The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1903-03-10
NUMBER 20

much of adventure, but this boy, no
matter what he might have developed
had his lot been cast in other surround
ings, was an honor to any race. Natu-
rally religious, as is the bent of the ne
gro. he was TO his young mistress the
soul of honor and so deeply grateful
that his life was simply dedicated to
her.
The next two years passed unevent-
fully. Tony continued the faithful dis
charge of his duties and enjoyed the
happiness of a peaceful life. Alice's
eighteenth birthday was to be celebrat-
ed in festivities extending over several
days. and the air was full of prepara-
ton. Tony was now Invaluable. as he
brought in from the woods for decora-
ton the beautiful gray moss and the
sweetest wild flowers.
grand oak tree with spreading
branches stood in front of the Brewster
home. For almost a hundred years it
had been there. and it had come to be
landmark in the city. In the branches
of this oak Tony and the squirrel had
been allowed to play at will, and it was
astonishing to observe the agility Of
the boy as he swung from limb to limb
In play with the animal The gay crowd.
gathered to see the fun, filed the air
with peals of laughter, and nearly ev-
cry day witnessed a repetition of this
diversion The evening of the birthday
party came and went, and happy. tired
heads sought their pillows and were
soon wrapped in sleep. Near morning
the loud peal of the doorbell which
startled the household was answered
by Mr.. Brewster from front window.
He was Mortified to see flames issuing
from the windows of the floor below.
The policeman on the beat screamed to
him to hurry all out before it was too
late. The opening of doors and win
dows created draft which helped to
feed the flames. and it seemed impossi-
ble that some lives would not be lost.
Cries of "Firer' screaming servants,
questions of frightened guests, volumes
| of smoke and tongues of fame made q
horrible picture.
The firemen rescued all the inmates
| and were congratulating themselves
that every one was saved when the ag-
| onized face Of Alice was seen at an up
per window. How she got back they
did not know, as she had been brought
| out among the first, but it was soon un-
derstood. In her arms was her pet
| squirrel She had gone back, not appre-
| ciating the danger to herself, to save
this little brute, knowing that he would
otherwise perish in his cage.
| How could they save her? 1t seemed
impossible. Even the tree in front of
the house was now beginning to burn.
and there was scarcely a foothold left
on the building safe under the weight
Of a man. AS they gazed and tried to
decide what to do Alice's cry for help
was suddenly answered.
keep still. missus. Tony's comin'-
Before the little deformed creature
could be stopped he climbed the burn
ing tree like a veritable child of the
woods, and while a breathless crowd
watched him he swung himself into the
window, his garments honeycombed
with burning patches.
"Stan' on de sill, quickl Doan' be
skeered."
Alice mechanically obeyed. From the
Il
him. and, swinging out, he clasped one
arm around it. holding out his other
hand to Alice.
Swing rig 1T ober. quick, missusr'
She again obeyed, and at once the
firemen held their net, as they realized
the intention of the boy.
"Fo' Gods sake, ketch heri Doan'
mine me-"
With that Tony told Alice to jump.
and as she rose to obey he covered his
eyes, as if dreading to see what might
happen. In his excitement he loosened
his hold on the tree, and Alice's jump
was almost Immediately followed by a
groan of horror as the brave boy fell to
lower branch, to which he managed
to hang with one hand. Slowly and
painfully, for the fall had bruised his
arm, Tony dragged himself on to the
limb. All seemed safe when a cracking
noise sent thrill of horror through the
watchers as the branch gave way be
meath Tony's weight. Though the net
was held to catch him, he fell outside
The fearful shock rendered him uncon.
scious, and his badly burned body was
beyond the aid of a physician. Alice
who was heartbroken, was untiring in
her devotion, but before another dawn
Tony gazed at his young mistress and
family said:
You sabe poor Tony once. / tenk
God l done sumpin' fur you fore ge
ter my nanny. Goodby, missus. God
bless you.''
Little Tony was with his nanny.
Resolutions of ReSnecf