The Somerset reporter., 1902-03-13

work his way to the baize door The
smoke was sitting. His head throb-
bed, and he found himself repeating
mechanically: 1.-The children's money!
The children's money!
His ears rang with the music OF an
organ and childish voices.
He wondered If he was going to die,
ehoked by smoke, with the chlldren's
money in his pockets.
Angel music, let it sweetly fall.
Singing, bringing peace and Joy to all.
He reached the vestry room. The air
was better. He could breathe more
freely. A few steps more and he would
be safe-safe with the childrens mon
ey.
Again came the cry from behind the
curtain Of flames, Save the children's
offeringr'
A struggle was going on In the soul
of Shorty. Something. he knew not
what, surged in his breast.
The aged rector stood In the aisle as
near the burning tree as the heat
would permit. The last of the children
had been led safely through the arch
ed doorway. The rattle of engines
sounded far down the street and the
clang Of the FIRE gongs.
Would they be in time to save the
offering that had meant so much per.
sonal sacrifice for the children? Then
suddenly something black crashed
through the lower branches of the tree
and fell over the rail into the aisle. 1t
was man.
The rector sprang forward and drag
ged him away from the shower of
sparks which followed his fall. 1t was
the disreputable Shorty who looked up
into the rector's face.
"Unbutton me coat" he gasped.
The rector obsyed and with an ex-
clamation OF surprise caught the silver
plate. He lifted 1t wonderingly, and
Shorty struggled to his feet
Feel in me pockets. Me hands is
burnt" The rector hurriedly pulled
forth the envelopes and started to
speak.
"Quickp ordered Shorty. There was
a rush Of feet, and half dozen fire.
men dashed in bearing hose. Where
there were firemen there would also be
police.
"Got 1t ALP" he yelled at the wonder
ing rector. The latter nodded.
You must come with me. I'm afraid
you are badly burned" he murmured
confusedly.
Shorty shook his head and started
for the door.
ITS nothin'," he said. 81 did 1t fer
the kids, SOS their Christmas wouldn't
be spoiled. S'long." And he pushed his
way through the crowd and vanished.
Some hours later the pain of his
burns drove him to the dispensary,
where he told plausible tale Of an
overturned lamp and was promptly
and properly bandaged. Walking down
street, he met friend In the same line
OF business as himself. The obvious
impossibility of doing any remunera-
tive work with hands like boxing
cured Shorty loan of $40. Then he
went to bed.
The next morning Shorty read an
account OF the fire and also a public
acknowledgment by the rector Of the
bravery of an unknown man who at
risk of his own life had saved the
childrens Offering, amounting to near
ly $500. The rector expressed his de-
sire to meet personally the brave fell
low If the latter would communicate,
etc. Shorty began to feel proud Of him
self. This was genuine responsibility.
For one gladstone week he gave him
self over to reading and responsibility,
but he did not communicate his ad-
dress. Then the week and the $40
came to An end simultaneously, and
Shorty was forced to take another
walk up town with view to studying
balconies and unbarred windows.