24 FEBRUARY 1912, Page 16

BRAVE DEEDS IN HUMBLE LIFE. rTo THE EDITOR OF THE

"BrEcTATon."1 Sfu,—Two years ago you kindly inserted a letter of mine suggesting a record should be kept of brave deeds in humble life which often pass unrecognized and unrecorded. I am therefore encouraged to bring to the notice of your readers such a deed which occurred last Saturday off the Chelsea Embankment. A little boy fell into the river in the sight of several spectators. Whilst they hesitated a passing taxi- driver, by name Dennis Lehay, stopped his car and joined them. Lehay had just resumed work after a long spell of rheumatism which had thrown him out of his employment. Modestly telling his story, he says that for a moment he held back. The thought of hie illness, hie family, and the dread of being again thrown out of work restrained him. But the sight of the drowning child was more than his generous nature could bear. "I paw the little hand with stretched-out fingers sinking beneath the water and I could stand it no longer." He threw off his coat, and, weighted with his motor boots and leggings, plunged in. The child had already sunk twice, but with great good fortune Lehay was able to seize an arm, and with the aid of a buoy, which was thrown to him, they drifted down the stream until at length a boat was able to reach them. He sought no reward or recognition—simply did what he thought was his duty and went back to his home. But others are hoping, in due course, to forward to the Royal Humane Society the evidence which has been collected. Meanwhile the man has suffered in loss of time and injury to his clothes. If any of your readers would care to join in a recognition of this Irishman's courageous deed I should be very happy to receive and acknowledge, on his behalf, any small sums which may be sent me.—I am, Sir, &c.,