West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1907-08-29

waged a battle less brave than did
the finely equipped heroes I'm 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 ne could
/ muster. The fire was near and Mary's
house might be i'm 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 I'm the heavens and float
ing swiftly off, bright aud beautiful
agents of terror and destruction
| There had been no storm for a 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 Chard.
~ 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 I'm the shed door. pulled out the
old ladder and mounted TO the roof.
Already the shingles were burning in
dozen places, and as Mary drew the
water and passed II, Joe threw Il right
hand and left. Few roofs caught. for
nearly all I'm the neighborhood were
slated. and the wind seemed to single
ont 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
frozc and his hands blistered 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 word had passed between
them since he first came, and OF their
past differences neither had a thought
Clambering quickly down he took the
| exhausted woman In his arms and car
ried her into the house, then hurrying
out again, drew each pail OF water
himself. and climbing up the ladder.
threw 20 about
But thank heaven the worst was
over. The FIRE had eaten it's way
along the next street and the dear old
/ house was no longer In the way Of
| flying sparks. The old man wet the
last glowing shingle, then slowly and
painfully felt his way down from
round to round and stood painfully
shivering in the snow, looking at the
door In indecision. Then he tOttered
into the kitchen and lay down, and
soon Joe knew no more
II was morning The gorgeous flush
Of dawn turned the thick white frost
on the Kitchen window TO crimson.
and Joe opened his eyes 10 find him.
self on the familiar horsehair sofa.
with blankets tucked I'm about him and
a savOry smell OF pennyroyal tea
hanging over the room. What
blessed sense Of rest and peace stole
over him. lie closed his eyes. and
when he opened them again Mary vas
kneeling beside him. the tears stream.
Ing down her wrinkled checks.
"Oh, Joe, will you stay now? I'm so
sorry, VIII you stay now. Joe2 I'm
only an old woman. Joe; will you stay
now?"
Poor Marys lesson was learned
why aunt" said Joe. why. aunt
IT'S good Of you TO take me in. Course
III stay"
And he did