The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1857-11-28
In this manner ten Years passed away-


In this manner ten Years passed away
years that left the prints If :heir feet in the
hearts and faces of the two cxiles; for Erfurt
could hardly bc included in that term. They
had two children nos. and as these grew up,
they felt more and more. each month. that it
was sinful to deprive them of the advantages
of school ard playma,cs. of which they had
formed some idea from books and pictures
But how 10 accomplish this without cndarscr-
ins li,niys life. Na' problem which cost
beth parents many slecpless night; and
before it could be solved winter drew On and
shut them in. 1t was a season of unusual
severity. The snow blocked up all the usual
passes. and lay in one deep solid mass all
over the forest. 1t was only with grez; dif-
ficultv that the coai-burEcrs were able fo
communicate with the towns. But peace and
plenty rcigned in the little cottage of Henry
and Marian. The care of the few goats, and
other necessary out door labor, fell mostly to
the lot of Henry, for Erfurt Was now growing
quite old and infrm. Both he and Marian
paid more than usual attention to the instruc-
ton of their children. having determined,
come what might, to petition the king for a
pardon in the spring. This also drew the
parents nearer, and gave more earnest
heartfelt coloring to their daily intercourse
though there had been TO lack in this rcspect.
Even the children noticed it. though they
knew nothing of what it meant; if E:rfurt did
he said nothing. Yet both Henry and Marian
looked forward to the coming spring with
unwontcd joy, and if now and then some
dreadful mi>gi,irg drove the color from her
check. ard made her heart sick, ard she
faltercd between love of children and anxiety
for her husband. he was always ready to
cheer her with confident words and assurap.
ccs. He had weighed the matter with the
utmost care. and i; seemed to him that upon
a truthful showing of the whole story, from
beginning to end. the king would not refuse
to grant a full pardon. Of course. the qucs-
ton of the restoration of his property was
one which he never entertained hope.
MldwlEtcr came. and brought with it the
first serious trouble which had bcfallcn them
since their exile, a trouble of which TO one
could have forcscen the consequences. Their
Youngest child. a boy a. three years. fell sick
and grew worse so rapidly. in spite cf the
mothers simple remedies. that it was >oon
apparent that without medicine he must die.
1t was a time of sore trial The nearest road
was several miles away. and it was nv no
means certain that il could he travelled
Wolves. too. had been heard at night. driven
by hanger ire m the upper regions, and it was
alnio>; certain death TO venture out alone
lct il was no; il fathers heart 10 sit there
an,: SEE 4 tl;d de without making an effort
10 obtain what might save him. and Henry
resolved to Make his way TO the nearest vii
lagc ncSt morning. il spite Of SNOW and
wolves. Il" got everything in readiness, ex-
amincd his sun his h:.:chct and his srom-
shoes. while Marian pnt bread and meat into
his knap>acSh and in the pocket of his warm
fur coat little ;ia>i!, of brandy. This done.
hr laid down to sleep. in order TO start fresh
and Vigorous; Coz the lthcr would be terri
Die
1t WAS hardly ligl:. when Marian reused
him. She had prepared hearty breakfast,
which he ate. more because he required it for
support than from appetite Then laying his
hand on the hot brow Of his child. who look
cd up fccb.y from his bed. with little smile
which stirred the very depths of the fathers
heart. and bidding all al atfe .ticnat, good
bye. he strobe from The door with firm step,
not trusting himself; to look back. Marian
locked after him til Ec disappeared among
the trees. and then turned to SIT h, the side
of her sick hoy-hcr own heart growing faint
and sick As the moments fed bv. ard she
knew that her husband was going farther ard
farther from his home B.t she rose soon
and by a strong effort Of will shaking off that
dcspondency. set herself about her household
concerns. resolving not TO despair while the
all-lovinS caic Of God was extended over
them. The day proved quiet. and at night
the little household rcjoiccd in the hope that
the father had already reached the house
where ne intended TO remain until morning.
it would take him almost another ,lay to
reach the village: but if it proved pleasa. t.
ard he vas sure of finding lodging before
dark. he would set out on his return that
same afternoon. and if all went we'll he would
get home some time during the fourth day
after his departure.
1t was a lonely night for the mother. as
she sat hy the ned of her sick child thinking
cf her husband Old Erfurt took his share
of the watching: but she could not sleep for
the fearful dreams that started her the IL
slant her eyes were closed. and woul,, not
leave her then. Day at length dawned-a
quiet day: tie night following set in quiet
too. and Marian already felt her heart more
light. Her child seemed to grow no worse,
and every moment was bringing her husband
nearer. But towards morning the wind rose
and howlcd teartuilv through the branches
of the pines. and when it grew light the win
dows were found to be eurtaincd with snow,
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