Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1856-07-05
miscellaneous.
SANDY WRIGHT AND THE ORPHAN.
A Scotch Tale,

III was q stormy evening, ana IN one
of the wild desolate valleys of She High
lands three men were walking quickly
that they might reach shelter before
the storm burst upon them in all its fury
They had travelled thirty miles that day,
and the house at which they were to pass
the night was still ten miles distant. -
The wind howled among the cliffs of the
valley, and the fakes of the snow began
to beat in their faces.
:" 1t will be terrible night, lads, in
the Moray Firth" said the foremost ira
weller, a strong-shouldered broad-chested
man; "but what is that ?" said he point
ing to little figure by the side of the
road.
The figure arose, and came to meet
them. Slow and feeble were the steps,
and as he approached they saw that it
was boy of about ten years of age.
80, my puir BARN p said Sandy
Wright, "what can hae taken you here
in night like this 2"
The boy told them that his mother had
died and left him alone, and that he was
going to Edinburgh to seek his friends.
But" added he sorrowfully, L am
tired and Gamma walk further, and I'll be
lost, Pm afraid, in the snow drift"
"That We Wilma, my puir BARN, if !
can help it," said the good boatman and
taking the boys hand, he told him to
lean upon him. But the boy was too
much exhausted to walk, though aided
by the strong arm of his new friend,
who, finding his efforts were in vain,
carried him ON his back.
The storm burst upon them in all its
fury; and, half blinded by the thick
snow, the travellers had to grope along
the road and through the snow drifts,
which were blown by the fierce winds
across their path. Still the brave boat
man pressed on with his burden though
his companions, without such load, were
almost worn out; and after many fall,
and stumble, and groan, they arrived.
two hours after dark, at the house where
they intended to spend the night.
There was an immense peat fire placed,
according to the custom of the country,
in the room, and the inmates were seated
around it. They made way for the wea-
ry travellers, and Sandy Wright, unmind-
full Of his own tired limbs, drew near the
fire and began to chafe the hands and
feet of the boy who was almost insensible
from cold and fatigue. When life and
warmth were restored to his frozen limbs,
he shared with his little charge his sup
per and bed, and took him ON his jour
ney, Notwithstanding the circumstances
of his companions.
The little fellow told him his simple
story. His mother was a poor widow,
who had supported herself and her only
child by sewing. When he was only six
years old he had shown love for read
ing, and his mother worked early and late
to keep him at school. She was only
eighteen years older than her son; and
often would she stop in the middle Of her
work and, laying her hand on her breast,
ask him what he would do when she was
dead, for her failing strength told her the
day was not far distant. Her fingers grew
white and small, and she could not sit up
as before; but when her son looked at the
deepening red of her checks, be thought
she would not die.
One day when he brought home the
first prize from the school, she threw her
arms around him, while with tears in her
eyes she told him that the time would
come when his fathers grand friends, who
we're ashamed Of her because she was
poor, would be proud 70 be connected
] with him.