The Press., 1898-12-08
HIS DEVOTION.

HIS DEVOTION. s
 They were on their way up the Mis- sissippi river-the mother, Fannie and the twins. throw in the younger chil- dren in a bunch, as it were, because it takes too long to say Sue and Lou. They were spoken of as the twins by every one, and every one knew them. Their personality was particularly fa- miIiar to Fannie's would be suitors, for they were always upon the spot just at a moment otherwise opportune for mat rimonial proposals Fannie was not a marrying girl, and she used to say that no one but herself realized how much in the way of relief she owed to those blessed twins. The suitors also were wont to bless the twins, but in 8 some- what different spirit. One of theseasnit- ors was on the boat that very day, and he had Fannie "cribbed and confined, " as it were, in one corner of a deserted quarter of the deck. The twins were out of range for once, and he thought
 
 ly in her heart Fannie was despising him for flop. His immaculate clothes came first. she thought; his viands next, probably, and, lastly. with what little was left of him, his character.
 That particular day he walked up his avenue of approach undisturbed by bark of dog or remark of twin. He was nearer the deIectable mountains than ever before, he realized, and his heart thumped madly against the irreproach- able waistcoat as he opened his mouth to ask the decisive question.
 Just at that moment 8 shrill scream pierced the sultry July air. Then hur- rying and scurrying of feet was heard. Instantly ray of knowledge flashed its way into Fannie's brain. "One of the twins is overboard!'' she said to her. self as she sped down the near stairs and along the lower deck.
 Just as she reached the bow of the boat she saw little skirt drawn in by the suction of the water between the barge (on which most of the excursion ists were embarked) and the boat that drew it. Another moment and the same little skirt, and a child's face, half hid den in her long. wet hair, was borne by the swift waters out and down the river.
 Lou had fallen overheard.
 There was chaos for time. Every body was running to see. Some one clung to the mother. who wanted to leap after her child. Little Sue was wailing and Fannie wringing her hands
 
 have happened had she not been engaged by that hateful dude. ,-.
 From the piiothouse two men leaned and watched the child-the pilot and 6 sort of long legged handy Andy known on board as Spider.
 "Why don't you save her, Spider?' said the pilot. Jump in, man. What's the use of your swimming prizes if you can't save a kid now and then? < |
 It hadn't occurred to Spider before, but at the word of command he leapeG from the pilotnouse down into the wa ter and struck out after the dark spot that was quite distant now. He's too late. He can't catch her, said @ passenger.
 ~'Oh, get outr' said the captain ."That cuss could over,ake the boat thai started yesterday and beat her to New Orleans. a-rs .,.s E..
 The man so disrespectfully alluded tt was we'll along on his way when th' crowd of passengers, who were strainins their eyes down the river, saw the darl something on the surface of the water sink.
 The mother uttered 8 cry and wal borne half fainting into the neares cabin. Fannie's face was white ane strained, but she said not a word. Tn, dude stood near her as silent and almos as white as she. Indeed there was n, noise on board just then save the sound of little 6ue's sobs,
 The speck-it had become a speck- rose again, but Spider was still at , distance. He was nearer now. but i had sunk once more. Again it rose-i only he could get there in timel Bu what seemed to the watchers waste o waters separated him from that littl floating trock
 The captain had his fieldglass ou now, and he silently passed it around Spider was nearing the child, but befor he could reach her she sunk for the las time. Down he went. and think tha hardly a breath was drawn until b I rose-without heri 6E 70 Godr' walled Fannie. The dude put his arm around her o she would have fallen.
 | Don't leave herl" shouted the cap tain through his speaking trumpet Don't turn back Get her Get her r | But Spider was swimming for tn nearest point on shore.
 | With one accord the passengers-al | but the few who staid with the mothe rushed from the boat, which wa moored just there. Down the bank c the river they ran till they stood oppo site the struggling. swimmer. He wa having hard fight to get ashore. Evi dently he was badly spent They coul Iz q