Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1891-04-04


the boys would cry little, but they
would soon forget me, and go fishing
and be as happy as ever.
when the neighbors are down with
fever they want me, but when they get
well they don't care for me. They say
that am proud. believe that am,
too, and that is the worst of it. What
have to be proud of? What will be-
come of me? lam nearly 90. All of the
girls know marry before they are as
old as am, but would rather die than
marry any one who will ever ask me.
"When go to Orquay with mother
to buy calico and muslins and jeans !
feel so poorly dressed and awkward.
Why was bornT
She looked far out over the swirling,
rushing flood. There were strange
shapes among the drift white logs which
looked like dead bodies; blackened stumps
with gnarled and twisted roots bearing
the semblance of hideous monsters;
masses of foam spread out like ghostly
wings, and a branch Of sycamore like a
great white arm beckoning to her. There
were noises too. The dam was lost, but
there was sullen roar of water, grind
ing of the drift and a heavy crash as
some tree torn from its place flung itself,
as might q despairing soul, into the
angry flood.
"Why was I borng' Oh, lonely girl!
millions have asked that question. Mill
ions will ask it again. To some life
brings an answer, to many there comes
no reply. Fate has lips as silent as those
of Memnon until the day breaks, the sun
arises and over the sands of ife's desert
is heard the immortal song.
She turned to retrace her steps. 1t was
a favorite haunt Of hers, this bridge
Being within calling distance from the
house it was safe, and it was habit Of
hers to get away from the chattering Of
her young brothers to indulge in mel
ancholy thoughts.
''No, Twill never drown myself; will
try to do right whatever comes; will
be patient" she said, and turned to take
a last look. 1.-THE water will commence
falling by morning. My Godl what is
thaty
"Helpl help! for Christ's sake" From
o mass of drift rushing swiftly down
came these words, in faint, strangled
voice.
"Here is help!" called the strong young
voice of the girl. Il see you; you are
coming straight under bridge. Do you
hear?"
'I-hear; my-strength-is-gone."
"You are almost to the bridge. Let
go the log and catch hold of this shawlv'
and snatching it from her she lay down
and dropped a corner of it to the water,
winding the opposite one firmly around
her strong hands.
A moment more it was caught, almost
dragging her from her position, but with
superhuman effort she nerved herself for
the struggle.
''Hold on for your lifew she said, as
she drew the shawl up. Her arms were
almost wrenched from their sockets, but
she pulled steadily until she felt q pair
Of death cold hands clutch hers.
"Now," she said, "help little your
self or can't save you. Put your foot
against that brace near you. Now!" and
with an effort which almost parted body
and soul she raised herself, drawing the
exhausted man upward until she could
place her arms beneath his, and SO drag
him up to the floor of the bridge. where
he fell, whether alive or dead it was i'm
possible to say.
Nor was jamie Burton in much better
Mi tfr1,t hn ca hX n
haustion and excitement as to be unable
for few minutes to do more than draw
painting. convulsive breaths. Then real
lzing the necessity of immediate action
she raised her voice in a long, piteous.
penetrating call for help.
1t was heard, for the nearest cabin
was her home, and soon the swift feet Of
boys told that help was at hand.
When her brothers arrived the rescued
man had so far recovered as to be able
to raise himself to sitting posture. and
jamie was already on her feet.
Boys" she said, "each Of you take an
arm: you will have to bear his weight
as well as you can. Oh, here is mother.
We must get him to the house. hope
there is good fire."
"Yes." said Mrs. Burton, there is
and some brandy, only little, but it
will help"
They got him to the house. How they
could scarcely tell, for he was almost
helpless; but when he came to the fire
on the hearth and had swallowed lit
tie spirits he revived sufficiently to ex-
plain that he had been looking at some
timber land, and riding too near the
bank it had caved off with him. He was
thrown from his horse, which he sup
posed was drowned. He could not swim
and so caught log and drifted. 1t was
o'clock when he fell in. Here he was
seized with convulsive shudderings and
could say no more.
"Make some strong coffee and bring it
very hot, while help the boys change
his clothes. Bring your fathers best
shirt and fannels. He has got an awful
chill"
jamie brought tho clothes and then
went into the only other room beside
the attic and made the coffee. By the
time it was ready the patient in dry
clothing had been helped into bed-a