The daily tribune., 1907-07-30

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 tho
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 como
dashing up.
Millions of sparks were joining tho
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 Stover was alternately
drawing pail after pail OF water.
throwing It 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 minutes hesitation he
forced in 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 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
cmbers. 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 bllstered as with
them. while waiting for water, he
smothered the fire here and there.
At last the water ceased to como,
and. looking down he saw Mary sitting
exhausted by the well. Her strength
do no more.
Not word had passed between
them since he first came, and OF their
past differences neither had thought.
Clamberlng quickly down he took tho
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 It about.
But. thank hoavenl the worst was
over. The nre had eaten its 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 shinglc. then slowly and
painfully felt his way down from
round to round and stood painfully
shiycrlns In the snow. looking at the
door In indecision. Thcn he tottorod
into the kitchen and lay down. and
soon Joe knew no more.
II was morning. The gorgeous flush
OF dawn turned tho thick white frost
on the Kitchen window to crimson,
and Joe opened his eyes TO lnd him.
self on the familiar horsohaIr sofa,
with blankets tucked In about him and
sayory smoll Of pennyroyal tea
hanging over the room What
blerscd sense Of rest and peace stolc
over him. He closed his eyes. and
when he opened them again Mary was
knceling beside him. the tears stream.
Ing down her wrinkled checks.
"oh. joel will you stay now? I'm 80
sorry VIII you stay now. Joe? I'm
only an old woman. Joe; will you stay
now"
Poor Mnry's Lesson was learned.
why. aunt" said Joe. why. aunt.
it's good of you to take me In. Course
I'll stay"
And ha dld f.