish to hurry.
Then he thought be could ride back
with the doctor, and that would save
the walk one way. He remembered
now hearing that some of the ladies
had wished they had some particularly
large daisies for the table, which grew
on the Longtown road, and reaching
his uncle's he stopped to get basket
to fill with the daisies as he went along,
but, arrived at the house, it was all
shut up, but one of the cow pals was
laying up by the barn-door, so he took
that. 1t took but few moments when
on the LOngtown road to fill the pail
full to oyerfowing with great blooming
daisies. But arrived at the doctors at
five o'clock and after, he was not at
home. SO, leaving a message, Dan
started to walk back to Plumville.
1t was surprising, but on the way
Dan could not remember meeting a
single person on the road. Even the
houses looked deserted, as they doubt
less were, for the unusual affair at
Plumville had called from far and near
every man, woman and child who
could possibly avail themselves of an
opportunity to enjoy so rare treat.
1t was nearly six O'Clock and Dan
was rejecting hopefully that he should
reach the hill in ample time for the
supper. if not for the address, when
one or two rockets sped in the broad
daylight across the sky. 1t was too
early for fireworks, but some one who
intended sending off rockets later in
the evening was evidently trying them
much nearer the church than the hill
He stopped now few moments to
gather some ferns which grew along
marshy meadow, then he continued on
his way.
He had reached the church and there
was mile further to trudge then he
could give himself up to a few hours of
pleasure, but! - what was that running
along the edge of the beautiful church
right at its foundation, creeping, creep
ing, shining and shooting in little quick
leaps, and tapping bounds! The church
was on fire. The rockets had caught
some light underbush and some loose
chips lying about, and in an incredibly
short space of time, the flame aided by
the stiff breeze still blowing, had COM
municated with the wooden building
What could be done? Close by was
the parsonage, but the thoughtful boy
reflected that alarming old Nabby
would do no good and probably harm
the ailing child.
Fortunately there was a small pond
just across the road, and quickly
emptying his pail of daises, he rushed
over, and filling the pail began work
in earnest. If some one would only
pass by! At the end of an hour the
boy was still fighting the creeping
flame. Single handed. with but his
one pail of water at a time, the prog
ress of extinguishment was discour-
ageingly slow. Every pailful of water
told, but while running for another,
the flames would find fresh feed, and
for three mortal hours the battle went
on!
At nine o'clock the welcome sound
of fast approaching wheels caught the
boys ear, and running to the road, he
saw the doctors horse tearing along.
He easily stopped him, gave the alarm,
and the doctor rushed on. In fifteen
minutes more the village engine was
on the spot, and through the efforts OF
that tall, red-haired disappointed hero,
| the beautiful new church was saved.
''Now tell me all about it, my boy
L want to hear every word from be-
ginning to end"
1t was lawyer Buckly, who, week
later, having heard the story from Mr..
Orson, wished to get the details from
Dan himself When Mr.. Buckly re-
turned to the city for the winter, Dan
| Wycliffe went with him. Report said
that the determined lawyer, an elderly
man, had hard work getting Dams
uncle to consent, "but stampsll do any
thing, you know" said Dick Withers,
with knowing look, when Bill Bent
was wondering how it ever came about.
'sWell, Dan was a sort of hero after
all, wasn't he?" said Charlie Hadley.
"Well, he's likely to be lawyer
next" continued Dick Withers, ''for
they say Mr.. Buckly always regretted
having no son to leave his business to-. I"
And q week later, in speaking of Dan
in Bill Bent's, Charlie Hadley's and
Dick Wither's hearing, Mr.. Orson re-
marked:
Il shall always have to think OF
young Wycliffe as sort of hero, for
what should we have done, if after that
glorious Fourth" we had found it had
cost US our beautiful new church,
Mrs. Harriet 4. CheeUer, IN Golden
Rule