Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-01

At that instant the blacksmith made
lunge at a revolving wheel, caught
two of the iron spokes and bracod his
stalwart legs.
II seemed as though he would be
thrown against the machine beyond
hut no. the wheel stopped with I. jerk.
The muscles OF the blacks ..ith's
aims and chest stood out like "hip-
cords
Quick. boys. quick" he cried; Il
can't stand this long"
He had no need to urge. Already
two workmen had hoisted third to
their shoulders. and he pulled the vic
tim from the wheel. with one arm bad
ly crushed, but alive.
Then the blacksmith let SO the wheel
and the machinery started to whirr
and buzz. The men crowded about
him. uttering congratulations.
We'll. I'm blest, Joe. You saved
Mike from bein' made into mincemeat
that time. didn't think il could be
done. BY Jove, ice, I'd like to have
your muscle"
These and similar compliments were
fired at him as ne turned with a broad
grin to the forge.
Directly in his way stood beautiful
girl with blaachsd face, her great
brown eyes swimming with tears.
''Oh, sir. want to say that you are
the bravest and strongest and quickest
man | ever saw. | cannot thank you
af,- ln no
crushed 10 DEATH"
He flushed to the roots of his hair.
1T was nothing, mss" he said.
Amy of the msn would have done it,"
That evening Ida went over the
scene with ner father. He knew all
about and told her that the rescuer
was Joseph Madern.
'One of the best men We have" he
said warmly. "A thorough mechanic
and an inventor. We keep him at the
forge because there is particular
Fart of the machine that has to be
done by hand. and Madern does 1t bet
ter than anybody else. Few men have
the strength and skill combined to do
it, We pay him as well as though he
were foreman, but have to keep him
at the forge. ! have ordered that he
be handsomely rewarded for his hero
ism today"
Papa. | want you TO invite him to
dinner" suddenly said Ida. after some
minutes spent in thought.
"Who?" asked Mr.. Norton, looking
up from Lis paper.
Mr.. Madern. / think II would be.
a much nicer way to show apprecia-
ton Of his heroism than merely to
give him money"
Mr.. Norton smiled. He was not
wholly undemocratic in mis- instincts.
But your mother" he sa;G.
She mad an answer. and the result
was that Joe Madern found himself
with FACILITATING heart going up the
steps of me Norton mansion one even
ing.
He was neatly dressed and bore him
self with a demeanor that charmed the
girl as much as his exhibition OF
strength.
Mrs. Norton absented herself from
After dinner Miss Norton took her
strange guest to the hUrary, and was
astonished at the wide knowledge he
displayed of books and the strong opin
:cns he held on economic topics.
He told her of their worningmen's
cub and the discussions they had
You should attend one of our open
meetings; it would interest you," he
said.
Il will" she replied, and she did,
and was still more astounded to hear
him in debate where he stood like 4
lion TO fight for his opinions. using
always the most forceful language and
displaying the widest reading and in
formation.
She invited him to call, and he did
once or twice. AS he was about to
take his departure en- the second occa-
sion he said:
Il think this is the last time. Miss
Norton. that | will see you. and l want
to tell you how thoroughly appreciate
your kindness and how much / have
enjoyed the evenings / have spent
Eere"
THE last time," she repeated. the
blood rushing to her face. What
&c you mean? You are not going
away?"
mo, but II is better that I should
rot see you. We belong to different
worlds. They do not mix. The very
keenness of the pleasure feel in com
ing here warns me that l had better
rot"
There is only one world for kindred
spirits" she said impulsively.
do you mean that? DO you know
what you are saying?" he demanded,
coming close to her.