The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-12-21

Very we'll; that just suits me, and as / never
knew Duncan to be at the foot of his class in
school,, or uncivil to the girls, or act other
wise than us a gentleman, | have invited
him to the party, and if you treat him
shabbily-"
Miss Nellie tried to look dreadfully stern,
but smiled instead. Dale was disgruntled,
however, and refused to be good-natured,
and went away muttering something about
that eggarly Duncan doing something to
make her ashamed of him yet"
Evidently, ill-humored Dale had a plan to
down that insolent pauper Little on gene
raj principles, and he chose the Christmas
Eve party at the Aston mansion as the oc-
casion of its execution.
Such boys as he become ruthless plotters
when they set their mind to it; and, with
the aid Of confederates of his own set, Dale
had made it decidedly uncomfortable for his
juvenile enemy and rival before half the
Christmas Eve celebration was over.
Thus, when Duncan. after a breathless
game, strove to wipe the perspiration from
his brow, the entire company snickered
audibly and pretty Nellie looked chagrined.
for Dale had deity substituted a handker-
chief we'll covered with sootfor the dazzling
white cambric Duncan imagined to be still
in its place.
Later, in searching for a forfeit among hts
papers. he was aghast to bring into view a
whole deck of greasy, well-thumbed playing
cards. And when later still a mischievous
urcilin put on Duncan's overcoat to play
old man a flask of liquor and a dozen cigar
stumps were produced. overwhelming Nellie
with modification.
There was no opportunity for explanation,
and Duncan was ignored into obscurity for
the rest Of the evening. When the throng
adjourned to the stage fitted up in the pict-
ure room for some amateur theatricals,
Duncan gloomily took u retired seat and
noticed Dale's devotion to Nellie with a re-
sentful eye. as he decided that through him
his disgrace had come.
The stage was built at the w%indowless
end of the room. and the pretty curtain and
scenery made the place resemble a charm
ing miniature theater.
There had been rapturous applause at a
comical speech from Dale, which Duncan
did not relish at all; songs and recitations;
and a fairy spectacle was announced to con-
clude the programme and the party.
Nellie Aston was the fairy. A platform
built and covered to represent rocks had
been placed at one side of the stage, and
here, golden Wand in hand, the pretty
hostess never looked so lovely as when
ushering her mines and elves before her.
Dale was supposed to hold the ropes that
the frail platform, on which Nellie
stood. in place. and Duncan was envying him
the close guardianship of Nellie. when an
accident occurred.
The curtain, sweeping too near a gas jet,
fire. Instantly it communicated with
the tinder-like scenery. There was a rush
the door, loud cries Of terror, and the
seemed ablaZe.
At that moment, selfish. poltroon Dale
acted his true nature. He might easily have
seized Nellie and borne her beyond the
but he thought only Of his own safety.
Releasing the ropes. he dashed wildly out
If peril. AS ne did SO the platform fell. and
Nellie with it.
Save her!"
%, she's killed."
You miserable coward" muttered the
Indignant Duncan to the flying. ~affrigltei
Dale.
With a spring, brave Duncan reached the
tage. His hands and clothing We're badly
corched, but he not only placed the faint
ng Nellie in safe hands but succeeded in
xtinguishing the flames.
rs she batlly hurt?'
No. he saved her from the fire; but he is
erribly burned himself"
The crowd gathered around Duncan with
tying. excited clamor.
Tit is nothing" he murmured, with 3
rave effort at a smile. as one Of the throng.
physician. glanced with a serious face At
is scorched and scared hands.
But the nothing" sent the blood from face
!, he.rt and he f1intp1 1r1H AWAY
Thank heaven, he is returning to con-
spoke a gentle, tremulou-
oice. as Duncan again opened his eyes to
nd himself lying on Il luxurious couch and
RS. Alston's soft. soothing hand on his
'oW.
Nellie" he gasped, vaguely remembering
e scene on the platform.
She is we'll. She escaped with only
"a tritlins fright" spok" Il Voice full u
notion, and Nellie came forward. "oL
but for you-
one else would have rescued you.
terrupted Duncan. with reckless m%e'l"~tN
1T would certainly not have been Dali,
urmured Miss Nellie.
Brave boy" said Mr.. Aston IN huas
ter; but for yonr prudence and courage
e and property might have been sacrificed.
And when one of Dale's friends rnl-
,sed to scheming for Duncln's di-gr3i''',
lille took Duncan's hand in Il warm grasp
IT misjudsed sou" She said. rontritvly.
ut know you now. Your silrnc, lu1,l"r
'ong was Drawer than Your r~esruing nr'.
shall never speak to Dale again. Christ
IS has taught mt which is my friend. You
, he, and the dearest gift / can give You i
!, gratitude"
There were Others who became his friends
sides Nellie Aston. The acluaintanre-
Dale recognized that individuals true
warlly nature in his flight from peril and
crafty plot to defeat an honorable Toe,
he was almost totally ignored by hi
mer cronies.
+ they could never aspire to Duncan
III heroism and steadfast principles, they
lid at least admire them. and the lesson
had taught brought golden fruits by pre-
1t and example to many an cumulative
lrt ere another Christmas Day had