The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1910-08-23

out. If the Portside people refused to
bring out their fire apparatus to the
rescue OF Harborhead the closely pop
ulated little village was doomed. 1t
was known that Portsiders were very
bitter against the people over the
bridge.
Just as she reached the game there
came another sound mingled with the
roar Of thunder, the clash of bells and
the shouts of men. 1t was the high.
sweet clang Of the Portside fire bell.
and it was followed by the rumble of
the little engine across the bridge It
dashed past Almira's gate, dragged by
score of strong. willing hands. The
hook and ladder truck came In its
wake. and there, sitting high on the
seat. steering the truck. was Noah
Wade, his face tense and set In the
glare Of the fire.
The devastating storm died away
while the valiant men fought the
flames that licked greedily at the
frame store buildings and threatened
many a nearby home with destruction
Portside men and men Of Harborhead
worked side by side. and differences
were forgotten in the single aim that
prompted all
Many times that night Almira's heart
failed within her as she watched Noah
risk his life within the flaming build
ings. Once he brought out little child
frnro hn tnnn h.
and the tenderness with which he bore
the child and placed 1t in its mothers
arms brought tears to the girls sad
eyes.
And then came the moment when
their eyes met across the flames. The
sudden leap of recognition in Noah's
glance was answered by Almira's APP
pealing eyes. and then the smoke hung
between them once more.
The weeks that followed after the
FIRE were not soon forgotten. Differ
ences were patched up and mended SO
that they would not again break. Port
side and Harborhead people mingled
together as they had before the days
Of the bridge trouble. There were
church festivals and entertainments
that were enjoyed by everybody. and
over all was the feeling Of satisfaction
that the bridge trouble was at an end.
The Harborhead people had grateful
iy announced their willingness that
the bridge should be painted white In
view Of the prompt and neighborly
services of the Portside firemen Port.
side people agreed to abide by choice
by vote.
When the vote was counted it. was
found that all Harborhead had voted
for a white painted bridge. while Port.
side had cOurteously voted for red.
and the vote was tied
Then the question was solved by
suggestion to paint the bridge green.
and 1t was done. and so peace reigned
at last. and there was much passing
to and fro.
At last Noah came over to Harbor.
head and stopped at Almlra's gate.
Mrs. Turner greeted him pleasantly.
"Almira went over the bridge awhile
ago. Noah. If you walk back you may
meet ner, she SAID
Noah walked back slowly. watching
for Almira's slender form and dread
ing to see it beside that Of some 9th
er admirer AT last she came. step
ping quickly. with now and then a
glance at the rising full moon.
Halfway across she met Noah. and
they both stopped. Noah guided her
gently to the railing where they could
look along the bright moonIit path
that wrinkIed the water.
"Pve been to see you. Almira. Your
mother said ! might meet you" he
said wistfully.
Invent to Portside to mail letter
Ito you. Noah. l thought you might
get II sooner-tonight-and perhaps
you would come. wanted to tell you
how foolish I've BEEN
Noah stopped her words with a swift
caress. "And was on the way to
tell you what fool I've been. but
we've met halfway after ALL"
When the wedding day came round
both sides thought 1t would be suit
able occasion on which to celebrate the
return of peace. and nothing would do
but that the bridal procession should
pass over the bridge which had caused
SO much dissention.