Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1894-10-20

been to- captain q fos Lille oav1ng
Station, aad they haA hvsd IN comfort
"a long - he had bsen spsxed b them
but he had lost his lie one bitter
night in the performance OF his ardu.
ous duties. and dark days had come
to the little family. EphrAim, who
had been attending school regularly.
had been obliged to, put his young
shoulder to the wheel ct onoe, and
had taken any sort of work he could
find. As he heard the conclusion Of
Bellies speech he wondered what he
was going to do in case Mr.. Springer
acted on Percival Peyton's request.
There was Ben Todd who would be
only too glad to jump into his place
if the chance offered. And the chance
did offer Just before noon Mr.
Springer sent for Ephraim, and as
soop as the boy saw his face he got
realy for the blow that he knew was
about to fall.
"Complaint of 1mpudsnos md DISC
bedience has been lodgod asAlns, jou,
Warner" said Mr.. Springer, as he
turned over the leaves of ledger on
his desk. 81 can't have any Hne here
who is obnoxious to my guests. So I
won't need you after to-day. 1 have
engaged Todd to take your place"
Ephraim was too much stunned to
utter a word in response. He simply
nodded and left the Office
Going outside he walked slowly to-
ward the rear of the building, trying
to think how he could break the news
to his aunt and Barbara.
Suddenly he heard o cry, and, look.
ing toward the beach, saw the people
running excitedly to and fro. he un.
derstood at once that some person
must be in danger of drowning, and
without hesitating . moment he
dashed down tho board walk, throw
ing off his coat and shoes as he went.
AS he reached the beach he saw Mr.
Towers, man of middle age, spring
into the water: and far out beyond
the breakers saw tho objects of his
solicitude--two girls, who had ven.
tured two far out and were unable to
return against the strong current.
Another instant and Ephrain had
dashed into the sea, almost throw
ing over Percival Peyton in his i'm
petuous eagerness to lose no time,
and, being q strong swimmer, he soon
overlook and distanced Mr.. Towers,
and in few minutes more succe eded
in reaching the girl nearest him. It
was Belle Towers, and she clung to
him desperately. What cared she now
that he was freckled. that his hair was
red. and his gait Awkward? he was
the one plank between her and
watery grave, and she held to him
with wild despair. With great diff
Guilty Ephraim persuaded her to
loosen ner grasp, and gave her into
the care of her father. who had now
reached them
Take her in--I'll get the other"
he said, and struck out to where
Carrie Mowbray was struggling in the
water 200 yards from shore. She was
just about giving up, her strength
having almost failed.
Courage" he cried, keep up till
get there; I'll cave you"
His words gave her a fresh strength.
By great effort she kept herself from
sinking, and the next moment lphriam
had reached her and extended one arm
SO that she could grasp it.
"Cling to my shoulder" he said.
Carrie obeyed him, and the gallant
fellow turned about for shore. He
nhtc ihII Acdu"0v lOI time, hut
then. finding the great exertion he Was
putting forth was overtaxing his
strength. and that the girls weight
was bnrying him deeper and deeper.
SO that every wave broke over their
heads. he spoke again:
You've got to help me or vel
both drown" he said.
''If you think We can't reach the
shore I'll take my hands of, answered
the noble girl. There is no need
Shat we should both 60 down. Save
yourself, and never mind me-
But plain, poor and awkward as he
vas, Ephraim Warner Was not one TO
desert wonap IN deadly Peril. BE
bad gone out to save her AID he pro-