Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-11-27

Z
and meat into his knapsack and in the
pocket of his warm fur coat a little flask
Of brandy. This done, he laid down to
sleep, in order to start fresh and yigor-
Gus; for the labor would be terrible:
1t was hardly light when Marian
reused him. She had prepared hear
ty breakfast, which he ate, more because
he required it for support than from ap-
petite. Then laying his hand on the hot /
brow Of his child, who looked up feebly /
from bis bed, with little smile which |
stirred the very depths Of the fathers
heart, and bidding all an affectionate good
bye. he strobe from the door with a firm
step, not trusting himself to look back.
Marian looked after him till he disap-
peared among the trees, and then turned
to sit by the side Of her sick boy-her
own heart growing faint and sick as the
moments fed by, and she knew that her
husband was going farther and farther
from his home. But she rose soon, and
Iby a strong effort of will shaking off that
dependency, set herself about he house
hold concerns, resolving not to despair
while the ALLOWING care of God was ex-
tended over them. The day proved
quiet, and at night the little household re-
joiced in the hope that the father had al
ready reached the house where he intend
ed to remain until morning. 1t would
take him almost another day to reach
the village; but if it proved pleasant,
and he was sure Of finding lodging be-
fore dark, he would set out on his return
that same afternoon, and if all went well.
he would get home some time during the
fourth day after his departure.
1t was lonely night for the mother
as she sat by the bed of her sick child
thinking of her husband. Old Erfurt
took his share of the watching; but she
could not sleep for the fearful dreams that
started her the instant her eyes were clos
ed, and would not leave her then. Day
at length dawned-a quiet day ; the
I night following set in quiet too, and Ma
rian already felt her heart more light
Her child seemed to grow no worse. anC
every moment was bringing her husbant
D nearer. But towards morning the win,
; rose, and howled fearfully through til,
|. branches Of the pines, and when it grew
I light the windows were found to be cur
e tanned with snow, so that it was almos
impossible see out. Every momen
T seemed to increase the fury of the storm
i The wind swept round the little cottage
0 as if hunting fer place to break in. /
e roaring fire Of logs sent up its challeng
e to the storm, and but for the heavy heart
e there, would have made the room as har
2r py as a morning in May. The pal
1r emaciated face of the boy checked bac
ID the wish haIf-tormed in 1Iarian's hear
re that she had not permitted Henry
Of venture forth. Breakfast was eaten
le silence, and shortly afterwards old E
a furt, mufling up in fur jacket and VOL
w skin cap, went out to milk the goats al
re give them food and water. 1t was on
ly a few steps to goat-shed. Soon after
no had gone out, Marie, who was reading
en- the fire, started from her chair and II
of ened.
id What do you hear, child p ask
an the mother, at the moment bending oy
it'll her son to give him more drink.
ne Il thought old Erfurt called, moth.
3m Perhaps father has come r.
nd Marian's cheek grew pale at {
EN- thought, but she answered, " 1t m
al have been the wind, Marie; father c.
snt not come before tomorrow"
the = am sure that ! heard Old Erful
m voice" replied the child; ~ hark, thel
ing Was that the wind 2"
to But this time Marian's ear had eau
ant the sound. God have mercy -
ion began, when Marie sprang to her s
vas pointing in speechless terror 70 the v
e. dow. Marian turned and met a 81
h # that iroze her blood-the glaring e
be- and gFinning faugs Of n gray volt, wh
2 Of paws rested on the bars, as he reared
the his hinder legs to look in Made
/. q by the movements IN the room, the q
rev ture sent forth a terrific howl and
er's and tore the bars in bis fury to get j
bar But as they were Of solid oak, and str
die. and thick enough to resist his teeth,
rest rian knew that there was no immed
was danger, though be might gaaw thrc
raw in time II allowed to remain unmolei
d at Every movement on her part incre
oper his fury, yet feeling the necessity Of
cath case, she neryed herself 70 approach
,t in window and close the strong oaken /.