. Leaving his canoe
to its fate, he leaped into the boat, and seized the oars. Now came a
fearful struggle. Should an oar give way, he and his young friends must
inevitably be lost. He nerved himself for the undertaking by offering
up prayer for strength to One who alone can give it. Grasping the oars,
he placed his feet firmly at the bottom of the boat, and rowed manfully.
At first it seemed to those who looked on that he made no way. The
boat's head was up the stream, but still she seemed to be going slowly
and surely downwards. He struggles on. The water foams around the boat
on every side. Yes! he is making way--he has gained an inch, another
and another. Slowly the boat moves onward, out of the power of the
rapids. A foot is gained. Still, by the exertions he is making, his
strength must become exhausted. He rows on and on; the boat makes
headway. Surely the prayers of that fond mother are heard. The gallant
young man renews his exertions. He is resolved, God helping him, to
save the children. He thinks not of himself, or what will be the
consequences to his own frame. The veins seem starting from his
forehead. Those only who have gone through such a contest, can
understand what he had to endure. The people from the neighbouring
farms now eagerly crowd the shores, ready to render him assistance when
he reaches it. Some, however, even now doubt whether he will accomplish
the undertaking. Should his strength fail, even for an instant, the
boat would quickly be carried back, with those on board, to destruction.
With all his strength he continues rowing, looking neither to the right
hand nor the left. His eyes are on the young children who sit crouching
down in terror at the bottom of the boat. With a smile, he endeavours
to encourage them. Again and again he cries to Heaven for strength.
Gradually the boat approaches the shore. Now it has reached an upward
eddy. Still he rows on, and the boat safely reaches the bank. Scarcely
conscious of his success, he is lifted out of the boat, and eager hands
restore the children to their mother. She clasps them to her bosom, and
pours out her gratitude to their deliverer. But there is one kneeling
by his side who entreats those who stand by to bring some water to bathe
his brow. The handkerchief tied round his throat is loosened. He
returns to consciousness, and sees Fanny Aveling bending over him. In a
short time he declares himself sufficiently re