Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-06-04
select Tales.
From D1agla9s Jerro'ds Jon ton) MtgaSln''
THE WINTER ROBIN
OR. THE ANGEL-GUIDE.

Foster over the moor, and saved her from per-
ishng in the snow last winter, was commission
ed by Heaven, is not a whit better than Pagan.
hold fast to that; if didn't | should be a
Pagan myself, | don't-and | would wish this
to be distinctly understood-I don't believe all
that is tod about II. For instance, when the
neghbors assert that the robin changed its shape
after leading her to the cottage door, aud that
she saw an angel spread his wings and rise
from the ground, and that she watched him M
dumb awe till he disappeared in the thick va
pory atmosphere, or was hid by the binding
snow that came fealhering down. don't be-
heye that. Neither do | much credit the tale
which her old grandmother repeats with an air,
it is true, of great veracity, how that sitting by
her Preside the time when Jane must have been
crossing the moor, and fretting herself lest the
child should lose her way in the snow storm,
she heard songs floating in the air winch 10
earthly voice could have sung-sweet, holy
songs, about the love which the Divine Friend
bore towards little children while he was on
EARTH and how he loves and cherishes them
now, looking down upon them from his far,
high home.
1t was very cold morning, and they had
eaten little on the previous day; and for many
days past the cloth had been spread upon the
cottage table for potatoes alone Fuel they
possessed, the wndia of the woods, cleaned
before the severe weather set in; but only one
crust of bread on that cold morning, and no
money to purchase any, while, alack, alack! the
baker refused further credit-havng three shiI-
lings and fourpence already scored against them.
So Jane, pretending that the crust was larger
than it really was, and that she had satisfied her
appetite, soaked it in some warm milk for her
grandmother and carried it to the old woman's
bedside.
Grandma'm, said the child, Il want to 90 to
Rookfeld to-day
ITO Rook6eld, exclaimed the old woman
is the girl mad, to think of going to RooklieId
in this weather.!
But grandma'm, what are we to do! We
have no Bread and no potatoes,-
Is it to get bread and potatoes you would
trudge sixteen miles afoot, on lone common,
with snow drifts higher than the hedges! No,
no. Jane, stay at home and
And starve grandmam!
Why should we starve-isnt there God
above us all! And does he not feed the young
ravens that call upon Him.
Yes, grandma'm.
And do we not say our prayers morning and
night?-why then should you go to Rock
field?
Because, dear grandma'm, God only helps
those who help themselves. If we wait both at
home, bread won't fall into our laps. | must go
out and seek it.
'And how will you seek bread!
Il will beg, grandma'm.'
'Begp
Yes; will tell the gentlefolks, as they pass
by, that have grandmother at home who is
very old and alling, and that we have no food to
eat Oh, they are very generous-are the rich
people, for they are Christians, you know, grand
IN; and does not the Scripture say, He that
giveth to the poor lendeth the Lord
The girl was very simpe-so simple indeed
as to imagine that she had but to utter, in sim
cere and appealing tones, a true and moving tale
to gain compassion and, what was of more con-
sequence to her. relief The old woman, though
simple enough in her way was wiser on that
point than her granddaughter She had seen a
little of the world and knew that the Chrisiani-
ty of the rich is too often, like the working
mans best garment, worn only on Sundays.
My poor Jane, do you suppose the gentle
folks will listen to your
Does i: snow now, Jenny bird!'
No grandma'm; it's quite fine, and shan't
feel cold. | walk fast you know
You shall go to Rookheld. God will pro-
tect my darling. Fetch me that box, and give
me the key from my pocket
Yes, grandmam Oh, how good you are to
let me 60
Not to beg, my child; you shan't beg. I've
something left in this box that will keep the
wolf from the door a little longer, and who
man, checking herself, and speaking below her
breath, best to say nothing of him. Poor
Richard we shall see you no more till we meet
in Heaven
She drew forth ring from the box-a gold
wedding ring which, if we may judge from
the interest with which she surveyed it, she pri-
zed highly The girl had hastily attired herself
in shawl and bonnet-both greatly the worse for
wear, as the saying is, and offering but slight
protection from the severity of the season.
Take that to the pawn-shop at Rookfeld
and ask them to lend you ten shlllings upon it
Mind you don't lose it, and see that you bring
the ticket and money safe home, said the ole
woman, placing the ring, carefully wrapped in
paper, into the girls hand.
Cheerriy, cheerriIy, Jane departed on heI
mission. Blithe MS the summer lark-light ant
agile as the skipping lawn-shaking her gloss
curs as she ran--her cheeks glowing with thu
exercise. She sang like aeIightfu bird pour
ing forth rich notes, all the richer for that they
were wild and lacked the culture that woulc
have fitted them for the ear of refinement
Onward and onward. Eight miles were accom-
pllshcd. She was at Rookfeld.
She entered the noun.l royorje ehon bcldl,