Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1897-07-03
TRUE AS STEEL.

~ 'ChNNA WI OINGN AsSblO Dit
ages are allowed to make coasting
hill of the public highway u grum-
bled an uncommoDly pretty girl, as
she hesitated in great perturbation
half way up the improvised slide
mentioned.
1t was an irregular and rather pre-
cipit0us cross street of suburban
village. It was treacherously icy
and swarming with Juvenile coast
ers, one of whom had carried a silk.
en- ruby flounce with him as lie dart.
ed past her.
lit is quite to bad and my very
incest dress, too she complained,
mentally, as she stopped to draw
back and pin together the damaged
bit of drapery.
Ia the annoyance of the moment
she did not reflect that something
more unpleasant was quite possible
if she were not vigilant.
She was quite too much engrossed
to hear boyish shouts of warning in
the road, or to see an agile figure
that was springing affrighted toward
her.
A large sled, freighted with hall
dozen reckless urchins, had started
down the tempting descent; on the
CLASSY track it had become partly
unmanageable in a second more il
would be upon her unless she needed
those warning shouts or miracle
interposed to save her.
Before she really had time to com
prehend her peril Or understand the
sudden, shrill vociferation, there was
wild whirring in the air and ting.
ling shock, and the next instant she
found herself violently whirled aside
by strong arm which had seized
her as the sled flew past.
The agile figure of a manly ped.
estrian, whose affrighted gestures
she had not noticed, had flung him.
self between her and death, and she
was safe.
AS she struggled to her feet a cry
of gratitude and pity quivered from
her startled lips.
She fully realized what her peri
had been and her pity was for her
handsome rescuer, who was lying
stunned and bruised and bleeding
before her.
ooh, what can l say to your
what can do?" she taltered in 8
distressing voice, as she bent over
him.
His handsome features were alarm
ingly pallid, and there were tiny
drops of warm, red blood staining
the frozen snow which pillowed his
fallen head.
But the bright, dark eyes unclos.
ed with q flashing smile which was
delightfully."- tranquilizing.
"Say only that l have made a
charming friend" he smiled, as with
vince of pain he uplifted himself
to sitting posture. II am not bad.
ly hurt. l have surface cash on
my cheek, | think, and l have a no.
ton there is a sprained limb. /
shall not be able to get to my desti-
nation-that's CERTAIN" he added, as
he made an heroic attempt to stand
upright, only to sink back with a
suppressed groan.
Just then the big sled was hauled
back up the street, the reckless
coasters all penitent and terrified,
eager to render every service.
A helpful idea frightened the
girls anxious face.
sit would be an hour before prop
er assistance could be brought to
you here she said, in her quick,
sweet, girlish voice. "But there is
dear, motberly old lady living in
that little cottage at the top of the
hill. Let the boys put you ON the
sled and take you up to her. She
is my friend and she will do what
ever / wish
And so few minutes later the in
Jured young gentleman was snugly
ensconced on a cosy lounge of the
snug little cottage and physician
had been sent for.
"Ah, you will be all right again in
few days. the doctor said cheer
fully, "only you must keep yourself
perfectly quiet, aud not try to exert
yourself in any way"
II can reconcile myself to the sit
uation easily if you will promise to