Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-05-16

Mid,
 "I undefstand that he was seriously in- jured by the accident at our mill this morning, and my uncle. is anxious to learn the condition of all the men who were hurt. This is why called"
 His voice was subdued, his manner was that of gentleman, and there was noth- ing in his demeanor to show that he was conscious of the disagreeable incident of the morning.
 ines.
 My fathers injuries are very severe" she said, "and fear his sight it destroy. cd. He has been delirious this after- noon and has talked wildly of the mill and the explosion, but think he is rest ing now, as we have not heard his voice in some time."
 Edith was deeply affected, and Clar. ence Carson was sincerely touched by her sorrow. She did not invite him in. His presence gave her an unpleasant sensation. It deserves to be said for Carson that he also felt embarrassed. He did not expect to meet Edith there, and he would gladly have got away at first glance of her if he could have done 50 consistently.
 "I came to say that we shall be glad to do anything we can for MT. Edwards," said Clarence, after a pause, "and that if he needs doctor we will send one at our own expense"
 "The doctor has been here some time ago." said Edith, adding: "You are very kind, but do not think we need any as- sistance in that way"
 While she was speaking the doctor ar- the room of the sufferer, which was on the same floor as the little parlor. In a moment he returned and said:
 "I see you have removed the patient. Where have you put him7"
 Removed him!" exclaimed Edith, in surprise. "Why, no, doctor he is in that room."
 "He Is not there," the doctor replied, shaking his head.
 Clarence Carson had become so inter- ested that he stepped inside. and Edith and her mother hastened to the room in which they supposed Noel Edwards lay.
 At the same moment there was a knock at the door, and it was opened by Carson, who was startled to see that the new ar- rival was Ned Newcomb. Ned was taken somewhat aback to find Carson there. but before he had time to advance or re- treat, Edith came running from the sick room and exclaimed:
 "Oh, what shall we do7 what shall we do? Father is gone!"
 At first Ned Newcomb and Carson thought he must be dead, and they were deeply impressed by the girls grief, but they were perplexed when she said: "I know he is gone to the mills, he spoke so much about it all the afternoon and must follow him. Oh, if he should fall in the river, what ever would become of us? My poor, dear father!
 "Then he is not dead?" said Ned New | comb
 | "No," answered Edith; Che has left his room. We found the window open, show ing wAarc he went out. But why do :tay here, when every moment is 90 pre- cious, and I may be able to save his life?"
 Saying this, she rushed out into the night, and down the street leading to the river that flowed q short distance from the dismantled steel mill. | l high, n,irrow foot-bridge in order to reach thr mill.
 Although her father was sightless, Edith knew that he could easily find his way .,, the mill because of his long famil. iaritr with it, and he had said so much abo.i. ]; iu his rawlings, that she felt she was right in guessing that he had gone there.
 Ned Newcomb, fearing for Edith's own safety, followed her, and so did Clarence Carson, who felt somewhat fascinated by the novelty of the situation. The two men found it impossible to keep up with her. The eager purpose of her mission made her swift, and near the edge of the stream where the street lights glimmered few and faint, they lost sight of her.
 Presently, however, they saw, dimly outlined in the gloom, human figure crossing the narrow, slippery foot-bridge that led across the stream to the steel mill.
 Ned Newcomb followed. He found the path u shaky one, and it was covered with ice He called out to Edith to move slowly, but he had no sooner spoken tht words than the figure ahead of hin tumbled headlong from the foot-brldge and fell with a loud splash in the water An agonizing cry rose up from the darl river. Carson exclaimed, "She Is lost ns he stood aghast on the river bank.
 Ned Newcomb said nothing, but ra1 swiftly along the slippery and shaky foot bridge to the point where he thought h. saw Edith falling, and glancing eagerly into the water, he caught sight of thu face of the terror-stricken girl. Then nerving himself for great struggle, h. plunged into the freezing flood, inten on saving her life at the risk of his own. CHAPTER W. l IN THE FLOOD. | ~S&AA. .!,t .Mk&zzw with awe, ClaI