Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-12-26
Tiirrarp Selections,
SANDY WRIGHT
AND THE POOR ORPHAN.
4 SCOTCH STORY.

It was stormy evening, and in one of
the wild, desolate valleys of the High
lands, three men were walking quickly
that they might reach a shelter before
the storm burst upon them in all its fury.
They had travelled thirty miles that day,
and The house to which they were to pass
the night was still ten miles distant The.
wind howled among the cliffs Of the val
ley, and the fakes of snow began to beat
in their faces.
1T will bel terrible night, lads, in the
Mory FIRTH said the foremost traveller,
a strong shouldered, broad chested man !;
but what is that said he, pointing 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.
20, my puir boy said Sandy Wright
swhat can hae taken you here in night
like this ?
The boy told him that his mother had
died and left him alone, and that he was
going to Edinburg to seek his friends.
But, added he, sorrowfully, I am
tired and Gamma walk further, and ], IL be
lost, Tn afeared, in the cold drift
That you Wilma, my puir BARN, if I
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, find
ing lis efforts vain, carried him on his
back.
The storm burst upon them in 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 wind across their
path. Still the brave boatman pressed
on with bis burden, though his compan-
ions, without such a load, were almost
worn out; and after many fall, and
stumble, and groan, they arrived two
hours after dark atthe house where they
were 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 weary
travellers, and Sandy Wright, unmindfu
of his own tired limbs, drew near the fire
and began TO chafe the hands and feet o.
the boy, who was almost insensible from
the cold and fatigue. When life and
warmth were restored to his frozen limbs
he shared with bis little charge his sup.
per and bed, and took him on his journey
the next morning, Notwithstanding the
remonstrances of his companions.
The little fellow told his simple story
His mother was poor widow, who hat
supported herself and her only child by
sewing. When he was only six year
old he had shown love for reading, ant
his mother worked early and late to keel
him at school. She was but eighteen
years older than her son; and often woul
she stop in the middle Of her work, an
laying her hands on her breast, ask hin
what he would do when she was dead
for her falling strength told her the da
was not far distant. Her fingers gre,
white and small, and she could not sit u
as before; but when her son looked at til
deepened red Of her cheek, he thougl
she would die.
One day, when he brought home II
first prize from school, she threw he
arms around him, while, with tears
her eyes, she told him that the time wouI
come when his fathers grand friend
who were ashamed of her because 81
was poor, would be proud to be connecte
with him.
The mothers faith was strong in h
heart. The lad could not go TO schoc
u but staid BY her bedside; and they wou
have starved but for poor neighbour
Z woman, who had but little to spare he
self He read to her every day tv
0 chapters in the Bible One day VIII,
y she was very III, and two of her neig
bors had come to take care of her Il
called the boy TO her bedside, and ia
q q him that, when She was dead he must
t to Edinburgh, for he had friends nowhe
~ else. Her own friends were there. /
" they were too proud to do much for hir
y and his fathers friends were there,
5E they were too grand to own her. I
~ she teld him not to be afraid by the WI
l% for the good God knew all about him.
81 And then, after fond parting kiss, a
abuFst ef sorrow, she bade him go
~ school.
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