An interesting little boy, who could not swim, whilst skating on our
river on New Year's Day, ran into a large air-hole. He kept himself
for a time above water: the little boys, all gathered round the
opening, tried to hand him poles; but the ice continued breaking, and
he was still floating out of reach. Despair at last seized his heart,
and was visible in every face around. At this moment, when, exhausted,
the poor little fellow was about to sink, a brave and generous-hearted
boy exclaimed, "I cannot stand it, boys!" He wheeled round, made a
run, and dashed in at the risk of his own life, and seized the little
boy and swam to the edge of the ice with him: after breaking his way
to the more solid ice, he succeeded in handing him out to his
companions, who then assisted him out. In Rome, this act of heroism
would have insured this brave youth a civic crown. His name is Albert
Hershbergar.
--Charleston (Va.) Republican.
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I know a little girl who has committed this to memory. Let all little
girls and boys who read it do the same, and they will have music worth
listening to in their own hearts.