Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1890-10-03

will go TO meet the coach, and keep 1t
from crossing the bridge"
but it is too late; and you do rot
know the way
''Oh YES do; / have often driven
there with papa. Please let me CO."
II cannot refuse, when so much de.
ponds upon 1t. Come, will saddle
Prince while you get ready"
By the time Adie had donned her
habit, and wrapped thick shawl
warmly round her small form, Mrs.
Seymour. aided by Mary, had succeed
ed in saddling Prince, and brought him
round to the door. With many fond
kisses, and whispered prayers, she
helped the child to mount and then
watched, with dimmed eyes, the horse
canter swiftly down the road.
God protect her, aud bring her back
to me in safety" she murnured as she
returned once more to her weary watch
and ailing babe.
Meanwhile Adie rode in the direction
If the river. unconscious OF the chill
wind that blew upon her. and the cold
snow that was now falling; she kept
her eyes fixed steadfastly before her.
trying to peer into the fast-gathering
gloom, whilst her ears were strained to
catch the faiutest sound of wheels adj
vancing over the frozen ground.
Presently a sullen roar, as of angry
waters rolling heavily along, reached
her, and her heart gave n great throb.
The rivern she exclaimed aloud.
at is making terrible noise"
bn
she could just make out the outline of
the dark water, rushing between its
banks of snow; the bridge. an antique
one of wood, fastened from side to
ride. was barely visible above the soeth-
ing torrent.
She dismounted when she reached it.
and leaving Prince in the road. made
her way cautiously TO the riverside.
Then, as her eyes, becoming accustomed
to the gloom saw the ravages made by
the recent storm, low cry OF fear
broke from her.
Several of the blanks were entirely
washed away, and the others were
rendered almost useless. Adie knew il
WAS impossible for her to ride Prince
across the bridge. How much more
impossible for the heavy, four-horsed
coach TO pass safely over.
She trembled, and feeling faint and
dizzy, leaned against the wooden post;
suddenly however, she sprang erect, Il
rush of color surging into her cheeks.
What sound was that borne to her ears,
above the raging of the wind and rush.
ing of the torrent?
The coach!" she whispered, pressing
her hand TO her brow: The coach!
must save it,"
Without hesitation she placed one
foot on the creaking bridge. and cling
Ing tight to the sidc-rail, moved quickly
and bravcly along, the snow blowing
into her eyes, binding her. The foaming
waters dashed over her feet, almost
washing her from the bridge; but she
only chung closer to the rail, and neryed
herself to perform the perilous task il
safety.
Just as she reached the other side Of
the bridge the biz coach came lumber.
ing up; the horses were quite close Ia
the bank. when Adie, Il dreadful fear al
her heart, sprang in their path shouting
at the top of her shrill. child's voice.
At first. although the horses swerved
at sight of the dark object standing be-
fore them it seemed that her voice had
not reached the ears of the travellers
Papa" she shouted again. fear lend
ing strength to her tones 'papa--stoE
it is I-Adie."
This time the driver heard and Dire w
the horses up. almost within yard oi
the bridge; in another instant several
of the travellers had sprang out. ant
the light of u lantern was flashed Over
the lutte, trembling child.
Adler Mr.. Seymour exclaimed, a'
he Recognized his daughter. What
brings you here? Good Heavens
child. what has happened?"
She flung herself into his arms
trembling and sobbing now the danger
was over; it was some time before h'
could get herto explain.
She has saved us-there's no doub
about thatw one gentleman said, a.
they all gathered round the broker
bridge. Had she not stopped us. We
should none of us have been alive by
now"
With grateful hearts they passed one
by one across that part of the bridge
still remaining; Prince WAS found, anc
Adie road home on him. while Mr.
Seymour. and his fellow-trayellcrs
plodded along cheerfully OF foot; tn,
coach, with one or two passengers whC
had refused to leave it's shelter for the
long walk in the snow. had turned
back. and was soon far from the dan
gerous river.
Who can tell what JOY filed the soul
of Mrs. Seymour when she welcomed
her husband and child. aud heard how
bravely the little girl had risked bel
life, TO save those of her father and hi:
friends; nor did Adie soon forget thC
hour when she had stood in Peril.
Gu,n,rvlinr