Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-05-23
ats alive. isn't itPm

"Of course it isl" Jack answered
proudly. ''Don't you see how we'll it
is swimming? Wait until I've caught
some more"
81 should like to fish, too" Willie
went on. his childish face full of lively
curiosity.
here" Jack promised, and Willie was
content.
In their excitement they had forgot
ten little Nell, who, unrestrained by
her sisters watchful eye, had fitted
some distance along the bank, pluck
ing the wild flowers with both chubby
hands. A few clusters of pale forget
me-nots grew close down by the water,
and these presently attracted her at
tention.
Fearless of danger, her tiny feet
slipping at every step, she climbed
down the bank side, until she had
reached the coveted flowers. Eagerly
she stretched out her hand TO grasp the
blossoms, but, unfortunately, they
were just little beyond her reach, and
in her effort to get at them she over
balanced herself, and fell headlong
into the ripping stream.
Her piercing cry rang shrilly on the
air. arOusing the children to a sense Of
her peril.
Jack and Agnes turned white as
death. while little Willie commenced a
series of wild bowls.
They fastened to the spot where
Nellie could be seen, her pink frock
floating above the surface. Twice she
had risen, and was sinking for the
second time. when Agnes clQtched her
brothers arm.
Where is Joe, JackP He was with
us when we entered the field; he can
not be far. Call him"
They both raised their voices, but
the big Newfoundland had evidently
wandered too far to hear them.
Once more Nellie's golden head was
seen above the surface, then it disap-
peared.
"Go-go. good dog! Save Nelliem
Jack cried in sudden anguish, and in
answer to his call a dark form was
seen to plunge into the midst of the
stream.
''It's Joe! Oh. I'm so gladw Agnes
breathed, and they waited in terrified
Presently they saw something swim
towards them, while Nellie was borne
above the cold waters.
As they reached the shore Jack
rushed forward and seized his sister in
his arms.
Good dogm Agnes said, with al
most a sob, and she turned to caress
the brave creature.
But what was heI surprise when she
saw, not their favorite dog. but thin
ragged-looking boy.
did you save herp" she demanded,
scarcely believing her eyes.
Yes. [ was asleep in yonder field
and heard you call my name. I'm glad
| arrived in time"
But we did not call you; it was Joe,
our dog, we wanted" Agnes added,
just little puzzled.
MY names joe" the boy answer
ed, though his teeth were chattering
violently he forced smile to his blue
lips.
''You must come home with US. You
are wet through; and mother will like
to thank you"
Joe followed the little flock back to
the farm, but at the gate he paused,
the sensitive color surging to his
check.
Come" Agnes said sweetly, wait
ing for him to enter, and at the sound
of her soft voice he reluctantly obeyed.
After the first shock of horror had
passed, and Nellie lay warm and snug
in her little white bed, Mrs. Davis
thought of the poQy boy who had risk
ed his life to save her child>s.
Going to the kitchen, where Agnes
had left him, she found Joe sitting
shivering over the big fire.
"You" she muttered, after one brief
look into his face-''you saved my
child, and only this morning. drove
you away with harsh, cruel wordsm
at did not matter" Joe answered
with a faint gentle smile; II am used
to harshness.
Mrs. Davis busted herself, and in a
few moments had prepared warm bed
in one of the barns. When Joe was
comfortably installed between the
clean sheets, Bessie herself carried to
him nice substantial dinner.
That evening, Farmer Davis, return
ing from market, was surprised and
touched by the story of Joe's courage;
seeking the lad, he wrung his hand
until Joe nearly cried with the pain.
Don't you be afraid, my boy" the
farmer said heartily. You saved my
little Nell, and you will not find me
ungrateful. There's plenty of work to
be done at the farm. and if you care to
stay, you shall be tome as another son.
What do you say?"
Joe hcsitated a moment, emotion
holding him silent; presently, with ,
radiant, half-tearful smile he answered
you are the first who has ever
shown me kindness. | will stay gladly,
and | hope you will never regret hav.
ing taken a poor beggar into your
home"
Flights OF Fancy in Maine.
Zone winter" said man from Way
back, 81 was numbering in the north
own mort Of Maipa ap5 IUoC M ,x-orI- ~,