The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-11-07

the back yard where bis wheel lay. The
bicycle was not in the best condition,
for James had just taken it apart, and
had not yet had time to put all the
parts snugly together. But there was
no time to stop now. He vaulted upon
the saddle, and the next minute went
spinning down the road.
The Lawrences were farmers, living
only a half-mile from the outskirts OF
the town. Mr.. Lawrence was not at
home that day. but long before he had
made arrangements with the fire de-
partment for their services in case of
need.
James was the only boy in the family.
and had been named for Captain James
Lawrence, commander OF the United
States ship chesapeake" in the naval
war of 1912. 1t was therefore natural
that Captain Lawrence should be the
lads favorite hero. You will remember
how that brave man, when he was
wounded in a naval battle and was
oOOut W ulo, 5diu W LIS SOtni oN0o'
Don't give up the shipw Well, that
expression had become our James
motto in every difficulty, and it often
proved helpful to him.
But just now, as he went spinning
swifter than the wind down the road, he
little thought he would have need of
the bracing power of that motto. He
had gone little over quarter of a
mile when his wheel suddenly stopped,
and he was thrown to the ground,
where he lay partly stunned. The burr
on the rear axle had in some way turned
and frightened so that the wheel was
locked.
He quickly recovered himself, and
sprang to his feet. He rubbed his eyes,
and felt dazed. but it would not do to
give way to that feeling. He must try
to save his fathers house. But what
should he do? His heart almost failed
him. Till he could reach the fret en-
CINE house on foot, run as he might, it
would be too late to save his fathers
house. He felt discouraged. But then
his mind: Don't give up the ship!"
How that motto braced him! He
looked around, and saw, gazing at him
with large, questioning eyes. a young
horse on the other side Of pair of
bars.
"Why, it's Dolly" he exclaimed, al
most in transport. "Come, my beauty,
l want youw
He knew Dolly, his fathers favorite
little mare, and he knew how obedient
she was and how fleet of foot. The bars
were thrown down in half the time it
takes to tell it. James led Dolly out of
the field by the foretop, aud then, leap
ing on her back, started her toward
town in swift gallop. although he had
neither halter nor bride. Guiding her
with hand and word, he dashed into
the suburbs of the town, thinking to
himself: mo; we won't give up the
ship-Dolly and I!'
But just as they swept up to a Cross
ing, bicyclist swung around the cor
ner, and almost ran against Dolly. In
order to avoid collision the little mare
leaped suddenly to one side. James
lost his balance and dropped to the
ground. Again he was partly stunned
by his fall. and it was few seconds be-
fore he could gather up his wits. But
somehow his motto helped him again.
Don't give up the ship!" he said TO
himself pluckily. setting his teeth.
Dolly had stopped when her young
rider fell. He ran to her and climbed
upon her back, and was off again at her
best pace. This time he reached the
engine house in safety. and in few
breathless words told his errand. The
words were scarcely uttered before the
gong sounded and the well-trained
horses trotted to their places. Then led
by the undaunted boy, "the Second
Lawrence" as his father afterward
called him, the horses and engines went
Gathering along the street toward the
imperiled farm house. Many persons
gazed with wonder after the hatless boy
riding so swiftly without saddle or
bride.
But James made his point. BY his
persistence and pluck he secured the
services of the fire department just n
time to save the house from being
burned to the foundations.
Martha and were just on the point
of giving up" and Mrs. Lawrence. 1.-THE
fire was gaining on us every minute. and
we we're almost exhausted"
The story of James's pluck became
known, and one of the city papers, after
describing the event, commented on it
10 this way: james Lawrence has
taught all boys how to make practical
use of the lessons learned from history.
The study of deeds of real heroism in
the books of history ought to make all
our youth drawer. nooler, better"
Rather a wise editor to write tn at.
WASH t he?-Leander S. KeyseT, IN Zion s
Herald.
A RED APPLE.