The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-01-20
The fall. the swift ATTEMPT at rescue.

The fall. the swift attempt at rescue,
and the conversation had taken place
in scanty minute, but during that
time the jam had gone many yards
down the stream, and was now in the
rapids. Fortunately the men were
near the shore, where the current was
least swift, and where the movements
of the logs were not so violent as in
the middle of the stream.
But on either side were banks of pre-
cipitous rocks. and it was many rods
to place where it would be practical
BILE to leap ashore. More than this it
was impossible that they should go far
without such change in the timber
around them as would crush Samuel;
indeed, it was almost miraculous that
he had escaped SO long. Only some
unseen weaving and binding of logs
underneath the surface of the jam had
protected him, and when they struck
the rocks. rs they soon must nothing
but death could be expected.
In that moment, when all seemed
lost. when the shadow of death was al
most darkcning their bri yht, heroic
young faces. the cruel timber trap re-
Taxed little its hold upon the impris-
oned boy. and in moment, with his
brother stalwart help, he was pulled.
with one bootless foot, upon the top of
the logs.
What glad shout rang out over the
water and above the roar of the Jam,
when the fearful, excited watchers saw
both men riding the logs again! They
were still in deadly peril. the chances
were against their escape. but, thank
Heaven, their case was no longer hope
less.
"In a moment we shall be against
the bank" said William. land our only
chance is TO jump on to that ledge of
rock, and cling To the bushes till the
boys can help us off. Can you do it?"
Il don't know; I'll try, but my leg
that was down in the logs can't use. p"
"rll help you." William said. land
guess we can make it."
They did make it. Just as the logs
reached the bank William jumped. half
dragging his brother. who sprang as
well rs his disabled leg would permit
him to do. and in mon. ent both were
on the narrow. slippery ledge, clutch
ing the small hemlOck bushes. while
the logs went laundering by. scattering
the icy spray over them and almost
sweeping them away.
But they were not long left in this
precarious position. Their comrades.
assisted by some of the other men. hur-
riedly secured ropes which were let
down the rocks. and first Samuel, and
then William. was drawn up the cliff.
When both were quite safe, how the
men and women and children all
crowded around them to shake hands,
to ask questions. and to praise the cour-
age Of the young man who had run 30
fearful risk for his brothers sake!
at was only what anybody would
do" he said. blushing and half-inclined
to run away from the compliments law
ished upon him. Il should have been
a coward if l had done less. And" he
continued, Sam is hurt and needs
help. We must look after him."
1t was true that Samueis leg was
badly bruised, but for the present he
was too happy to be conscious Of the
pain. Indeed. the people could hardly
have ''looked after him" better than
by filling his ears. as they were now
doing, with the praises of his brother.
the hero of Kettle Greek. f.
Marsh. in Youths Companion.