A HEROIC PEASANT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2456, 7 April 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

A HEROIC PEASANT.

DnntN(i one very severe winter at Veronn, in ll.iily, the river was completely frozen over, and, a thaw .succeeding the frost,

the ice broke, and some of the blocks floated to the beautiful bridge, on the central arch of which stood a small hou.se,

the residence of the toll-man, and broke it before the toll-collector and his family were able to escape. The ice was driven

more and more violently against the bridge, so that gradually its walls gave way, and at last nothing was left but the single pillar on which the toll-taker'«

house was built. Tbo unfortunato man, who saw his own death and that of his wife and children staring him in the face, could only wring hia hands and implore

help. J3ufc although many persons were assembled on both sides of the river, and boats wei-e at hand, no ono had oouraore enough to venture to tho rescue. A rich nobleman now sprang forward, holding a bay of gold in his hand, and exclaiming, " This is for any one who ventures over the river to the rescue of the unfortunate family on tho bridge." Tho assembled crowd heard distinctly

tho words of the generous count, but no one was seen to Rome forward and respnnd to it ; for, attractive aa the reward was, no one had courage enough to try to win it, until a plainly-dressed peasant made his way through the crowd to tho shore, unloosened a boat, and with his strong arm forced a passage through the crashing ice. With anxious hearts the spectators watched him from the chore. The rescuer

arrived at the cottage, but, unfortunately, his boat was too small to contain tin: whole family, and three times the peasant performed his short but perilous voyage. Those whom lie had rescued overwhelmed him with expressions of gratitude, and the count jilnced the purse of gold in his hand ; but ho refused it, saying, "I do not put iny Jife in jeopardy for money, (live it rather to this poor man and his family, for they have lost all their goods in this flood." And without waiting for an answer ho left the shouting multitudes and returned quietly to his