Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-05-16

be as bad as you fear" said Ned New comb, taking him by the arm and lead ing him from the mill.
 "Let me lie down somewhere; my head is dizzy" said the old man, aftei they had gone @ short distance, and cold as the morning was, a few kind-hearted workmen spread their coats on a heal of slag, that he might rest there before proceeding on his sorrowful journey home.
 He had been there but minute befors he became conscious of another pres ence, and the voice of his daughter Edith, as she knelt by his side and kissed his blood-stained forehead, while she exclaimed My father! My poor, dear father!" gave added poignancy to his grief.
 The sight of the comedy face of this charming girl, whom he had protected from insult but short time before, set Ned Newcomb's' heart flutterlng wildly. She had been in his thought ever since the hot, passionate moment that he struck down Clarence Carson for hel sake, but much as he longed to see her, dearly as he desired a glance from those eloquent eyes, it pained him to the heart to meet her in such a moment. when she was crushed to the earth with sorrow. An, could he but shield liner against grief as readily as he had de tended her from shame and insult, how gladly he would do 1t Ned Newcomb felt that the scene between father and daughter, in that time of unspeak, able anguish, was too sacred to be wit messed by him, but he could not leave his old friend then, much as he. would like to take himself quietly away. Edith showed no sign of being conscious of Nedi presence, until her father signif1ed . wish to be taken home. Then the stout arms of the young man helped him to hil feet, and were good to lean npon.
 It was then that Edith realized the worth of her fathers friend, and look ing him in the face, the thankfulness iu her eyes was more than her tongue could express. She felt that it was no time for mere words, yet she could not helr saying:
 pay your great kndness7"
 This included his brave conduct hei own behalf, as we'll as his unselflsh ten
 
 Ned was puzzled for an answer, but finally ventured to say: i've done nc more than any man should" And thii Is all that was said on the subject dur. ing the sad journey through the crowd ed and excited street to the home o1 Noel Edwards.
 Edith had bound her kerohief tender ly around her fathers face, and taking his right arm, while Ned Newcomb tool his left, the three made their way slow ly to the stricken little home, which lay but short distance from the steelworks,
 My poor children!" said Noel, when Edith told him they were near thei1 home. "How can meet themI Oh, it is terrible to think can never see theiI faces any more."
 Patience, father, dear" said Edith whose cheeks wero wet with tears, and who feigned hope that she bid not havol "it may not be as bad as that"
 Then the door of Noel Edwards little Rome was flung open, and haired, 0eek and matronly woman, accompan. jed by two half grown boys, rushed for ward to meet the injured man.
 Don't be alarmed, Mary; don't bs frightened, my children" said Noel, with an effort to silence the sorrowful clamo1 of his dear ones. "It might have beet worse. believe a good many preciou, lives were lost at the mill to-day, while I-well, I am only slightly injured. But Ned Newcomb will tell you all how il happened"
 Noel was assisted to his room, and the oldest boy ran for a doctor, who came ir a short time and dressed his injuries, but could not tell just then whether the los. of sight was permanent or not.
 "Is there any hope even the faintest ray, doctor3" said Edith, when he wa. going.
 "Yes, there is some room for hope, said the doctor, slowly, "but the chances are strongly against his recovering sight again. At this stage it is impossible te tell the exact extent of his injuries, and we must only await the slow develop ments of time."
 Ned Newcomb took advantage of the doctors presence, and withdrew quietly as possible, although he thought he saw something more than formality in Edith's parting glance of gratitude, when she hoped that he would call again. It was dismal day for the city o1 Grimsby. The injured workmen who were taken to the hospital died shortly after being admitted, and nothing else was talked of but the great explosion Everybody could describe the aocident but nobody could tell what caused it. Noel Edwards pain increased as the day advanced, and when evening came he was in a high fever and raved consider. ably. His family was alarmed, and Edith experienced a secret sense of pleasure as she heard knock at the door. She thought the caller must surely be Ned Newcomb. During her short acquaint ance with him, she had learned to place great confidence in this stalwart mechan 1 ic.
 When she hastened to the door, there 1H,