55 



I could see them moving faster 



To the scene of the disaster, 



Yonder great destructive furnace standing out against the 

 sky ; _ 



And the sky was reddening quickly 



From the flames that spread so thickly, 



While the clouds of smoke ascending made a column great 

 and high. 



Then amid the noise of splashing. 



And of timbers loudly crashing, 

 Came a pleading faint and feeble as of someone in despair ; 



For a window bright and gleaming 



Showed a young child faintly screaming, 

 And the voices of the people echoed wildly through the air. 



He who held the break was ready 



With a ladder strong and steady, 



Mounting up amid the tumult with a rope upon his arm ; 



And we watched his work intently, 



As he lowered his burthen gently, 



How they cheered him from the roadway when he saved the 

 child from harm. 



Then a beam of faUing timber 



Felled the form so straight and limber. 



And we saw him still and lifeless where he fell upon the 

 ground, 



And the wife whose youth he cherished 

 Stood beside him where he perished, 



While the murmur of the city made a sad and solemn sound. 



