Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-12-19
A Life for a Life.

From the New York Recorder.
A bright sun shone into the room where
Margaret Westervel. lay peacefully sleeping
her newborn baby breathing softly beside her
At the window sat her mother knitting a tiny
sock. Save for the clocks ticking no sound dis
turbed this serene picture of young mother
hood The warmth of the room produced q
somnolent effect on Mrs. Collins, who began to
nod and slip an occasional stitch, when a cry
from the bed startled her. Save him. save
him, and take me instead. Oh. God he il
burning" Over the sleeper's face passed an
expression of wild and agonized pleading. Her
mother leaned over her. Margaret nv dear
let me lift you. You are lying too low
Margaret opened her eyes wide with fear
clinging to the arms that were trying to raise
her.
Mother, have had such a terrible dream
l saw Jack IL a burning train of Cars. He was
trying to save somebody, when piece Of tim.
Der struck him, burning into his shoulder"
she covered her face with her hands.
'Oh, it was horriblen'
Nonsense, my child. 1t is natural to dream
at such a time. Don't think about it and try to
sleep again"
Margaret did not answer, but gazed dreamily
about the room, then sank back with a sigh
upon the pillow.
''Oh, if he would only come home"
my dear. If you worry like this over triies
you will be ILL.,"
"Give me the baby mother-in nv arms"
Mrs. Collins indulGently placed the baby in
its mothers arms and Margaret sought for the
little baby" she whispered, Il wish papa were
here"
Jack is probably in Albany by this time
Margery." A smile fitted over the pale face.
''He was very happy when he left this morn.
ing, wasn't he. mother?"
'Yes. l don't know when I've seen him like
that. Now go to Sleep
No. I'd rather lie awake; when close my
eyes see the whole scene over again"
Gradually as the afternoon light waned the
room regained its air Of peaceful quiet Mrs.
Collins drew the curtains repleuished the fire.
and sat down to feed the baby, watching him
dig his fists into his eyes.
IF you could only see him now Margaret
stretching himself-oh dear. oh dearr'
A sound of the front door softly closing
startled them both. Unmindful Of herself
Margaret sat upright in bed. Mother, some
one has just come in. Quick, see who it is ~
Mrs. Collins rose. Gliding her daughter, and
placed the baby back on the bed.
'How unreasonable you are today. Lie down.
do, and behave yourself" Margaret obeyed
and her mother left the room.
When Mrs. Collins reached the foot of the
stairs she started back aghast Her son-iu-law
stood leaning against the wall, his clothes dis
ordered and his face pale and drawn.
Jack, my dear boy, what has happened?"
"Hush, mother, don't scare Margery." He
made a movement to pull off his coat, but stag
gered and would have fallen.
Lean on me, Jack" She led him to the
sofa and forced him to drink some brandy.
Don't speak yet. Rest awhile"
She tried to loosen the bands about his neck
but started back at the sight of blood.
Its nothing, mother, only q scratch" He
WAS faint from loss Of blood. 1--WE met with
an accident beyond Troy"
A chill crept over Mrs. Collins at the remem.
brance of Margaret's dream. ''The train took
fire. started in to help, when was struck
by beam that set my clothes on fire. Some
body saved my life. ! would mt have come
home only was SO anxious about Margaret"
'Why?' Mrs. Collins asked the question fear
fully. The accident and its coincidence with
Margerys dream were startling.
Il don't know how to explain it. mother lint
just before became unconscious heard Mar
gery's voice and saw her as plainly as see Won
now. Has she been i'll since lefty"
"No," Mrs Collins answered. ssBut let me
get you to your room" half hour later
John held his wife closely folded to his breast
until twinge OF pain compelled him to re-
lease her and lie down beside the baby,
"Mother will put me out when she comes. 81
he said, laughing, but I am 90 happy 10 be
with my family" Margaret smiled and reached
her hand to be stroked and kissed. When her
mother entered with tray and saw the little
group an invoiced prayer of THANKSGIVING
arose to heaven for Jacks deliverence.
My story being true must be told in all in
sadness. One week later Margaret westeryelt
lay-a smile Of quiet peace on her face. and
her eyes closed forever to earth's sunshine.
Her life sacrifice had been accepted.