Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1890-10-31
A MOURNFUL BAPTISM.
The Sad Story Of the Christening
of Lake st. Fleur.

Amid the wild, yet picturesque,
scenery Of the "Black Glades," lies one
of the most serene lakes in Dakota. 1t
bears the sweet suggestive name of st.
Fleur.
Connected with the history of this
little gem Of the wilderness is sad,
romantic narrative which gave to the
calm waters their mournful baptism,
and which is full of pathetic interest
as told to me-
The story itself is sad enough to
bring tears to the eyes of any listener
anywhere, but when heard by the soli-
tary grave under the bowling willows it
borrows an additional solemnity. and is
more sorrowful than the moan of the
water at the foot of the bluff.
1t was in the year 49,, when the
steady march of industry had brought
the sturdy lumbermen to the North,
and the solitary depths of dark pine
woods resounded with the echoes of in
dustrial life.
Among the dillgent workmen was a
young and handsome German, who
rude jokes of his fellows. Always calm
and unobtrusive, yet withal pleasant,
he won friends among the more refined
classes of the laborers and the name Of
prince Earnest" from the ruder grade,
which stood in derisive antagonism Of
one whom 1t could not comprehend Al.
though the grand appellation was given
him by way Of contempt it accorded
with his lordly bearing and earnest
spirit perfectly.
With the disappearance of winter and
the ice spring came, and the rafting be-
gan in earnest. The more fearless and
venturesome raftsmen went careering
over the water with an easy Needless
ness, while the timid and uninitiated
were circumspect and slower of move
ment,
Among the latter was prince
Earnest" And II any one Of the rude,
uncultured experts could run him
down." it proved source Of great hilar-
ity at his expense.
One morning in being thus impeded
by careless Irish raftsmsn, who, per-
haps, had no idea of any serious conse-
quences resulting, he lost his presence
of mind and footing as we'll, and
slipped from tho raft into the chilling
water.
HE can't swim a stroke, and you're
the death Of him." called one of the
men in the rear, who had seen the I'M
fortunate man fall Frightened at this
the Irishman sprang into the lake to
the rescue. The logs had floated over
him, but with timely assistance he was
brought from beneath them. The burly
rescuer lifted the inanimate burden up
to two pair of strong, willing arms, and
then climbed out Of the water himself,
shivering with cold and excitement and
with very white, alarmed face.
1t was but the work Of few minutes
30 get the unconscious man on shore
and into the warmth Of the lodging
house. Here every available means OF
resuscitation were thoroughly tried, but
in vain. "Prince Earnest was past res
toration.
TORY McCorman, the perpctrator of
the fatal joke, was the first to speak
after the futile attempts were aban-
doned. Coming forward, he caressed
the cold, calm face with his toil-worn
palm, and exclaimed: IAN shure OF
only meant to taze him q little, an
Owe kilt i'm intoirelyl Oh shall be re-
pintin' NV it till me heart is broke"
The men looked furtively at one an
IL
'ner, sat down and covered his face
with his stained hands.
Ibis triends?' suggested ouei but