The Red Cloud chief., 1900-11-23

SO far as we know, we are all
saved" was the thankful chorus that
went round, as the passengers stood
about on the snow stamping their feet.
How on earth did we get our here.
mate'" was the hoarse whisper from
one OF the blackened, smoked figures
wrapped in waterproof on the en-
CINE.
Il don't know" was the answer. 81
thought we was bound to roast in
the fire. but here we are! Beats ALL"
That's so; but we're safe: that's
good enough for me. anyhow"
The sooner you people get aboard
the cars again the better"
II was a courteous, almost concilia-
tory voice, but il was the same that
a short time before had given the word
of command that saved the trainful OF
human beings. Instantly the speaker
was surrounded and a torrent Of
thanks assailed his ears.
Pray. don't overwhelm me-" He
raised his long. lean hands deprecar-
ingly. What have I done? Merely
suggested a way out OF the difficulty"
But his modesty was overruled. The
overweight passengers found an put
let for their agitation in demanding
the nam Of their preserver. In order,
they said, TO add 1t to u prayers,
and teach II to our little ones"
MY name is Paul Ansdell," politely
said the stranger. Then he added hur-
ripdlV nc 10 m nhnkA on anu, ftrthAr
questions: II am a scientist by pro-
fession, and am at present travelling
for material regarding a subject sug-
gested by the society to which | have
the honor to belong. ! hope | have
explained to your satisfaction, ladies'
and gentlemen"
Under the courteous tones there was
a distinct element of mockery, which
served to chill the warm gratitude Of
the passengers. In twos and threes
they dispersed, some to get aboard the
train into the shelter and comfort and
warmth: Others to stand in the now
and watch with awe the roaring flames
now mercifully behind them.
THE weather tonight is so dry-cold,
even for the time O year., that the
fire has got a Arm hold. The whole
sheds doomed" said the guard. Its
bin a wonderful deliverance from an
awful death, gentlemen. We've need to
thank God on u knees"
The man looked round on the groups
huddled together on the snow, which
the roaring fire lighted up around
them.
And, indeed, the delivered passen'
gers were, each In his OF her own a
thanking God.
Here a young mother, her soft arms
round a little child, knelt in the snov
murmuring. Near her a clergyman
was, with lips rapidly moving, thank
ing God for his safety.
Here, again, an iron gray-haired mar
stood bowed for a few seconds to Of
fer up his thanks for the frail invalit
wife, the love Of his youth, whom he
had just lifted back into the car.
1t was indeed a solemn sight. tn,
little thanksgiving service out on tn,
snowy plains, upon which the grin
mountains frowned down through tn,
small, dry flakes Of falling snow.
Now 1t strikes me we should i,
we'll to be getting ahead. The nigh
Is upon us, and l can tell you 1t vii
take us all we can to stand the cold
Of midnight and early morning"
1t was the voice of Paul Ansdell tina
broke the spell. He was standing witt
arms folded On the rear platform O
the cars. looking down with half-shu
eyes upon the reverently bowed head
of his fellow travellers. No meaninI
for him had this communing with tn
Divine Creator. who had stretched on
a helping hand in the grave peril.
Had any cry broken from his lips I
ascend on high 1t would have been tn
exceeding bitter one OF the Psalmist
Lord. why easiest Thou on my soul
Why hidest Thou Thy face from me?
But 1t was many a year since thi
a had abandoned prayer. He wa
not an unbeliever in one sense, for n
man knew better than Paul Ansde
that there exists an over-ruling Powe,
who moves n shapes humanity q
His will. Otherwise II would hav
been the worse for his fellow mer
seeing that Paul Ansdell held certain
nl-gotten secrets that would have en-
dowed himself with an ilimitable dc
minion over the lives and the fortune
of others. But as 1t was he gnashe
his teeth ove the checkmates ths
blocked his wicked way and protecte
his victims. So far the man had fat
In his larger and holder flights.
The two aims he lived for were I
win ~a'colossal fortune, and to preserv
his life as long as possible. To di,
to crumble into dust. was to him
hideous prospect, and he had no othe
his creed forbade all such. To saw
himself more than his companions h
had put forth his utmost strength
will. He had succeeded ~strangel!
even marvelously. Paul Ansde
| smiled ~contentedly Is he leane,