Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-30

lage disappear one by one, with a kindli-
ness stealing into his heart which he
had not felt for months AS he thought
humbly and penitently of the strife and
discord he had planted-in his present
mood he could accept all the blame OF
which he had previously repudiated any
part with scorn-in place of the Chris
tan love and quickened Christian living
which he had hoped to awaken, it
seemed as if no sacrifice could be too
great to repair the mischief that had
been wrought
Suddenly he saw light flicker
among the village houses. It disap-
peared and broke out again with greater
brilliancy. FOsdick ran with all his
strength down the mountain side. En-
tering the street he ran shouting to-
ward the red light that now seemed the
central spot in the sky, until he reached
house whose roof was in flames, while
not an inmate seemed stirring ALI his
faculties were absorbed by the progress
of the spreading flames, and he crashed
his way through a glass door, and up
the staircase revealed by the lurid
light from above, without having be-
come conscious of his surroundings, of
the house or of aught but the danger.
Among the voices hat responded to his
cries were those of children, and FOsdick
made his way to them. The freight
fell through a window upon bed where
two children sat crying, too much
frightened to run away. He caught
them in his arms and ran to the hall be-
low. Here he found Mr.. and Mrs.
Meacham, trying in an uncertain
way to open the door. There was
no time for explanations, and as Fosdick
caught the key he cried: 81 have the
children safe. Are the others all awaken
Eyes, they will be right down." Mr.
Meacham replied; but Mrs. Meacham
threw up her arms, exclaiming: 'Get
the baby! she is in the crib in the room
with the others. Quick! the fires fall
ing through the roof" she cried, as Fos-
dick sprang back up the stairs.
The hall was now thick with smoke
and he missed the door. There were no
cries to guide him this time, and when
he reached the child the walls were
ready to break into flames. The varnish
on the stair rail was cracking on
his return, and he did not dare to carry
the child through the blaze. Dashing
to front window, he called to the peo-
pie below, holding little Alice far out
into the reviving air. Almost instantly
mattress was raised and the baby was
safely below. A moment later Fosdick
| crashed into sturdy lilac bush, and the
roof fell.
The embers of the Meacham house
smoked in solitude few hours later.
People were discussing the fire in little
groups as they entered their houses, re-
| joicing in the escape of little Alice, and
praising Fosdick's bravery. Fosdick
and the baby lay unconscious in house
| across the way, while Mrs. Meacham
| wandered about the room wringing her
hands. Mr.. Meacham stood speeches.
over the baby's bed, and his sons slen-
| der wife, almost a nonentity at other
| times, knelt, feverishly waiting for her
! darling's returning smile. 1t came at
last, and soon after Fosdick opened his
eyes and joined, though weakly, in the
general rejoicing. Mr.. Meacham hesi-
tated for moment, then coming over to
Harold's bed, he held out his hand, ex-
| claiming:
s'Mr. Fosdick, can't bold hard feel
ings toward man who is ready to risk
his life for me or mine. A man who can
| do that is good Christian enough to
preach to me. The first Sunday you are
able to go back to the pulpit you will
find me in my pew, and hope to listen
to your preaching in it for many years
to come"
A fortnight later the two congrega-
lions had been united. The church was
| crowded and the text was: ''Blessed are
the peacemakerS."
A year later there was wedding in
the little church and Meacbamites and
Fosdickites were mingled SO indiscrim-
| inately in the pews that the sharpest
| eye was unable to trace party line.
Miss Kidder alone remained obdurate.
81 always did say" she declared, ''that
Mr.. Fosdick lied about them blackber-
ries, an 1 amt goin' to switch round
| just because he pulled baby out O the
! fire an then run away. Not that 1
wonder at the Meachams. They wor-
ship the ground little Alice treads on,
| an if it hadn't been for Mr.. Fosdick
| they wouldn't have had her now. But
I've said like the new minister best,
an do, an don't believe in palaverin'
over this weddfn' an pretendin' I'm the
best friend they've got. Oh, shall go,
s'pose, in a back pew an see what the
| brides dress is like. But I won't dress
up, an won't go to Miss Warmers
ridiculous reception, SO therev'-Ham-
i1ton Ormsbee, in brakes Magazine.
THE NEW EDUCATION.