The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1907-08-08

"A Snug Little harbor," He Repeated
over and Over Again.
waged a battle less brave than did
the finely equipped heroes In the next
street?
The cry of fire and the bright blaze
had brought Joe from his bed into the
street with all the speed that he could
muster. The fire was near and MAry's
house might be in danger. This was
his one thought. No. remembrance
had he that he had been told to get
out" and hurrying along through one
street and another he reached the cor
ner just in time to see Hose 4 come
dashing up.
Millions of sparks were joining the
myriad stars in the heavens and float
ing swiftly off, bright and beautiful
agents of terror and destruction.
There had been no storm for month
and the January thaw" had melted
all snow from the roofs. Upon these
the brands and sparks were falling
fast In her little yard over In Dutton
street old Mary Slower was alternately
drawing pail after pail of water.
throwing II as high as possible (hard-
ly above the windows), and wringing
her hands In misery and despair.
when around the corner of the house
burst Joe, his hat gone and coat open
to the wind.
Without a minutes hesitation he
forced in the shed door, pulled out the
old ladder and mounted to the roof.
Already the shingles were burning in
a dozen places, and as Mary drew the
water and passed 1t. Joe threw 1t right
hand and left. Few roofs caught, for
nearly all in the neighborhood were
slated, and the. wind seemed to single
out the little old house with its dry
cedar shingles for Its especial prey.
Faster and faster fell the glowing
embers, and where they touched. tiny,
swiftly-spreading flames sprang up
The old mans knees were growing
lame and weak; his soaking clothes
froze and his hands blisteYed as with
them, while waiting for water. he
smothered the fire here and there.
At last the water ceased to come
and, looking down he saw Mary sitting
exhausted by the well. Her strength
had failed at last and now she could
| do no more.
Not a word had passed between
them since he first came. and of theiI
past differences neither had thought
Clambering quickly down he took the
exhausted woman in his arms and car
ried her into the house. then hurryine
out again, drew each pail of water
himself. and climbing up the ladder
threw II about
But, thank heaven! the worst wal
over. The fire had eaten its way
along the next street and the dear OLE
house was no longer In the way O
flying sparks. The old man wet thu
last slowing shingle, then slowly ant
painfully felt his way down from
round 70 round and stood PAINFUL!
shivsrng in the snow, looking at thu
door In indecision. Then he eottere'
into the kitchen and lay down. AM
| soon Joe knew NO more.
It was morning. The gorgeous nusl
of dawn turned the thick white fros
on the kitohosn window 10 crimson
and Jos opened his eyes 70 ind him
self on the familiar horsehair sofs
with blankets tucked In abowt him an
savorV smell Of pennyroyal to-
hanging over the room. What
blessed sense of rest and peace stol
over him. He closed his svss. an
when he opened them again Mary va
knesling beside him. the tears stream
ing down her wylnkled ohesoEs.
"Oh. joel WIN you stay nows I'm .
sorryI Wuu yos stag now, 5oes II
only an 01d woman, Zoe; wi1a you sta
| powf' s,lt ~ q ~ sfs
:, poor MssvAs lesson W. leasned.
why, asutr said ~, why, aun
~ Ubod o. ~ u tahe - - 0puvG
Y IN stay"
! 49, A. IAaA II lIt|... N. .'|. q a ..I /.