What, then, would be the youth’s fate, unless he soon overtook the child?  He seemed fully sensible of the increasing peril, and now urged his way through the foaming current with a desperate strength.  Three times he was on the point of grasping the child, when the water’s whirled the prize from him.

The third effort was made just as they were entering within the influence of the current above the falls; and when it failed, the mother’s heart sunk within her, and she groaned, fully expecting the youth to give up his task.

But no; he only pressed forward the more eagerly; and, as they breathlessly watched, amid the boiling waters, they saw the form of the youth following close after that of the boy.

And now both pursuer and pursued shot to the brink of the falls.  An instant they hung there, distinctly visible amid the foaming waters.  Every brain grew dizzy at the sight.

But a shout burst from the spectators, when they saw the child held aloft by the right arm of the youth—­a shout that was suddenly changed to a cry of horror, when they both vanished into the raging waters below!

The mother ran forward, and then stood gazing with fixed eyes at the foot of the falls.  Suddenly she gave the glad cry, “There they are!  See! they are safe!  Great God, I thank Thee!”

And, sure enough, there was the youth still unharmed.  He had just emerged from the boiling vortex below the falls.  With, one hand he held aloft the child, and with the other he was making for the shore.

They ran, they shouted, they scarcely knew what they did, until they reached his side, just as he was struggling to the bank.  They drew him out almost exhausted.

The boy was senseless; but his mother declared that he still lived, as she pressed him to her bosom.  The youth could scarcely stand, so faint was he from his exertions.

Who can describe the scene that followed—­the mother’s calmness while striving to bring her boy to life, and her wild gratitude to his preserver, when the child was out of danger, and sweetly sleeping in her arms?

“God will give you a reward,” said she.  “He will do great things for you in return for this day’s work, and the blessings of thousands besides mine will attend you.”

And so it was:  for, to the hero of that hour were afterward confided the destinies of a mighty nation.  Throughout his long career, what tended to make him honored and respected beyond all men, was the spirit of self-sacrifice which, in the rescue of that mother’s child, as in the more important events of his life, characterized George Washington.

* * * * *

Directions for Reading.—­Read the first two pages of the lesson quietly, but not slowly.  About the middle of page 299, the manner of reading should be changed, when the feeling of anxiety is turned to that of joy.[19]

* * * * *