St. Johns review. (Saint Johns, Or.) 1904-current, 1917-10-12

Il
Presently he beckoned me from
the doorway. Something is wrong
he said nervously. "We had better
get out"
But as we made our way to the
elevators we found them already
surrounded by a crowd pushing and
struggling recklessly to get nearer
the iron doors, clerks hurried down
the narrow stairway, disorder and
confusion prevailed.
Then | saw David's tall figure
He had been speaking to one of the
managers. Now his voice rang out
clearly, conyincingly:
"There is no cause to be alarm
ed" 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 one here to safety in a
short time. Goodness and obedi-
ence are all that is required"
He went about quickly, and with
the aid Of men who followed his
directions long lines were formed
reaching TO the doors Of the eleya-
tors, which worked swiftly as the
orderly rows Of people moved slow
y forward or patiently awaited their
turn.
There was no sound within now
save David's voice encouraging, re-
assuring. Cyril clutched my arm
frantically. ave will be next" he
exclaimed "Make 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 ele-
yator man US Cyril hurried me for
ward. We had entered the car
when | saw woman look up at
Cyril beseechingly and then step
back in sudden disappointment.
She had a little child in her arms.
Then 1t all happened very quick
ly-the woman had my place in
the elevator, the iron door changed
shut, and | stood coughing little
with the smoke and smiling up at
David.
ooh, Polly" he said sternly,
why did you do that"
And | slipped my hand through
his arm and answered honestly, II
did it, David, because | could not
bear TO be outside while you were
here, and | am going to stay with
YOU TO the last"
! have read in stories Of faces be-
ing illuminated, and / understood
the full meaning OF the word as I
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
we're growing unruly now and press.
I'D 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 u cheer went
up from the crowd, and | raised my
smoke smarting eyes 10 the windows
u the ninth story, whore little
tongues Of flame leaped and curled.
Sick with fear. waited, knowing
hat David would be tho last person
10 leave the burning floor. From
lime 10 time faint cheers sounded as
he elevators unloaded their pre-
'ious burdens; then with wild and
,laring light the flames burst forth
Tremblingly | COW
'red my face, but soon a mighty re-
iounding cheer seemed 10 shake the
'arth. "All out safely" called a
triumphant voice, and the people !
Ill about were telling excitedly Of |
he presence Of mind and the BRAY !
'ry Of the man who prevented a
lanic.
"Who is ey" asked a young man |
Who stood near with notebook and !
,encll in hand.
And l heard myself answering |
llm proudly, almost unconsciously. |
lie is David Gray" | said, the |
nan | am going 10 marry" Then
turned 10 find Dayid's eyes look
ng into mine.
Come, Polly" he said softly and
iastily drew me away. AS We walk
d down quiet side street | looked
p into his dear grimy face with
Is tired lines.
David" ! asked reproachfully, |.
why did you not let me stay with /
GU up there until the last ?"
Because, Polly" he answered, Il
nth a happy, boyish laugh, II want
d You TO stay with me down here
ntil the last"
And that is how We became en-
aged,