St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1900-01-20
of rescuers was mingled The horrible

EYES Iell upon the Olu ScHlltudH. ~
ing as if dead in a hollow piled with
broken and splintered chairs, and his
rigid fingers were still clasped about
the hand bag with its precious package
of bank notes.
Perhaps the thought struck Lovett
that the old man was dead and beyond
the need of money, and that Fate,
which had so persistently frowned up
on him, now revealed an opportunity
he should grasp. But more likely he
did not think at all, as he instinctively
glanced around to see if he was OBJ
served. and then crept toward the ap-
parently lifeless form.
He unclasped the rigid fingers and
took the bag; then, breaking it open
and thrusting the package of bills into
his bosom. he threw the empty satchel
into the flames which were creeping
toward him. Then he lifted the old man
in his arms and bore him to place of
safety, and for two awful hours he
worked like hero, fighting back the
flames, pulling and lifting at great
AidSoSS VI NiSShaSNs
to release the wounded from the debris
and reverently bearing the dead away
from the flames. Then when human
means had been exhausted and the rest
was abandoned to the fire he boarded
the special train which was in waiting
and with the others proceeded to the
nearest town and to a hotel
The package in his bosom bulged out
noticeably, and he took it out to dis
tribute the money through his pockets.
As he took off the wrapper his eyes fell
upon q name and address. 1t was
MARK L. Brigham, 3O1 Queen street,
Blank City" He meant to destroy it,
but mechanically he folded and placed
it in one of his pockets.
The hotel had been transformed into
hospital. On every side he heard the
commands of doctors, the hurrying feet
of attendants and the cries and groans
of the sufferers. He moved about some
of the cots, but now that the fever of
action was over the sight of so much
suffering sickened him, and he passed
out into the cool night air.
For several years, since his misfor-
tunes had taught him caution and sub
dued his self-confidence, Lovett had
wished that he could own a small news
paper in some quiet country town, away
from the ruinous competition that had
been his undoing in more pretentious
places. More than ample means were
now in his possession, and it was with a
sense of relief like that of one who steps
from sitting dungeon into the pure at
mosphere that Lovett sat and gazed at
the stars and planned for the future.
The distant whistle Of locomotive
aroused him 10 action. As he started
toward the street he passed an open
window. and glancing in he saw two
doctors just leaving the room. Upon the
cot lay the old gentleman he had robbed
and rescued.
HE doesn't need us any more" one
of the surgeons was saying. BADLY
stunned and bruised, that's all. He'll
be all right in day or two"
Lovett hesitated for an instant, then
with compressed lips he hastened to the
depot and bought ticket. ard his des-
tination was town a hundred miles
from Blank City.
Twilight was deepening in elegant
Queen street as solitary figure, bowed
and halting, paced slowly back and
forth. The man seemed swayed by con-
tending impulses. now halting before a
quiet mansion. now pushing on reso-
lutely as if to leave the neighborhood.
A block or two away he passed church
where the people were gathering. He
heard the strains of a magnificent or
gan. and then a sweet voice took up the
song: where Is My Wandering Boy
The loiterer stopped and listened.
Just like the plot of Sunday school
story" he muttered. with cynical
smile. THAT songs bound to follow
until it gets me-"
He passed on down the street, then
and stood drinking in every
note of the sweet voice. 1t was so diff
,erent from the rustic rendering in the
-illage church week before, and yet
t was the same song-the simple little
hymn of his boyhood days.
But there's nothing very strange
bout it," he muttered again. 1T isn't
necessarily my guardian angel that's
linging that song into my ears just for
ny benefit. They're singing il in every
.hurch in the land. reckon. in these
lays of temperance revivals."
But Lovett turned and walked down
he street. At No. 301 he rang the bell.
rs Mr.. Brigham in?''
''Mr. Brigham does not wish to be dis |
replied the servant. ''He has |
,een very ILL.,"
Drawing deep breath like re-
,rieved criminal, Lovett turned and |
tarted up the street. The echoes of his |
song was still ringing in his
ars. and now he heard the voice again.
low the sweet tones rose and fell. so re-
,lete with tender memories, calling him |
Jack from his pitiful hesitation.
Once more he returned to No. 301.
"You may tell Mr.. Brigham that I
must see him. My business is very inn
ortant.'
He followed the servant into the IL |
'rary. An old man. gray-haired, wan
nd pale, but with an eye as keen as on
hat awful night week before, looking
p as he entered.
MIR. Brigham, have brought You the
money you lost in the wreck; here it is"
The old man looked from the extend
d hand TO Lovett's face in open
louthed astonishment.
"Well. young man." he exclaimed at
ast. You are a queer one. Where did
ou find it?''
Il got it in the wreck" said Lovett,
uietly. There's nothing to tell.
ave brought it all back except little
used to come here"
Mark L. Brigham's keen eye scanned
ne young mans face again, and he un-