Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1893-03-10

even for that Jack shall loose the
farm II he marries Cecile Grey
Al that night Cecile, in her pretty
white bed, dreamed of Jack At frst
her dreams were peaceful, but as the
night wore on they became disturbed,
and at last she avoke with the strange
feeling that her lover was in danger.
Mechanically she rose and having
donned wrapper and slippers, wen. to
the window. As she drew up the sash
and leaned out across the sill, she saw
that cloudy sky had taken tho place of
the starry one she had gazed at earlier
in the night The wind had risen and
blew in iitful gustS around the house
A troubled thought of the pleasure
she had anticipated came to Cecile, and
then all atence. as strong gust Of wind
came TO her. she smelled faint odor of
musk Looking quickly at the barn
and other outbuildings, she could see
nothing unusual. She raised her eyes
and looked anxiously 10 the direction of
Jacks house.
What was that red glow spreading
above the tree tops she wondered, aud
then she realized that the Newton farm
house was on fire,
Running down stairs she reused her
father then out of the door aud away
through the darkness she sped 10 the d.
rection Of the burning building
All was quie, when she reached the
gate, which was locked. What should
she do2 She looked up at the high pick
cts with their cruelty sharp points, aud
then began to climb resolutely up; bal
ancing herself on the top she dropped to
the ground Her skirts caught on the
sharp points. but she managed to wrench
them free, and never noticing how her
hands we're bleeding, made her way to
the house.
The flames shot upward; the smoke
rolled in huge columns toward the dark
ening sky, but still no sound came from
the inmates of the burning building -
Could she save them Would her father
never come?
Looking anxiously around she saw an
open window; she sprang through il,
and found that she was in the thickest Of
the smoke What she did must be done
quickly. She snatched a wooden scarf
she had, threw it over her head, and
binding it around her mouth, prepared
to fight her way to the foot of the stairs
Inch by inch she pressed forward, till.
blinded by the smoke, she struck her
foot against the lowest step. With a
little scream ofjoy she few up the stairs
and along the wide hall to Jack q room.
Jack was just awaking from troubled
sleep. Hearing Coolies voice he instant
ly sprang up, comprcbending the danger
almost before she could tell him Of it.
"Mother sleeps down stairs 10 the
little room on the right" he said ia
answer to her question.
"Wait CecileV
lie frantically searched for bis cloth.
ing, but Cecile was away again, battling
with the smoke, which almost oyerpow-
cred her The flames were licking their
way toward Mrs. Newton's room. Cecilc
saw this and breathed prayer for help
She fairly few down the stairs. and
reached the door just as one cruel
tongue Of fire darted across the top
of il
She found Mrs Newton in heavy
stupor, and all her efforts to rouse her
were in vain. She could not wait for
Jack, 30 she wrapped the heavy form in
blanket, and how. she knew not, man.
aged to drag her into the hall. There
Jack joined her lie promptly relieved
her Of her burden, and in an instant
had led the way 10 safety.
Mr.. Grey aud his men, having but
Just reached the scene we're preparing
to fight the fire, and after taking In this
fact Cecile's courage and strength gave
way, and she slipped down at Jacks
feet
Mrs. Grey now came hurryiug up,
and together she and Jack half dragged,
half carried the two helpless ones TO her
home. A doctor was sent for, and the
simple application Of restorativcs aroused
Mrs Newton, who listened with tears
TO the story Of Cecile's heroism. Turn
ing 10 Jack she said simply and hum
bly,;
Il misjudged her. Forgive me-"
Jacks face frightened, but he contin-
ued bis restless walk before the door of
the room whore Cecile lay.
Just as the morning dawned she open
ed her eyes and asked, is Jack safe ?"
Then she fell asleep with happy smile
on her lips. She had burned her hands
and arms her beautiful hair was singed
badly, aud her strength had been terri
bly, taxed but in month she bad re-
covered sufficiently TO take short drive,
and Jack took her TO see the ruins.
Every building on the place bad been
burned to the ground
81 am glad Of it," said Jack. 81 10.
tend TO build new house 10 VII ch
shall be proud to take my wife. Will
you come, Cecile y
what will your mother say 2" she
asked with touch Of playfulness, while
her eyes gave him the answer he crayed
"Sbo is more than anxious 10 welcome
you as daughter
so il was settled and Mrs. Newton,
az she looks at her daughter Cecile't
hands, says. They are the most beau
: tiful hands in the world to me. IL they
are Scared and blackened ;" and tht
feud Of the West Pasture is at an end
/ Jack and his wife are very happy
D They ara talking of another picnic Il
take the place Of the one planned a yea
: ago, and il is 10 DO held in the Yves
| Doalnra