Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1895-02-28
special Correspondence Of Gazette and JOurna

special Correspondence OF Gazette and Journal
NEWARK, Feb. 25.--on Friday afternoon
Frank p. Hulings, a painter, and j. X.
Miller, IA tailor, Of this town, went fishing
for pike in Smalley's pond, about mile
from ChristiHna. The pond is from y to
10 feet deep and is frozen over with S.incli
ice. The fishing is done by cutting holes
In the ice.
After the holes were cut and the lines sci
the men Went on the bank and made big
lire and took of their overcoass. On going
back to the pond they determined to cut u
larger hole in the ice and troll for fish.
In doing this Hulings stopped down to
pull out cake of ice and his feet Slipped.
Down he went head first, and came up
under the ice, three feet from the opening
which they had cut,
Lucky for Hulings he is u good swimmer.
He did not lose his head, but after feeling
around for the edge of the hole and being
unable to tind it determined to stay where
he was; knowing it was his only chance of
being saved, for he had no idea in which
direction to 20.
Miller was standing near by when
Hulings went in, and realizing the great
danger in which his friend was placed,
Immediately pulled of his coat vest and
kneeling down on the ice felt under the
edge for Hulings. When this plan did not
succeed he let himself down in the water
and holding on, first by Il log which was
at hand and then merely to the side OF the
broken ice, lowered himself under the Ice
and felt around till he caught hold OF
Rulings coat sleeve. lie pulled Rulings
from under the ice into the open hole.
Fortunately there Is but little current in
the water of the pond.
Hulings is large man. weighing 2l5
pounds. and very active. lie got up upon
the ice first, and then pulled his almost
exhausted rescuer from the water.
Both men were, of course, wet to the
skin and their clothes began to freeze Oh
them. They went over to the fire which
they had made earlier in the day, and
after wringlng the water as best they could
out Of their clothes hurried to Christiana,
The story of this brave rescue Is not
without its touching side. Hulings recog-
nized that Miller had saved his life, as
soon rs they were both safe on land,
turned To his friend and with tears in his
eyes, said Here, Miller, you have saved
| my life and want you to luke my watch"
Miller refused the gift and told him he
hae only done his duty, which in itself
was pay enough.
The rescue Is all the more remarkable
as Miller is slightly-built man and has
an artificial leg
THE GAzErTE's correspondent called
| yesterday On Mr.. Rulings at the Wash.
| ingtOn House, aud found him none the
worse for his trip beneath the ice. lie was
| full Of grateful praise for Mller's conduct.
| lie says that lie expects to go back to the
same spot the hottest day Of the coming
summer and try a swim under more favor.
able circumstances.
! Mr.. Miller was found at his home on
Main street He had taken cold from the
exposure. The freezing OF the water where
| his amputated limb fits on the artificial
ley caused much pain. He spoke modestly
Of his exploit, but says that he will never
90 fishing on the ice again.