The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1908-07-30
PRESENCE OF MIND.

to devote all mis- attention to the latter
That, be it understood, as far as he
dared; for she was complete stranger
to him. He could not speak to her, but
was forced to content himself with little
surreptitious glances aside, cash OF
which gave him some further detail OF
her profile; her blue eyes, her slightly
retrousse nose, her arched lips, and the
vhiteness of her neck and shoulders
There was a man with her. man with
brown mustache, which Mr.. Nash
characterized unjustly as scrubby. But
for the girl herself, he had nothing but
appreciation.
The orchestra was about to COM
mence the entr'acte, when man in
evening dress stepped before the foot
lights and spoke to the audience in
voice which cracked a little in his effort
to suppress anxiety.
Ladies and gentlemen" he said, 81
should feel much obliged if you would
all leave the theater at once and quiet
w. There is no danger, but you must
leave at once" He motioned to the
leader of the orchestra to play.
Everywhere men and women stood up.
quick anxiety in their faces, vague
questionings in their eyes. In that mo-
ment Mr.. Nash looked at his neighbor
and she did not hesitate to speak to him.
"What is it," she said under her
breath. "Fire?"
81 suppose so,' he answered nonchal-
antly, with the wish to pose as hero
in her eyes. But don't be afraid. There
is nothing to fear. I will help you if
necessary. | have been in theater fire
before he continued, flinging truth to
the winds. 1.-THE great thing is to keep
ones presence of mind"
And then the curtain tulged forward.
vast sheet of fame swept from its
under edge, and the man before the
footlights threw up his arms and fell
writing before that scorching blast.
Mr.. Nash forgot his heroism, forgot the
girl, forgot everything save the neces-
sity of reaching the doors as soon as
possible and at any cost. He turned
and fought his way through the crowd,
striking men in the face, fiinging WON
en- on one side, his mind panic fear He
felt two hands gripping his shoulders,
but they scarcely retarded him, and he
had more formidable obstacles to con-
tend with. Cursing and thrusting
trampling upon the bodies of those who
had fallen, he forced his way through
until at length he met the cool rush OF
air that was streaming in from the
night outside, and found himself safe in
the crowd on the opposite side of the
street, painting and shaken, amazed and
Mortified at himself.
A sobbing voice near him called him
to his senses. He looked round and
saw the girl to whom he had spoken
shivering in her evening dress, but toe
historical with grief and fear to notice
the cold.
ooh. thank you'll" she cried; "thank
you! | should never have got through
but for you.'
Mr.. Nash stared at her a moment
unable to realize the extent of his good
fortune. He had fled in panic and had
earned the reputation of a hero.
"That gentleman who was with your
he queried.
She pointed horror struck to the blaz.
"Oh, 90 back for him!" she cried. "Go
back and save him. You are brave;
and | will thank you and pray for you
all the days of my life"
Mr.. Nash's heroism received nasty
shock. He looked about him desperate.
w. But once again fortune befriended
him, and he saw the very man, though
much singed and blackened, coming to-
ward him.
"Thank heaven you are safeP' said
the newcomer with emotion.
eyes, yes!" she cried. 'Thank heaven
And thank this gentleman, too. He
saved me. He got me out of the build
ng."
The young man shook hands with
/ Nash warmly.
Sir he said, "we must know more oil
each other; my sister owes you hel
life. My father and mother will be
anxious to thank you themselves. / was
lieve that my being SO saved my life;
for I crawled under the seats and got
over into the PIT. and so out that way
This is terrible business. Let us get
away at once and find a cab"
! They hurried down side street and
found a four wheeler not 100 yards
away. AS Mr.. Nash sat in the cab OPP
posite to his newfound friends, he be-
came calm enough to realize the ex
tent of his good fortune. The young
man introduced himself as William
Pearson, a name which Mr.. Nash knew
we'll as associated with one of the big
! industries of the city. He introduced
also his sister Lucy. and Mr.. Nash re-
sponded by giving his name and men
tioning modestly the fact that he was
solicitor. They dropped him at his
rooms with further thanks, an address
and warm invitation IL call upon the
following day.
The Pearsons lived in a large house
in the fashionable quarter of the town
On presenting himself at the door, Mr.
Nash was ushered into the drawing
room, which was filled with people, al
| talking excitedly. 1t was Mrs. Pear
sons at-home day, and the tragedy Of
the previous evening had formed an alb
sorbing subject of conversation. He be
came the center of attraction. Mr.
Pearson, a stout man with gray beart
and honest eyes, came forward ant
shook him warmly by the hand Mrs
Pearson was voluble and enthusiastic
Lucy. looking pale from the effects O.
the shock, smiled wanly and made hin
! sit beside her. Her brother recounte6
his exploit. All the guests poured ques
tions upon him and were eager in theil
praises. In the midst of this adulatiol
Mr.. Nash did his best to bear himself
with becoming modesty. In a pause il
the buzz of praise, he smiled and spoke
I'm really very much obliged to vol
all,0 he said; Il don't deserve half thu
kind things you have said about me