, 1861-06-13
An Incident of Western Life.

dropping down, he looked eagerly around in the
hope of discerning place Of shelter; but none
was to b seen {; only the trackess waste Of roll
ing lands, and far-Of hills in the direction whittier
he was going-sO far off that he feared he never
should reach them With the departure Of light
the snow began falling faster, the wind blew
keener the road over the prairie was soon hidden
from view, and the traveller felt that ne was lost
on trackless waste, without a star to guide
him across the dangerous country.
"Ths is terriblc" said he, aloud 81 fear
much shall never come to my destination. IF
| had but compass and fight, should not fear,
Tor could res st the effects of cold long enough
to reach the hills, and there should find human
habitations, or at least the shelter of rock.
Now, may go in a circle till freeze, and be no
nearer help. What q fool | was to leave the
river side and cross the prairie just for the sake
of few miles more or less journey. No mat
ter; must even battle it out now, Heaven help
ing"
And battle it out he did most maniuly. lie
drew his cap down over his ears and brow, and
his fur collar up over his mouth and thrustiug
his hands deeper in his pockets, pressed on
through the yielding snow. The gloom increased,
the wind came sharper, and through his heavy
clothes the traveller began to feel the effects Of
the cold. His feet grew numb, his arms chilled,
and after an hours rapid walking, he suddenly
paused.
How do know whittier I am gong?" he
exclaimed perhaps | have already turned
aside from the straight line, and am wandering
on the verge of destruction. o, that | could
shake oil this drowsy feeling that is stealing
over me | know what it is-the precursor of
a rest in this cold winding sheet of snow. Great
Heaven, am freezing to DEATH" he shreked,
bounding forward with renewed energy. "At-
tion--action-action is life, and life is too sweet
to lose yeti"
lie hurried along with a springing motion,
stamping his feet vigorously at every step, and
swinging his arms to keep the blood in circula-
ton. Yet, with all his efforts, he felt that the
angel Of death was folding his white wings ST.
lently but surely around him.
"Despair? mol" he cried, not while the
memory OF my loved wife and dear children is
left to me. Twill struggle on for your sakes,
and fight the storm-fend to the last extremity.
o, just Heaven for the sake Of the innocent
ones whose only stay is my right arm-help me
to resist-help me to triumph"
AT this moment he plunged into hollow, his
feet strodc over ice, and he heard the voice OF
streamlct singing of life and action beneath its
icy crust. AT the same time the smell Of wood
sno&e saluted hls nOStrils
40, Thou who rcignest above" he calculated,
thank Thee that Thou hast heard my prayer!
Help is near me-"
lie reeled heavily onward through the blind
ing SNOW, and saw Just before him low shed;
one more struggle, and he fell against it. In an
instant he OWNED its character With a last
desperate effort he found the door, threw ii open,
and rushing in, flung himself at full length upon
the floor, knowing only that he was in an almos-
phere reckng with the fumes Of bacon, and
warm with the smoke which rose from pau Of
snOthered Goals in the center Of the place. II
was settlers rude smoke house. left to care for
itself during the long winters night, and the
travellers grateful heart sent up tribute to
Heaven for this place Of refuge in the desert Of
snow.
In large log cabin in the valley Of the
streamlet, Mlly Dean sat alone. Her husband
had gone to u distant town, and the young wife
was left with her baby. Accustomed to the SOL
itude, she felt safe, and sat in contentnc before
tho blazing fire; tho flames caped right joyfully
up the chimney, and the green logs sLzIed ard
cracked in the heat like things Of life. Out
doors the wind was bowling drearily, and the
snow falling heavily; but Miy cared not, for it
only made the fire more cheerful.
There came rappng at the door.
" How strange! who can that be at our door in
this wild nightg" she SAID to herself US she rose
and went into the little entry.
The rapping was repeated.
"WhO is there ?" she asked.
"For Heavens sake, let inc in; am freezing
to deathl" was the reply.
"WhO are you? aud how came you in this
lonely place on such an evening as this Y"
I" am a traveller, from below lost my way
and am dying with cold. For PHYS sake let me
in, or shall perish"
My hesitated. She was alone, and it was
three miles TO the nearest neighbours What
should she do? She paused in pcrplexity.
10, save me--save me! am dying" were
the words that met her hearing. There was a
heavy fall against the sill, and then low moans
Her woman nature could stand no more true
to the instincts Of her being, she uubarred the
door and threw it open. A closely mutilcd fig
urc rcclod by her into the room, and shutting TIC
door she followed On reaching the fireplace
the stranger threw off his Disguise AMI stood
erect and strong, without u sign Of Inconvenience
from the effects Of the weather. Milly rctrcatcd
from him in amazement; but recovering herself
and putting the best face on the matter, she
tremulously addressed the man:
" | am sorry, sir, you are so cold. 1t is a Bit
ter night to be abroad. VIII you not sit by the
fire Y"
And she pushed chair forward.
| The man made no response, but stopping over,
ran his fingers through the blaze. Then he
turned and stared ut her with look which made
hcr blood run cold; n bright thought came into
her mind. She would pretend there were others
in the house, for she already felt afraid Of the
MN, aud bitterly regretted having admitted
him.
"Would you like to sec some of the men
folks, sir!" she imputed; "if so, viii call them
from their beds"
The man laughed hoarscly and replied
"Milly Dean, for that believe is your name,
you cannot deceive me. You are all alone in
this house. | took particular care to ascertain
that before came. SOyOu may as well make
Yourself easy Oh that score and do as I bid
you"
"Do as you bid meI" exclaimed Miiiy, in