Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-09-23

aguse. WIN ~ hsr slt3e 70 IL two aep
thas wers above shs vei1 wals and TN e.
~ kiYed, and shs lay doubled up bstws0
ths two wooden steps and the rough dds a
~ veil. a II ste could not risa Two a.
sArss dimes her hands cluschad the Iow@
sep. AMI she raised herself half uay up, only
70 fall back again, - il her limbs would nge
support her.
And eoud only lock an, poweFies 70 move
TO aid her. On, the ides Of isl To know 10
was hurt, unable 70 rise, and hespls. - .
log | screamed and called for help. Siias
vns somewhere, could not tell where, and
called Ioadiy for him could re, after .
time. that Rnta, astes hes frantic struggles
vas growing drowsy with the death sleep Of
cold The scasies hood drooped more and
more, TIL &c rested against the well side, and
tbs blue veinef lids closed over her eyes
Tie sight called from me snch . cry of agony
- thought must b beard for miles.
Il vas heard. A mosnent later John Hsyea,
panting and eager eyed, burst open the door.
-Wllat Il it," be cried Il heard you cali
ting on the road"
-Rsshl Rnth." screamed -shs Is fresz-
ing 10 Death By the well"
He stopped 10 hear no more. Out upon the
hard, slippery ground, DOWN the steps with
swift, rapid strides. and then saw Him ssoop
ard lift the Iittie scarlet eIoaked figure in mis-
strong arma, and come swiftly tack, bending
his face down oysT the senseiess enc On his
arm, while hot tears rained down bis brown
cbesks He put her lounge near my
chair, and then dashed out for snow.
3Rab her, rub herr" be said. 4 am going
for q doctor and for my mother
Before ft SEEMED possible be could have
crossed the lots 10 his home bis nnothe, was
with me and lifted Ruth AVA from the IRE
10 the bed The doctor came. and the two
worked till my bearf sank with utter hope-
Iessness before the blue ewes opened again or
the breath iuttere5 through the rale lips
But II dill at last and John joined me in .
fervent Thank Godi"
But Ruth had broker her leg and knew
she must lie helpless for many weeks befors
she could BIS our active, bright girl again. II
was an appalling truth for te face hut
she was not dead, not y ing frozen against the
rough web curb, and ! could not tut feel
thankfulness far, far above the pain Of knew
ing her suffering ] was trying 10 sett!e it
all In my mind. 10 under staBd the Doctors
words, while Mrs Hayes and the doctor lifted
Ruth 70 her own room that opened into mine.
They we're away n long time, and John sat
beside me, holding my band in his, and com
forting me as II had not taken the very hope
Of his life from him
Don't grieve So" be said gently. -Sbe will
live"
Thanks TO you," said 40. John, II she
gets we'll she IL yours. Give her your strong
arm for life John ins.ead Of my heiplessness
Ise to-day where my selfish love has nearly
cost her her life
~Do you mean thatF John asked, with
AZ. L.
mean thatP
II do, inde.i let hc- stay he'. John. !
will not be burden IN your purse. for tho
house ar fhrm AM all | have saved are
Ruth's but let her give me what tins and
love she can spare from your
@Cladly," he answe~sd; "but we will not
wait till she is we'll, Mr. Martin. Let me
havo Ruth for my wife now. TO day"
"With broken leg, sick, helplessf"
"Does she not need me the morei Give her
To me now
Bne he had TO wait until the bans were
called in chufo. three times, though he came
to as that day. caring for me with the tender
ness Of a son, while his mother nursci Ruth.
They were alone together as we were, and
they had .tut up their mouse, and come to
live with US never to leave again. For one
morning, proppni up with pillows, Ruth was
dressed Ia white by Mrs Hayes, and VIZ had
wedding in the littl. fpon. Ny chair was
moved in, and tue r"ighbors came from far
aud near to hear the solemn words that made
John ayl Ruth man and wife.
And happiness has shed its true light upon
our home since.