The next morning Ralph had just completed his breakfast, when his mother went to the front door to answer the bell. She showed some one into the parlor and told Ralph that a gentleman wished to see him.
The young fireman was somewhat astonished, upon entering the parlor, to be grasped by the hand and almost embraced by a stranger.
“I am Judge Graham,” spoke the latter, in a trembling, excited tone. “Young man, you saved the life of my only child.”
“I was glad to,” said Ralph modestly.
The judge went on with a description of the joy and gratitude of the mother of the child, of his sentiments towards Ralph, and concluded with the words:
“And now, Mr. Fairbanks, I wish to reward you.”
“That has been done already,” said Ralph, “in your gracious words to me.”
“Not at all, not at all,” declared the judge. “Come, don’t be modest. I am a rich man.” 179
“And I a rich mother in having so noble a son,” spoke Mrs. Fairbanks, with deep emotion. “You must not think of a reward, sir. He will not take it.”
After a while the judge left the house, but he did so with an insistent and significant declaration that “he would not forget” Ralph.