Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1897-11-09

ne was Deut ON DIS eIIuuu ~ lctteI cA1-
rier.
The fire alarm had been sounded, and
o crowd was rapidly gathering before
the door, ard in among them the boot
black was soon standing.
In some way the fire had gained o
headway before its existence had been
discovered, and the flames were already
darting upward through the wide halls
and into the'second story. The staircase
was wrapped in wreathing cloud o.
smoke, and little flashes OF crimson
light appeared in its midst, and ON the
pavement just beyond stood gray hair
ed man, with clasped hands and face
stricken with terror.
Our young friend recognized him at
once. II was the same old gentleman
who had told him 80 gruffly to ''be off,
that morning. and in an instant he took
Il all in-that he was the father OF the
beautiful young lady he had seen at the
window and that some one was perish
ing in the flames.
my child! My pet!' he was saying
piteously 60 himself. Then, turning ex-
citedly 10 the gathering crowd, he ex.
claimed in tones that sounded above the
din Of the murmuring throng about
him:
"A hundred dollars 20 the one who
will save my grandchild! Who will save
my grandchildf"
II WILL" responded shrill voice At
his side, no other than that Of the poor
bootblack Of the morning.
"You are only childi" he began.
But the boy, pointing to the twirlins
flames above him, interrupted hastily:
Tell me where the child Is, and foi
Gods sake b. quick.
''In the second story back. In little
crib"
"Some Of you fellers boost me ontei
that ledge above the parlor winder," F"
said the boy to the gaping bystanders,
ian I'll have il down in twinklin.
Quickly they did his bidding, and in
less time than it takes TO relate II he
had clambered TO the front chambei
window, and, effecting an entrance, dis.
appeared amid the choking smoke that
was fast filling the room.
He soon found the crib, and, taking
the little sleeper in his arms, wrapped
il mp, head and foot, in blanket he tore
from the rosewood bedstead at its side.
Then, pulling of one Of the sheets,
he endeavored TO tear 10 into shreds, but
in vain. IL was made Of the strongest
and finest linen. His knife, however,
was in his pocket, and, hastily whip
ping il out, he cut il into a number of
strips.
Then tying them together by way Of
rope he fastened IL about the middle OF
the child.
Here il isl" he shouted, and at once
proceeded 10 lower the child into its
grandfather's outstretched arms.
A great cheer sounded up from the
multitude below, and the firemen, see
ing the lads precarious position, ran foi
ladder. But every instant the danger
increased, and he could now feel the
seething fire almost catching him in itt
merciloss embrace.
IL must jumpl" he shouted. And o
hundred hands reached out to catch him
a. he gave the leap.
But with all the eagerness Of those
beneath him they missed their reckon.
ing, and he fell heavily to the ground.
Tender hands raised him, but there
was no recognition in the still, white
face.
A deep cash across the forehead point.
ed to the most serious wound he had re.
ceived, and, without once opening HE
eyes or giving the least sign Of conscious.
ness, he was borne TO neighboring hos
pital.
1t was many days before he recovered
bis senses-weeks before he could walk.
But when this stage had been reached
he was the recipient Of good things. The
800, which seemed fortune in his In
experienced eyes, was certainly his. But
better than this was the news that the
parents Of the child he had saved in.
tended TO take bis future in their charge.
Since, he has become man Of high
position and unquestionable ability,
and, whenever he j. asked how he came
by the scar on his forehead his answer
invariably is, II received il when was
o abootblack, and call it my revenge. '"
New York News.