The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1907-08-31

OVSt aHo wv N9~'
waged a battle less brave than did
the finely equipped heroes in the next
street?
TIE cry CT fire and the bright blaze
had brought Joe from his bed into the
street with all the speed that ne couid
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 lust in time to see Hose come
dashing up.
Millions of sparks were joining the
myriad stars in the heavens and noat
ing swiftly OF, bright and beautiiui
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 button
street old Mary Slower was alternately
drawing pail after pail of water
throwing it as high as possible thard-
" 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 ne
forced in the shed door, pulled out the
old ladder and mounted to the roof
Already the shingles were burning II
a dozen places, and as Mary drew the
! water and passed it, Joe threw 1t rign'
I hand and left. Few roofs caught, fol
nearly all in the neighborhood were
: slated. and the wind seemed to single
! out the little old house with Its or!
cedar shingles for its especial prey.
Faster and faster fell the glowinl
I embers. and where they touched, tiny
Q swiftly-spreading flames sprang ~
9 The old mans knees were CROWN
f; lame and weak; his soaking clothe
|. froze and his hands blistered as wit
o them. while waiting for water, o
" smothered the fire here and there.
i, At last the water ceased to COM
b and, looking down he saw Mary sittin
4, exhausted by the well. Her strengt
a. had failed at last and now she coul
le do no more.
If Not a word had passed betwee
1t them since he first came, and OF the
1t past differences neither had though
Is Clambering quickly down he took II
Is exhausted woman in his arms and ca
RED her into the house, then hurryiI
ae out again, drew each pail OF wat
th himself. and climbing up the ladd<
Dis threw it about
he But. thank heaven! the worst "
nd over. The fire had eaten its VI
ng sslong the next street and the dear Q
he house was no longer in the way
sr- lying sparks. The old man wet t
se last glowing single, then slowly q
De- painfully felt his way down frf
80 round to round and stood painru
Of shivering in the snow. looking at
rm door In indecision. Then he totter
1t into the kitchen and lay down, .
his soon Joe knew no more.
he It was morning. The gorgeous M
nat of dawn turned the thick white fr
I'VE nm the Kitchen window to crims
and Joe opened his eyes to fird n
self on the familiar horsehair &c
q a with blankets tucked in about him
the savory smell of pennyroyai
ing hanging over the room What
tile blessed sense Of rest and peace 81
rec over him. He closed his eyes.
his when he opened them again Mary
Dor. kneeling beside him, the tears sire
yer ing down her wrinkled cheeks.
nth "Oh. Joe! will you stay now? I'm
Ills. sorry! Will you stay now, Joe?
nty only an old woman. Joe; will you
now?"
of Poor Mary's lesson was learne
hat why, aunt" said Joe, why. .
4, a it's good Of you to take me in Coz
,out I'll stay"
sniy And he did