Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1894-07-05

people before the finest farmhouse In
the valley and gazed with impotent hor-
ror into the flames which would soon
engulf it,
With disheveled locks and wild de-
spair in his eyes, Xavier appeared now
and then and threw out whatever came
to his hand, howsoever worthless it
might be.
The wretched man had lost his senses
A group of women had gathered about
the well, and in their midst lay the
farmers wife, who had dropped down
there utterly exhausted from fright and
excitement. She had been with the chill
dren in the house when the lightning
struck the adjoining barn and set it on
fire. When she flew from the house, the
rafters were already ablaze.
The women were bathing her head
with the fresh well water when she
opened her eyes and looked anxiously
about.
Friedel, Loirep' she cried, and with
the words pressed the sobbing children
to her breast
''Merciful heavenl Ny little Tonyp'
she suddenly shrieked, springing to her
feet. HE lies up there in his cradle
and will be burned to deathp'
Horror held the bystanders spell
bound. 1t was heartrending to see the
poor mother in her despair. 1t did not
seem possible for human being to offer
help. Already the flames were bursting
from the windows. Even Xavier had
been forced to desist from his labors.
With singed hair and clothing, he ap-
peared now in the doorway.
my babyl My babyl Save my
babyp moaned the mother, wringing
her hands.
No one stirred. Any attempt would
have been foolhardy.
"Give me my child, or 1 shall diel''
she cried again and rushed herself to-
ward the scorching, fiery furnace, as if
to snatch her darling from its depths.
Just then heavy hand was laid upon
her shoulder, holding her back.
Don't do that, Marie, - she heard
rough voice say. "You have made me
criminal; now will take my revenger'
An icy chill ran through my veins at
these words. 1t was the ant hunter who
spoke
"Josephl Good heavensl Would You
kill my child?'' cried the mother, and
in her desperation she cllng about his
knees.
Quick as lightning the ant hunter
pushed her from him and rushed him
self into the billowing flames. A cry of
horror burst from all who saw him.
The unhappy man had voluntarily gone
to his death. Any instant the rafters
might fall in, and if he were not suffo-
Gated with the smoke they would bury
him in their ruins
A few breathless, horrible moments
went by. Silently all eyes were fixed
upon the fire wreathed windows, when
suddenly there appeared at the top one
a figure holding black object high in
his hands,
"Catch itp' sounded from above.
Twenty hands were stretched into the
air and caught the cradle which the ant
hunter dropped to them.
A low whimpering issued from it.
He hves" were the joyful words
that rang from the heart Of the mother.
He livesp' fell with hollow sound
from the window above, and the whole
house, with fearful crack and tumble,
seemed to repeat the words.
The handsome farmhouse disappeared
as If by magic, and in its place charred
ruin yawned horribly.
"Josephp' shrieked the farmers wife,
bethinking herself of the rescuer of her
child.
All was still.
He is avengedl" said /, half aloud,
and turned away to hide my tears
Translated From the German For Ro-
nance.