Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1895-12-05

encouragingly, "and you'll see how
easy it'll be, Now then, one--two---
three" and clasping hands the two
little girls started TO run across the
Keeling bridge. Perhaps 1t was their
weight, perhaps II was at that very
moment its fastenings were ready TO
give way, But certain It was that
when they reached the middle Of the
bridge It snapped its connections at
each side and with lightning velocity
shot down the stream, the little ones
clinging to each other and the hand
rail,
The (rightful speed AT whicE they
were going, together with the awful
roar Of the water, and the suddenness
With which the whole thing came
about, save the children no chance to
feel tho extreme terror that their hag-
ardous position would naturally have
inspired; they had only one thought.
only one Instructive feeling, and that
was to cling With deathlike grip TO
the bridge and each other, 1t was re-
served for u spectator to the scene,
who arrived on n little knoll that COM
mandcd view Of the whole transac-
ton lust as II occurred. to experience
the full agony of their terrible situa-
ton This was their father, Ambrose
Winchester.
Like one gone mad he ran despor-
atoly along the bank after the small
bark, his eyes fixed on the two little
swaying figures, dark brown and
naNon curls mingling as they wero
tossed by the wind, until n small patch
OF woodland cut OF his view Still he
ran, muttering cries, prayers, until hts
breath gave out and his Gasping
throat could only give won't to some
thing like aohs,
When he passed tho little patch OF
Woodland he saw tho bridge had
stopped, caught by the branches of II
tree fallen across tho stream nut tho
bridge itself was rtatv to fall to pieces
now; The rail to which the children
hung was swuyng and bending and
threatening every moment TO part
company with the rest Of the structure,
AZ that moment n figure plunged
boldly into the torrent with n long
board In his arms, and before the reel,
ing hroathless father could gain tho
spot, had taken both children upon tho
board, and was struggling toward tho
shore Mr., Winchester was just In
time to catch his dripping children as
they came to land, and AZ his eyes fell
on their deliverer he saw II was Hut
ton,
Here, put the children into my
buggy and wrap them in the rohc," he
gasped Then, following them he
drove off at brealSneck speed without
n backward glance.
Mrs. Winchester came to the door
with nm inquiring look When MIR,
Hutton lifted In his arms the half in
animate forms of her children and
handed them to her, one by one. she
grew ashy pale.
"Oh, what-what r"-she cried.
sharply. what has hnppenedY'
Mr.. Hutton explained briefly IA he
followed her lead, carrying the oldest
tIlllN WIllt Silt lHt pNltI'
And you-you are wet" she eX-
claimed, stealing glance from her
darlings to notice his condition.
Never mind me-" And he turned
to 10.
"Oh, don't go yet" said Mrs. Win
chester. appealingly MY husband
Will be home soon, and want you to
see him, | can't thank you. words are
so weak"
"No thanks are necessary" said Hut
husband, I've just parted company
with him"
With that he strobe from the room,
and wrapping himself In his warm
robe, drove home.
The next morning Hutton stood at
his gate, his hands In his pockets, evil
IDENTIFY in brown study. He was pom
dering on what move he would make
next in this pu2zling game OF life, now
that his home was TO be snntchod
from him. lie wore a logged look,
which by no means softened as he oh
served MT, WlHCnchtcT uTlNlHB VI.
The latter stopped before the gate.
and an observer would have noted that
the men had seemed to have changed
positions. Hutton nodded coolly, with
out changing his attitude or express
sion, while Mr., Winchester breathed
quickly and looked nervous.
Hutton" he said, Il have called 10
see you about that little affair we were
talking Of yesterday.
"Ah, yes" observed the young man,
jinglIng n bunch Of keys In his money
less pockets. Il remember; you are a
man perfectly competent to take care
Of your own family"
flush! DON'T begged Winchester.
Here, take this as an evidence OF my
gratitude. lts quit claim on the
place you occupy"
And do you suppose" said Hutton,
with deep-drawn breath, that am
saving other peoples lives and risking
my own as a matter Of dollars and