Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-05-01

One spring took him down upon the caked mud below the overhanging sod, and second carried him waist deep into the river. Then he struck out with vigorous strokes. He ap- preached the exhausted swimmer cautiously, knowing if he would save him he must not allow himself to be caught in his drowning grip. When just beyond the reach of his arm he paused. The poor fellow made a frantic effort to seize hold upon him, but Rossiter was watchful and easily eluded his grasp. It was like the last flicker of dying flame. With & gasp and gurgle the man gave over, the struggle. Here was Rossiter's op- portunity, and he was alert to im- prove it. As the sinking bather's head was disappearing he gave a powerful forward plunge. Out went his hand, and his strong fingers were fastened in mop of soaking hair. There was but spark of conscious ness left in the body of the man when Rossiter jerlted his head above water. He was well-nigh a dead weight, and his rescucr had no difl- culty in whirling him about and gripping him beneath the armpits. In this wise he pushed him ashore. He began to revive little as sha1- low water was reached, and was able, with Rossiter's arm enoircling his waist, to drag himself up to the grass of the bank, where he sank in a limp heap. Presently he began to vomit violently, whereat the boy who had been standing by, mouth agape and speeches., commenced to moan and whimper.
 ''It's the best thing that could hap pen,'' said Rossiter, reassuringly. Hell come around all right short ly."
 Indeed, it was not long before the rescued man sat up, a look of dis gust and loathing upon his features.
 Mother of Moses!" he exclaimed, "but I shouldn't want Mohondaga water for a steady diet!'' He caught Rossiter's eye and smiled wan1y. f
 You were just in time," he said. "Jim, there, ain't worth shucks. He can't swim stroke. Another min ute, an I'd "a croaked.'
 Tt was rather close shave" ob- served Rossiter.
 Gee, yes!" This was said with considerable emphasis, and a sus- picion of color began to creep into the young mans pallid cheeks.
 He was perhaps 26 or 27 years of age, and as Rossiter now glanced from his face to that of the boy, who had edged close to him, he saw at once from the strong resemblance between them that they must be brothers, the younger hardly more than IS. They were not unattractiye faces, either of them, and in the elders Rossiter read lines of determination and self-reiance that made him for the instant envious. Both were slimly fashioned, with slight stoop to the shoulders, and both had the lifeless complexions Of those who spend little time in the open air. They had clear eyes of steel7blue, and the hair of the elder curled slightly. He had, moreover, an in- significant brown mustache.
 Come out in the sum-" said Ros- sitter to the one he had rescued; it'll braSe you up"
 He gave the young man helping hand, and steadied him after he had got upon his feet.
 "Cripe, but I'm weak" the whilom swimmer said. '.You wouldn't think it 'ud take it out of fellow so." and ne sat down near where he had laid his clothes. H
 Rossiter now began to realize the condition of his own garments.
 II believe I'll have to wiring my things out" he remarked, ssand let them dry in the sum-" and he pro- ceeded forthwith to put this scheme into execution.
 For a space little was said, the two brothers absently watching the va grant as he spread his worn articles of apparel upon the grass. Finally the elder spoke up quickly.
 How'd you happen along just as you did?o he inquired.
 .'Oh, was having nap over yon- der" answered Rossiter, waving his hand in the direction of the elm un- der which he had been reclining, land heard your brother shout"
 Having nap eh?" this with con siderable surprise, as though the speaker could not understand the philosophy of mid-morning indul- gence of that character.
 "Yes, but''-with a swift shift of the topic of conversation you haven't told me what was the trouble with you out there," and Rossiter nodded towards the water.
 ''Oh, cramp caught me. 1 must have been too warm when I went in. It doubled me all up on one side, and I called to Jim, who was pad- dlin' about in shallow water. He ran out onto the bank scart stiff. and be- gan yellin' like mad. It's darn lucky he did, guess"
 At this the younger brother laughed foolishly.
 Say" continued the elder, you've done me blamed good turn"
 Don't mention it. said Rossiter, iuterruptinp him.