Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1910-09-01
was one round Of gayety. but l did not
see or hear from David again.

we hoeuN VI oNS . 0Nu NV
see or heal from David again.
1t was after we had returned to the
city that Cyril disappointed my sum-
mer time friends by proving that upon
his part at least ours had not been an
idle Irritation. for he asked that world
old question, and. listening. | thrilled
at the beauty of his language.
He had driven me about in his elec-
trio as l shopped one glorious morning,
and we stopped to dine at a restaurant
on the ninth floor of q great depart
ment store building.
1t was when we had settled our
selves in a secluded corner that my
rowing eyes fell upon David. He had
evidently finished his meal and was
leaning back YEARLY.
How white and thin he looked.
Working steadily all summer without
rest or recreation had been too hard
on him.
The pianist began to play something
weird ard sad, and the violin joined
in sobbingly. I 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. I 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 it?' I 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 u way to the elet
vators we found them already suH
rounded by a crowd pushing and strugE
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
~, 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 a panic. The
elevators can easily carry every o4e
here to safety in q short time; codl-
ness and obedience are all that is re-
CURED"
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, r%eassuring.
Cyril clutched my arm frantically.
1--WE will be next" he exclaimed.
Make a rush for it."
Then David approached: Polly" lhe
said very gently, II am glad that you
are neal the door,"
Just two more.'' called the elevator
man as Cyril hurried me forward. We
had entered the car, when l saw a
woman look up at Cyril beseechinglly
and then step back in sudden disaIp,
pointment. She had a little child in
her arms.
Then it all happened very quickly
the woman had my place in the ele.
vator, the iron door changed shut. and
l stood coughing q little with the
smoke and smiling up at David.
"Oh. Polly" he said sternly, why
did you do that?"
And I slipped my hand through Ills
arm and answered honestly. II did lit
David. because l could not bear to be
outside while you were here, and l an
going to stay with you to the last
l have read in stories of faces being
illuminated. and l understood the full
meaning Of the word as | looked al
David now.
He did not speak. but held me close
to his side as our life saver came flying
up again. The people We're growing
unruly now and pressed forward
roughly.
Suddenly David lifted me in his
arms. the iron doors closed again. anC
this time ! vas going down. dowr
with the fortunate ones to safety.
AS we came out into the fresh all
and were led to a place beyond the
protecting rope a cheer went up fron
the crowd. and | raised my smoke
smarting eyes to the windows of the
ninth story, where little tongues o.
fame leaped and curled.
Sick with fear l waited. knowing
that David would be the last person
to leave the burning floor. From time
to time faint cheers sounded as the
elevators unloaded their precious bur
dens. then with a wild and glarine
light the flames burst forth unre
strained. Tremblingly 1 covered my
face, but 500 a mighty resoundinf
cheer seemed to shake the earth. "Al
out safely" called a triumphant voice