Evening journal., 1891-08-08

CfSdAlpK ana hbrainlnK ana bne WlnuoWS
rafting as though in mortal terror, the
! Mobilia gathered herself up 30 run her last
race
Each passing moment the flames crept
on and on, never pansing in their terrible
march. Fortunately they leaped upward
rather than forward, so that there was yet
but little danger 10 the panic stricken
crowd on the lower deck
But the pilot house was directly in the
track Of the flames, and already their adj
vance guard was beginning TO surround
me- singeing my hair and eyebrows
Suddenly there was murmur among
the people below, and the next instant
light form flew up the ladder leading to
the deck by the pilot house, and before
could say word my precious Mollie had
opened the door, axd closing 1t again stood
BY my side.
'Mollie, Molliel" cried, "for Heavens
sake, 60 back-go back Don't you see
how the flames are creeping toward us
hsref Go, 20, my dearest, my own true
wifel Don't unman me By making me feaI
for you. Go down, where | can feel you
have chance Of SAFETY
Rob Thornep she exclaimed, with her
eyes looking brayely straight into mine,
"am your wifew
''Surely. surely" uttered; ''but 60, goi"
my post is here just as much as yours
is" she answered firmly. II will stay
here, Rob, and If you die ! will die too.
We will make our wedding trip together,
my dear husband, even II it be into the
next world. Keep to your duty and never
mind me, Rob. There is hope for us yet,
and il it comes TO the worst, why"-and a
brave, sweet smile crept round her lips
we are still together, dear lovem
saw 1t was OF no use to,urge her any
more, and besides, something swelled in
my throat so that could not utter a word,
so just gripped the wheel hard and looked
right ahead, though everything looked
very dim just then, and my devoted dar-
ling stood calmly at my side watching the
flames that were creeping closer upon us,
leaping around the pilot house like hungry
demons impatient for their prey.
"Fhorne," shouted the captain, come
down. Lower her and yourself over the
rail Well catch you. You cannot stay
there any longer. We are very near the
shore now, and the rest we'll take our
chances for"
1t was an awful temptation. | knew
that did follow the captains advice both
Mollie and | would be safe, for | was a
good swimmer, and should the boat not
reach the shore could save her and my
self; but then If | did this would not de-
liberately expose every one Of the 900 souls
on board TO destruction True, the boat
might keep to her course during the short
space remaining to be passed, merely from
the rapid impetus of her arproach, but,
again, she might not-and then?
| looked at my dear wife inquiringly.
"Stick to your post Robr she said.
mo, sir" | shouted back; II shall stick
TO my post; | shall stay here till run her
clear on the shore, or die frstn
MY brave Rob-my noble Robr' muir
INJURED Mollie
But alas for my devoted Molliel alas for
mel Not the pilot house only, but the en-
tire deck around it was now surrounded
by flames 1t was too late to lower our
ourselves to the deck helowi The railing
was all ablaze Ny arms, released from
| the guardianship over the wheel, clasped
| Mollie close 70 my heart; but my eyes and
brain were busy seeking some mode Of es-
cape from death that seemed each instant
more certain.
All at once my eyes rested on the paddle
box. 1t had not taken fire yet; the flying
spray had saved it. | had only to dash
across the Aame swept deck and ding open
little door in its side, which afforded
ready access TO the wheel. 20 lower my
precious charge TO the water beneath il
safety No sooner thought of than done.
"TaSe my hand, Mollie," said, "anc
run with me. We shall be saved, after all
Wrap your shawl across your mouth
Now, now-run"
leaping down on the deck, we sped hant
in hand to the paddle box. | dashed opeI
the little door, and pushing Molly insid
passed in myself and drew the door clos
again, shutting out the eager flames who's
angry roar pursued us as we dropped gen
tly down into the shallow water and crep
out from beneath the wheel.
Our appearance was hailed with shou
Of delight and relief, for all had given VI
, | up MS lost, and we must have been but 70
, the heaven inspired thought of the wheel
! | house.
Now that the danger was over, poor Iii
/ tie Molle tainted, and no wonder. But sh
7 soon came out all right, and as the peopl
! began 30 find out that the brave littl
] girl" as they called her, was really brid
OF only few hours, and that we were O
q our wedding trip, there was regular ovi
q tion, followed up by nine deafening cheer
+ The island upon which the Mobilia ha
been beached was low, sandy and uni
4 habited, altogether not an inviting pla'
: for 500 people. without particle OF shelte
!. to pass half day upon, yet even in tn
v plight there were few grumblers.
q There was no room in our hearts for an
= | feeling but that OF thankfulness for o.
preservation from a fearful death, al
4 after the peril OF the last hour or two
a seemed a small matter to wait patient
y for the coming Of the relief boats that y
Il knew were sure to arrive before mat
n hours were past.
n Though some miles from any city, '
knew that the burning steamer must ha
- been seen from the farmhonses scatter
u sparsely along the river bank, and tn
"A from these notices OF the disaster would
N sent to the nearest town. And so Il was
"A Before nightfall several small steambof
re arrived and after that but few hou
~ elapsed before we found ourselves safely
home and our Adventurous wedding q
"a at an end. But its results were not end
~ by any means. Theterrihe nervous stra
had endured, combined with the sey'
III burns on my face and hands. threw
i PROSTATE on a bod OF sickness.
Il. When | was able TO report for du
- again. Two weeks later, | learned Ahal
noble gift from the Mobiha's CRATE
"a | passengers-no,less "A sum than S2,voO-l
Is ia the bank awaiting my order Sot OF
IN this but the steamboat company had vol
me gold medal and the appointment
pilot Of the finest steamer on Their line.
- Years have gone by since my brave v
ma ami had so nearly jonrneyed out OF
NO world on our wedding trip. tSsm pic
M have come to be captain and pa1t owner
~ one of those beautiful floating palaces {
"a used so TO excite my envy, but never q
- - mass without "A sickenino shudder the II