Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1910-10-06

The pianist began TO play something
weird and sad. and the violin Joined
In sobbingly. l looked down upon my
corsage boquet of white violets tied
with silken cord, and resentment rose
within me at the thought that with
all his unceasing labor David could
not hope to buy the violets which
Cyril bestowed so lavishly.
Then above the hum of conversa-
ton. even above the crash Of the mu-
sic, / became conscious of an air OF
subdued excitement. The little wait
resses hurried about with white and
frightened faces, men talked quietly
together then FASTENED from the room.
'What is ftp l asked of Cyril. and
he went to see.
Presently he beckoned me from the
doorway. Something Is wrong" he
said nervously. I'VE had better get
out"
But as we made our way to the ele-
vators we found them already sur
rounded by n crowd pushing and strug-
Cling recklessly to get nearer the iron
doors, clerks hurried down the narrow
stairway, disorder and confusion pre-
vailed.
Then l saw David's tall figure. He
had been speaking to one of the man
ayers. Now his voice rang out clear
ly, convincingly:
There is no cause TO be alarmed"
he said. "a slight fire in the front
part of the building will soon be under
control. The one great danger to be
averted at this time is n panic. The
elevators can easily carry every one
here to safety in a short time; cool
ness and obedience are all that is re-
quired."
He went about quickly, and with the
aid of men who followed his directions
long lines were formed reaching to the
doors of the elevators, which worked
swiftly as the orderly rows of people
moved slowly forward or patiently
awaited their turn.
There was no sound within now save
David's voice encouraging, reassuring.
Cyril clutched my arm frantically.
We will be next" he exclaimed.
Make a rush for it"
Then David approached: Polly" he
said very gently, Il am glad that you
are near the door"
"Just two more" called the elevator
man as Cyril hurried me forward. We
had entered the car. when | saw a
woman look up at Cyril beseechingly
and then step back in sudden disap-
I11 in
her arms.
Then it all happened very quickly
the woman had my place in the ele-
vator. the iron door changed snut, and
l stood coughing a little with the
smoke and smiling up at David
"Oh. Polly" he said sternly, why
did you do that?"
And l slipped my hand through his
arm and answered honestly, Il did it.
David, because | could not bear to be
outside while you We're here, and am
going to stay with you TO the last"
have read in stories of faces being
illuminated, and l understood the full
meaning of the word as looked at
David now. ------.-..
He did not speak. but held me close
to his side as our life saver came flying
up again. The people were growing
unruly now and pressed forward
roughly.
Suddenly David lifted me In his
arms. the iron doors closed again. and
this time | was going down, down
with the fortunate ones to safety.
AS we came out into the fresh air
and were led to a place beyond the
protecting rope n cheer went up from
the crowd. and ! raised my smoke
smarting eyes to the windows of the
ninth story, where little tongues Of
tame leaped and curlcd
Sick with fear I waited. knowing
that David would be the last person
TO leave the burning floor From time
TO time faint cheers sounded rs the
elevators unloaded their precious bur
dens. then with a wild and glaring
light the flames burst forth unre-
strained. TremblinGly | covered my
face, but soon mighty rcSound!u4
cheer seemed to shake the earth All
out safely" called Il triumphant voice,
and the people all about We're. telling
excitedly Of the presence of mind and
the bravery of the man who prevented
panic.
"Who is he?" asked young man
who stood near with notebook and pen
ell In hand.
And I heard myself answering him
proudly. almost unconsciously, HE Is
David Gray" | said. 1.-The man l am
going to marry" Then | turned TO
find David's eyes looking into mine.
Come Polly" he said softly and
hastily drew me away. AS we walked
down a quiet side street | looked up
into his dear grimy face with its tired
| lines.
David" l asked reproachfully. why
| did you not let me stay with you up
there until the last?"
Because, Polly" he answered. with
happy, boyish laugh, Il wanted you to
stay with me down here until the last.
And that is how we became engaged.
Saving His Feelings.
The Office Boy Uo persistent lady
artist who calls six times a weekl-The
EDITORS still engaged The Lady Artist
| Tell him it doesn't matter. | don't