A HEROINE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2416, 14 December 1880, Page 3

A HEROINE.

|?A poor servant girl of in France lias proved herself a great heroine. A common sewer of great depth had been opened for repairs, the opening being covered at night with planking; but those in charge or the operations neglected to place anj r lights near to warn wayfarers of the danger in their path. Four men returning home from work stepped on the planks, which, being frail and rotten, gave way under their weight, and precipitated them to the bottom. It was some time before any one became aware of what had’ happened, and when the people gathered round, no man among the crowd was daring enough to respond to the‘frantic entreaties of the wives of the entombed men--by descending the foul and loathsome depth. Presently, a fragile-taoking'girl of seventeen, stepping to tne front, said quietly, “ I’ll go down and try to save the poor fellows .and creatures calling themselves men were not ashamed to stand by aud see -Catherine Yasseur let down on her

valiant but fearful mission.' Then ensued a few long minutes of anxious suspense before the signal to haul up was felt, and two still breathing but consciousmen were, with the gallant girl, brought to the surface. Nigh exhausted as the effort had left her, the heroic maiden only stayed to gain breath before descending again regardless of the risk she ran. The second venture nearly proved fatal. Upon reaching the bottom of the sewer, and fastening a rope round one prostrate form, Catherine felt as though she were being strangled by an invisible band. Unfortunately, the rope round her own waist bad become unfastened ; and when, after groping along the dripping clammy wall, her hand touched it, she had not sufficient strength to pull it down. Dazed as she was, she still had her wits about her; and losing her long hair, twisted the luxuriant tresses with the rope. The rope was hauled up, and the horrified crowd beheld the inanimate form of the brare young girl swinging by her hair and to all appearance dead. Fresh air and prompt administration of stimulants brought her to conciousness, and the happiness of knowing that, if she had failed in saving all, her brave endeavors had restored three of the bread-winners to their families.