The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1892-05-11
to utter faint cry. One more strug.

little chamber had become as hot as an
oven, and now and then a flame darted
out of the thick cloud Faint, and still
bewildered by the opiate, he was slow
in realizing his danger; but he made a
strong effort, and groped his way to
the door, gasping for breath.
He had locked the door, and the lock
was very old one. Wildly he turned
the key round and round, but the door
remained fast closed, and the room was
growing hotter every moment He
would try to escape by the window
Only, it was impossible to breathe much
longer in this dreadful atmosphere, and
when he tried to call for help his voice
failed, and died away in whisper.
It was a cruel fate to perish in this
way, friendless and alone. There was
no more strength left in him now, death
was coming fast, and now that it was
really near he knew that he wanted to
go on living A little while ago, life
had not seemed a very desirable thing,
but now it was precious and sweet, full
of new possibilities and hopes. Per-
haps if it had not been for this awful
fate, he might have begun to live new
life, frightened with charities and bet
ter purposes. He might have redeemed
the time" if time had been granted
him, But it would be all over soon.
lie had sunk down upon the floor,
and lay there, helpless and scarcely
conscious, when n loud voice suddenly
made it, way to his dulled ears. Then
there was great crashing of glass,
and figure leapcd into the room.
Out of the burning room into the
windy night and the clear starlight he
was carried by firm arms. There was
just enough intelligence left in him to
make him cling to his delivercr, and
vaguely comprehend that he must
hold fast while they went down a lad
der Somehow the descent was accom-
plished ia safety, and then Michael
found himself on heap of straw in the
farmyard, and heard great clamor and
shouting around him.
The clamor ceased; he saw and heard
nothing more till he woke at length
from u long spell of unconsciousness.
He was no longer in that ill-omened
room with the vaulted roof, but in
homely chamber of larger size, with
low ceiling. Some one had been bath
ing his face, and when he tried to lift
his hand TO his head he found that the
trembling fingers were too feeble to
be of any use. An elderly woman came
20 hn1 -,
kindly tone that he seemed 10 remem-
ber
"Lic still" she said, ''you must use
my hands till you get stronger"
1t was Mrs. Hooper, who was nursing
him, and he was lying in the best bed
room of the old inn. The slow hours
dragged along at a sluggish pace; he
could only obey the kind mandate and
lie still, for he was too weak TO move,
and even thinking was almost beyond
his powers. Yet he felt himself sur
rounded by friends, and now and then
sense of gratitude would struggle
through the dull calm. So days went
on, and he lay in the humble village inn
In helplessness and weary peace.
While he was lying there things were
going on much as usual in Eastmeon,
and every one in the place was ac-
quainted with the story of his rescue
from the burning room. That is, they
knew the outlines of the story; but only
Jane Challock and Mrs. Hooper knew
all that Aaron could tell. And IL was
Aaron who had saved Michael's life.
"Jane," he said, 'T can't tell you how
hated him when he came upon us on
the bridge. had wanted TO meet him
face to face, and l had my will. |
thought of all his baseness to the poor
girl in London, and IL you had not been
by my side think should nave struck
him then and there"
THANK God was with you, Aaron"
Jane whispered.
Yes, thank God you are always with
me. A good woman softens a man una
wares. Whom we were walking to-
gether in the twilight, and you were
talking in your quiet voice, began to
feel that he hadn't done me any great
harm after all. And then / remem-
bered Olives words about forgiveness,
and sort OF shame stirred in me. It's
bad sign when ones heart is more
ready 10 curse than 10 bless-a terrible
bad sign, Jane"
"True, Aaron" she said, gravely.
"And then, when / was left alone for
the night, couldn't rest for thinking
OF my badness, and from that fell TO
calling back old times. didn't go to
bed; just paced up and down my room,
till seemed to see Miahael's face ex-
actly as II used to be. What a bright,
fresh-colored lad he wasl Always full
Of hopes and plans, and always ready TO
cheer me up when was down
hearted. And after that old vision OF
him, Jane, saw him again as he is
now-the poor, puny man who won't
live out half his days. Instead Of nat
ing him, instead of wanting to hurt
him, was broken down at once with
great pity. II wasn't Olives life that
he had blighted, no, nor mine; II was
his own life that he had spoiled and
laid waste" 4
Jane looked up at her lover with tears
in her eyes. They were 80 happy
these two simple pcrsons-and they
knew that no life can be complete II It
has missed such happiness as their own.
"The pity grew and grew" Aaron
continued, "till l could not stay in the
house. wanted 10 be out under the
stars, and ask Heaven to forgive me for
my blindness. When l am upset al