Marshall County independent. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1897-1902, 1901-01-04

1t was a courteous, almost concilia-
tory voice. but 1t 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 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 way out of the difficulty"
But his modesty was overruled. The
overweight passengers found an out
let for their agitation in demanding
the name OF their preserver. in order,
they said. ito add it TO our prayers.
and teach it to our little ones"
My name is Paul Ansdell," politely
said the stranger Then he added hur-
riedly, as if to choke off any further
questions: Il am a scientist by pro-
fession. and am at present travelling
for material regarding a subject sug-
gested by the society TO which l have
the honor to belong. | hope / have
explained to your satisfaction, ladies
and gentlemen"
Under the courteous tones there was
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 snow
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 firm hold. The whole
sheds doomed said the guard. It's
bin a wonderful deliyerance from an
awful death gentlemen. We've need to
thank God on our 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 We're each in his or her own way,
thanking God.
Here young mother, her soft arms
round little child, knelt in the snow
murmGring. Near her Il clergyman
was, with lips rapidly moving. thank
ing God for his safety
Here, again. an iron gray-haired man
stood bowed for few seconds to of
fer up his thanks for the frail invalid
wife the love of his youth, whom he
had just lifted back into the car.
1t was indeed a solemn sight. the
little thanksgiving service out on the
snowy plains. upon which the grim
mountains frowned down through the
small dry flakes of falling snow.
Now it strikes me we should do
we'll to be getting ahead. The night
is upon US. and | can tell you it will
take us al we can to stand the colds
OF midnight and early morning."
1t was the voice of Paul Ansdell that
broke the spell. He WAS standing with
arms folded on the rear platform Of
the cars, looking down with half-shut
eyes upon the reverently bowed heads
of his fellow travellers. No meaning
for him had this communng with the
Divine Creator. who had stretched out
helping nand in the grave peril.
Had any cry broken from his lips to
ascend on high it would nave been the
Lord, why easiest Thou off my soul?
Why hidest Thou Thy face from me?"
But it was many year since this
man had abandoned prayer He was
not an unbeliever in one sense, for no
man knew better than Paul Ansdell
that there exists an overriding Power.
who moves and shapes humanity at
His will Otherwise it would have
been the worse for his fellow men,
seeing that Paul Ansdell held certain
ill-gotten secrets that would have en-
dowed himself with an illimitable do
miniOn over the lives and the fortunes
of others. But as it was he CRASHED
his teeth over the checkmates that
blocked his wicked way and protected
his victims. So far the man had faith
in his larger and holder flights
The two aims he lived for were to
win colossal fortune, and to preserve
his life as long as possible. To die,
to crumble into dust, was TO him a
hideous prospect. and he had no other
his creed forbade all such To save
himself more than his companions he
had put forth his utmost strength of
will. He had succeeded strangely,
even marvelously. Paul Ansdell
smiled contentedly as he leaned,
strangely exhausted for a man who
had simply lifted his voice, not his
hands. to the rescue. He was con-
graduating himself that his will pow
er was increasing enormously. Then
he heard hurried voice at his ear.
Mr.. Ansdell, I've brought my wife
to thank you for your splendid bravery
, in saving the whole lot of U.s." Gervis
Templeton was saying earnestly, and
his hand was pressing the shoulder OF
Paul, who wheeled sharply around, to
/ glance for one swift second at the lit
tie shrinking figure behind Gervis
Then his eyes turned away to the
| fiame-reddened snow
Come. GLADLY, this is the hero Of
the hour. Haven't you a word to give
him?''
GLADLY must have heard her hus-
bands urgent whisper, and yet she
spoke not syllable Silently and visit
fully the girlish bride was gazing w
into the dark face of Paul Ansdell. II
was as though her soul was dumbly
questioning that of the man who haG
saved her life.
Dear, say something" In the low
I cred voice of GerYiS there WAS q npr.