Elizabeth Stuart Phelps

“ THE materials of heroism are everywhere; each day and all situations are full of them. The power to recognize them and the will to use them make the hero. He who saves life, no matter how obscure, how poor, how ignorant he may be, has a value which can never belong to the spiller of blood ”

“ There was an unearthly silence. Then a moan, then a howl and a shriek arose which reached from group to group, from house to house, from square to forest. Human and animal cries blended in one piteous appeal for mercy. ”

“ The crowd, that but now waited the joyous greetings of friends, was battered by the bruises of the earth and hurried by fright into a contagious state of mania. The bodies and faces of the people changed almost beyond recognition. ”

“ Instinctively they ranged themselves into a mass, as if united humanity could defy aroused and raging Nature,—then broke, and ran for their homes, and wives and babes, and whatever fate had left to them. ”

“ He's a very shabby old Negro. He is all patches and his knees and hair stick out. His hat looked like a coon-skin hat. His hair is gray hair. He carries a little bundle on his shoulder. He's a very strong old Negro. He smashed the station in like—like blocks. He was a slave, and he was so strong he cost two [69] thousand dollars. He's going to see his daughter in Branchville. She's dying. He's so poor he had to walk from Charleston all the way. He saved the train. You just look and you'll find him."
A mighty shock drowned the boy's words at this moment, and seemed to jeer at them. ”

“ This little story, which was originally contributed to the "Youth's Companion," has sought to teach the young people of America something of the grandeur which waits upon a brave deed, and something of the beauty of supreme self-sacrifice. ”

“ He mentioned the name of a woman well known in Summerville for strong character and wise benevolence. "She lives up the track there. Anybody will show you. She'll help you; she's the best colored woman in town." ”

“ Then Donny raised his awestruck face from his father's quick-beating heart, and standing among the strangers and the neighbors, told the story,—all that he knew; all that he could tell. [63]
"A LITTLE HUDDLING FIGURE."
[65]
"I only remembered the torpedoes, sir. The old man did the rest."
"What old man? Where is he?"
"Why, the old colored man! Haven't you seen him? The old colored man who ran ahead and put them on the track. He saved the train."
The engineer took his lantern and silently went back and swung the spot of fire in the black, cold air. ”

“ Donny had now joined the stricken group. They huddled together until another shock threw them one upon another. Delicate women became nauseated as if in mid-ocean. Sturdy men who had faced bullets in the Civil War without wincing, lost self-control. They surged; they fought; they comforted each other; they cried aloud.
At this moment a frightful tremor shook the earth. The station building gave sickening creaks ”

“ As they came abreast of the second little station, known as the [42] West End station of Summerville, an idea shot like hope itself through the confused brain of the hurrying boy.
"I know where the torpedoes are!" he cried, shrilly. "The torpedoes they put down to stop trains! I've seen 'em. I play with the superintendent's boys sometimes. If I was bigger I could bu'st open the doors and windows and find 'em."
"I'se an ole man," shouted the Negro, "but I'se been a tough one befo' Freedom. I sole for two thousand dollars onct. I kin smash 'most anythin' yer give me, honey, if hi'm put to 't. ”