Santa Fe daily New Mexican., 1896-01-22


about, gave the children no chance to
feel the extreme terror that their hazard
GUS position would naturally have in
spired They had only one thought,
only one instructive feeling, and that
was to cling with death grip to the
bridge and each other. 1t was reserved
for spectator to the scene, who arrived
on little knoll that commanded view
of the whole transaction just as it oc-
CURED, to experience the full agony of
their terrible situation. This was their
father, Ambrose Winchester.
Like one gone mad, he ran desperate
ly along the bank after the small bark,
his eyes fixed on the two little swaying
figures, dark brown and f1axen curls
mingling as they were tossed by the
wind, until small patch of woodland
cut off his view. Still he ran, muttering
cries, prayers, until his breath gave out
and his gasping throat could only give
vent to something like sobs.
When he passed the little patch Of
woodland, he saw the bridge had stop
ped, caught by the branches Of tree
fallen across the stream. But the bridge
itself was ready to fall to pieces now.
The rail to which the children hung
was swaying and bending and threaten
ing every moment to part company with
the rest of the structure. At that mo-
ment figure plunged boldly into the
torrent with long board in his arms,
hro h foft tov
could gain the spot had taken both chill
dren on to the board and was struggling
toward the shore Mr.. Winchester was
just in time to catch his dripping chill
dren as they came to land, and as his
eyes fell on their deliverer he saw it
was Hutton.
Here, put the children into my
buggy and wrap them in the robe, he
gasped. Then, following them, he drove
off at breakneck speed without back
ward glance.
Mrs. Winchester came to the door
with an inquiring look. When Mr.. Hut
ton lifted in his arms the half mani
mate forms Of her children and handed
them to her, one by one, she grew ashy
pale.
ooh, what-what, she cried sharply,
"what has happened?"
Mr.. Hutton explained briefly as he
followed her lead, carrying the Oldest
child while she conveyed the other.
And you-you are wet" she ex-
claimed, stealing a glance from her
Joy1i,,rc to ,,o<;oo L;, n,,l;k;o.,
"Never mind me-" He turned to 60.
"Oh, don't go yet, said Mrs. Win
chester appealingly. "My husband will
be home soon, and I want you to see
him. I can't thank you; words are SO
weak.
No thanks are necessary, said Hut
ton coolly. "And, as for your good hus-
band, 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, evi-
IDENTIFY in brown study. He was ponder
ing on what move he would make next
in this puzzling game of life. now that
his home was to be snatched from him.
He wore dogged look, which by no
means softened as he observed Mr.. Win
chester driving up. The latter stopped
before the gate, and an observer would
have noted that the men seemed to have
changed positions. Hutton nodded cool
ly, without changing his attitude or ex-
preston, while Mr.. Winchester breathed
quickly and looked nervous.
Hutton, he said, II have called to
sec you about that little affair we were
talking Of yesterday"
"Ah, yes" observed the young man,
jingling bunch Of keys in his money
less pockets.
Remember. You are a man perfect
ly competent to take care Of your own
family
Hush Don't" begged Winchester.
"Here, take this as an evidence of my
gratitude. It's quit claim of the place
you occupy"
"And do you suppose, said Hutton,
with deep drawn breath, "that I'm
saving other peoples lives and risking
my own as matter of dollars and
cents?''
"No, mol God forbid !" said the farm.
er. "Listen. I've changed since yester-
day. Yesterday, as I saw you save my
little ones, I felt great pain here
he beat his breast" this morning, as /
thought Of what might do to make
your life easier and the encouragement
could give you not to be beaten in the
great struggle for life, felt great joy
instead Of pain. This is not matter Of
compensation. Itcomes from the heart. y
The two clasped hands, and in that
moment something new and deep and
warm and strange came into the lives
Of each-the finding and recognition Of
heart. Chicago News.