The Holly chieftain., 1901-03-08
CHAPTER w.

It was over-this daring venture
and over safely!
Outside In the open, in the clear celd
air Of the starless night. the long train
drew up under the softly falling flakes
Of feathery snow.
Half-paralyzed men and fainting
women in the cars knew they were
safe. and there was brief hush, while
sobbing th,.nksgivings broke from lips
that seldor, pray. Then there was a
rush to ex;lmine the cars, which had,
providentiolly, not caught fire.
so far as we know. we are all
saved" wa; the thankful chorus that
went rouml. sas the passengers stood
about on tt snow stamping their feet.
How on earth did we get our here,
mate?" wal the hoarse whisper from
one of the blackened, smoked figures
wrapped r., waterproof on the en-
gine.
Il don't now!" was the answer. "I
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"
1t was courteous, almost concilia-
tory voice, but it was the same that
short tim. 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 mel" He
raised his long, lean hands deprecat-
ingly. What have l done? Merely
suggested way out OF the difnculty."
But his modesty was overruled. The
overwrought 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 1t to our little ones"
my name is Paul Ansdell," politely
said the stranger Then he added hur-
riedly. as II to choke of any further
questions: Il am scientist by pro-
fession, and am at present travelling
for material regarding subject sug-
gested by tha society to which have
the honor to bslong.i"'i hope / have
explained to your satisfaction, ladies
and gentlemen" G5
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 n,ercifully behind them.
The weather tonight is SO dry-cold,
even for the time O year. that the
fire has got firm hold. The whole
sheds doomed" said the guard. 'Its
bin wonderful deliverance 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. a ..s5.E
And. indeed. the delivered passen-
gers were, each in his or her own way,
thanking God.
Here young mother. her soft arms
round little child, knelt in the snow
murmuring. Near her q 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 q 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.
Nov 1t strikes me We should do
we'll to be getting ahead. The night
Is upon us, and l can tell you It will
take u all We can to stand the colds
Of midnight and early morning."
It 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 communing with the
Divine Creator, who had stretched out
. helping hand In the grave peril.
Had any cry broken from his lips to
ascend on high It would have been the
exceeding bitter one Of the Psalmist:
Lord, why easiest Thou OF my soul?
Why hidest Thou Thy face from me?'
But it Wa many q year GincA thia