Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1903-12-03

IS - :"
sI'rc suUccl them b0th," he yvt,rCl.
board into the water. Nothing serious
would have threatened. for the man
could swim like an otter. had not Il
loating, half submerged log thrust UP
some short, stiff stumps of boughs. up
on the points of which the man struck
heavily and was not only hurt, but had
his clothes impaled securely by one of
the ugly spears. so that he hung in a
helpless position. while the waters mo-
ton alternately lifted and submerged
him, his arms beating about wildly.
When Beverley heard the strangling
cry for help lie pulled himself promptly
together, flung off his coat, as if by a
single motion, and leaped down the
bank into the water He was swim
mer whose strokes counted for all that
prodigious strength and excellent train
ing could afford He rushed through
the water with long sweeps, making
semicircle, rounding against the cur
rent, so as to swing down upon the
drowning man.
Less than half hour later rumor
by some means spread through the
town that Father Beret and Lieuten-
ant Beverley were drowned in the Wa
bash. But when crowd gathered to
verify the terrible news it turned out
to be untrue. Gaspard Roussillon had
once more distinguished himself by an
exhibition of heroic nerve and muscle.
"Ventrebleu! Quel homme" ex-
claimed Oncle Jazon, when told that
M. Roussillon had come up the bank of
the Wabash with Lieutenant Beverley
under one arm and Father Beret under
the other, both men apparently dead.
Bring them to my house immedi-
ately," NJ. Roussillon ordered, as soon
and he shook himself, as big wet ami
NAL sometimes does. covering every
body near him with muddy water.
Then he led the way with melodramat-
ic strides.
In justice to historical accuracy there
must be trif1ing reform Of what ap-
peared on the face of thingsto be grand
~ true. Gaspard Roussillon actually
dragged Father Beret and Lieutenant
Beverley one at time out Of the eddy
water and up the steep river bank.
That was truly a great feat; but the
hero never explained. When men ar
rived he was standing between the col
lapsed forms, painting and dripping.
Doubtless he looked as if he had
dropped them from under his arms.
and why shouldn't he have the benefit
Of great implication?
''I've saved them both," he roared;
from which, of course. the ready ere
ole imagination inferred the extreme of
possible heroic performance.
Bring them to my house immediate
IT," And it was accordingly done.
The procession. headed by NJ. Rous-
sillon, moved noisily, for the French
tongue must shake off what comes to
it on the thrill Of every exciting mo-
ment. The only silent Frenchman is
the dead one.
Father Beret was not only we'll nigh
drowned, but seriously hurt. He lay
for a week on bed in NJ. Roussillon's
house before he could sit up. Alice
hung over him night and day, scarcely
sleeping or eating until he was past all
danger. AS for Beverley, he shook off
all the effects of his struggle in little
while. Next day he was out, as well
and strong as ever, busy with the
affairs of his Office. Nor was he less
happy on account Of what the little ad-
venture had cast into his experience.
It is good to feel that one has done an
unselfish deed, and no young mans
heart repels the freshness Of what
comes to him when a beautiful girl
first enters his life.
Naturally enough, Alice had some
thoughts Of Beverley while she was 30
attentvely caring for Father Beret.
She had never before seen man like
him, nor had she read Of one. Beverley
stepped in for few minutes every day
to see Father Beret. involuntarily
lengthening his visit by sliding ratio
% he became better acquainted. He
began to enjoy the priests converse
ton, with its sly worldly wisdom crop
ping up through fervid religious senti-
ments and quaint humor. Alice must
have interested him more than he was
fully aware of, for his eyes followedt
her, as she came and went, with curl
ous criticism Of her half savage cos.
tune and her springy, dryad-like sup
pleness, which, reminded him Of the
shiest and gracefulest wild birds. and
VI q touch Of refinement, the subtlest
and best, showed In all her ways. He
wondered ut her influence; over Father
Beret. whom she controlled apparently
without effort. But In due time he be-
gan to feel deeper character. broad.