Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1889-05-16

OuQutul1 Jdth oldELeu, MS lace a1lOW
with delighted rapture.
"Aggie, I've caught oneT' he NUT
tered triumphantly, and drawing his
line from the water he showed her
tiny silyery fish wriggling at the end.
Agnes went nearer, watching with
pleased eagerness while Jack transfer
red the shining little creature from the
line to the jar. Willie, who had be-
come equally interested, crept on TO
the bridge, aud knelt down beside his
brother
How pretty it isr' he said softly.
ats alive, isn't it?"
"Of course it isw Jack answered
proudly. Don't you see how we'll it
is swimming? Wait until I've caught
some more.
If should like to fish, too" Willie
went on. his childish face full Of lively
curiosity.
$50 you shall next time we come
here, Jack promised, and Willie was
content
In their excitement they had forgot
ten little Nell, who, unrestraiued by
her sisters watchfu 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 blythe water,
aud 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 al 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, whilelittle 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 clutched 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 dogl Save Nelliew
Jack cried in sudden anguish, and in
answer to bis call a dark form was
seen to plunge into the midst of the
stream.
"It's Joe! Oh, Pm so glad" Agnes
brea:hed, and they waited in terrified
suspense for the dog to reappear.
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 dogr' Agnes said, with al
most a sob. and she turned to caress
the brave creature.
But what was her 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,n Agnes added,
just little puzzled.
''My names Joe,n the boy answer
eel, 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 10 his
cheek.
Come" Agnes said sweetly, wait
inc for him TO enter, and at the sound
of her soft voice heroluctantly 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 uoaT box who had risk
ed his life to save her 6hild's.
Going to the kitchen, where Agnes
had left him. she found Joe sitting
shiverng over the big fire.
Your she muttered. after one brief
look into his face-'you saved my
child. and only this morning. | drove
You away with harsh, cruel words"
"It did not Natter Joe answered
with faint gentle smilei 81 am used
to harshucSs.
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 a nice substantial dinner.
That evening. Farmer Davis, return
inc from market, was surprised and
touched by the story of Joes courage;
seeking the lad, he wruug his hand
until Joe nearly cried with the pain.
"Dou't You be afraid. my boy the
farmer said heartily. you saved my
little NrlL and Nou will not find me
uugratetuI There's plenty of work To
be done at the farm, and ii You care To
stay, YOU Shall be tonne as another son.
What do Won say2'
Joe hesitled a moment emotion