ct frame. He moved
with the elastic tread of one accustomed to constant exercise in the
open air. His countenance wore a look of decision and manliness not
usually found in one so young.

Suddenly there was a shriek, then another, and several in rapid
succession. The voice was that of a woman, and seemed to proceed from
the other side of a dense thicket. At the first scream, the youth
turned his head in the direction of the sound. When it was repeated,
he pushed aside the undergrowth and, quickening his footsteps, he soon
dashed into an open space on the bank of the stream, where stood a rude
log cabin.

It was but the work of a moment for the young man to make his way
through the crowd and confront the woman. The instant her eye fell on
him, she exclaimed: "Oh, sir, you will do something for me. Make them
release me, for the love of God. My boy, my poor boy is drowning, and
they will not let me go." "It would be madness; she will jump into the
river," said one, "and the rapids would dash her to pieces in a moment."

The youth scarcely waited for these words, for he recollected the
child, a fine little boy of four years old, who was a favorite with all
who knew him. He had been accustomed to play in the little inclosure
before the cabin, but the gate having been left open, he had stolen
out, reached the edge of the bank, and was in the act of looking over,
when his mother saw him.

The shriek she uttered only hastened the catastrophe she feared; for
the child lost its balance, and fell into the stream. Scream now
followed scream in rapid succession, as the agonized mother rushed to
the bank.

One glance at the situation was enough. To take off his coat and
plunge in after the drowning child were but the actions of a moment.

On went the youth and child; and it was miraculous how each escaped
being dashed to pieces against the rocks. Twice the boy went out of
sight, and a suppressed shriek escaped the mother's lips; but twice he
reappeared, and with great anxiety she followed his progress, as his
tiny form was hurried onward with the current.

The youth now appeared to redouble his exertions, for they were
approaching the most dangerous part of the river. The rush of the
waters at this spot was tremendous, and no one ventured to approach,
even in a canoe, lest he should be dashed in pieces. What, then, would
be the youth's fate, unless he soon overtook the child? He urged his
way through the foam