Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-06-04
THE PRAIRIE ROBBER.

On distant prairie at nlghtfall, waywOrn
and weary traveller was overtaken by snow
storm. When the first few flakes came softly
dropping down, he looked eagerly around in
hope of discerning place of shelter, but none
was to be seen-only the reckless waste OF
rolling lands and far off hills in the direction
whittier he was going-so far off he feared he
never could reach them. With the departure
of light the snow began falling, the wind blew
keener, the road soon hdded from view the
traveller felt that he was lost on a track less
waste, without star to guide him aero SIS the
dangerous country.
"This is terrible - said he aloud sI fear
much | shall never come to my destination
If had but compass and light | should
not fear, for could resist the effects of the
cold long enough to reach the hills, there
could find human habtations, or at least the
shelter OF rock. Now | may go in circle
till 1 freeze, and be no nearer help. What a
fo oil was to leave the river side and cross the
prairie just for the sake of few miles more
or less of journey. No matter; | must even
battle it out now-Heaven heping.''
And battle it out he did, most manfully.
He drew his cap down over his ears and brow
and his fur collar up over his mouth, and
thrusting his hands deeper IN his pockets
pressed on through the yielding snow. The
gloom increased, the wind sharper and through
his heavy cloths the traveller began to feel the
effects of the cold. His feet grew numb, his
arms chilled, and after an hours rapid walk
ing he suddenly paused.
"And do / know whittier / am going ~ he
exclaimed. :sPerhaps | have already turned
aside from the straight line, and am wander
ing on the verge Of destruction. O /! that /
could shake Oft this drowSy feeling that is
steeliDg over me! | know what it is-the
precursor of resr in this cold winding sheet
of snow. Great Heaven, | am freezing to
death 20 shrieked he, bounding forward with
renewed energy. 'sAction-action is life, and
life is too sweet to lose yet ~
He hurried along with sprnging motion,
stamping his feet vigorously at. every step,
and swinging his arms to keep the blood in
circulation Yet with all his efforts, he knew
the angel OF death was folding his white wings
silently but surely around him.
"Despar-no ~ he cried, s'not while the
of my loved wife and dear children is
LETT me. | will struggle on for your sakes,
and fight the storm iend 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 strode over ice, and he heard the voice
of streamlet singing of life and action be-
meath its icy crust. At the same time the
smell of wood smoke saluted his nostlis.
go, Thou who reignest above,'' he ejaculat-
ed, 81 thank Thee that Thou hast heard my
prayer. Help is near me-"
He reeled heavily onward through the blind
ing show, and saw just before him low shed,
one more struggle and he fell against it. In an
instant he OWNED lis character. With last
desperate effort he found the door, threw it
Open and rushed in, flung himself at full
length npon the floor, knowing only that he
was in atmosphere reeking with fumes OF
bacon, and warm with the smoke which rose
from pan of smothered Goals in the centre OF
II a Inr,S do oOL,a hons
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 the large log cabin IN the valley of the
streamlet, Milly Dean sat alone. Her husband
had gone TO a distant town, and the young
wife was left with her baby. Accustomed to
the solitude, she felt safe, and sat in content
ment before the blazing fire the flames leap
ed right joyfully up the chimney, and the
green logs szzled and cracked in the heat like
things of life. Out doors, the wind was howl
ing drearily, and the snow falling heavily
but Mary cared not, for II only made the fire
more cheerful.
There came a rapping at the door.
elbow strange What can that be at our
door ia this wild night ?'' she said to herself,
as she arose aad went into the little entry.
s.Who is there % she asked.
"For Heavens sake, let me ia l am freez-
ing to death 20 was the reply.
"Who are you and how came you in this
lonely place on such evening as this ~
81 am a traveller from below lost my way
and am dying with cold. For PHYS sake let
me in, or / shall perish ~
Milly hestated. She was alone, and it was
three miles to the nearest neighbor's. What
should she do? She paused in perplexity.
go, save me-save me! | am dying u were
the words that met her hearing. There was
heavy fall against the SILL and then low moans
Her woman's nature could stand no more; true
to the instinct of her being, she unoarred the
door and threw it open. A closely muffied
figure reeIed by her into the room, and shut
ing the door she followed. On reaching the
Hre place, the stranger threw off bis disguise,