The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1862-03-26
THE PRAIRIE -ROBBER.

looked eagerly around, In the hope of
discerning "A place of shelter, bu, nonc
was to te seen only the reckless waste
of rolling lands and far-otf hills in the
direction whittier he was going-so far
off he feared he nover could reach them.
With the departure of light the STOW
began falling. the wind keener, the road
over the prairie soon hidden from view,
the traveller felt that he was lost on "a
trackiess waste, without a star to guide
him across the dangerous country.
This is terrible" he said aloud. 81
fear much shall never come to my des-
tination If had bat compass and a
light should not fear. for could resist
the effects of the cold long enough to
reach the hills, where could find hunHan
habirations, or at least the shelter Of a
rock Now I may 20 in circle unit! |
freeze, and be no nearer hel p. What Il
fool | was to leave the river side and cross
the prairie. just for the sake Of a few miles
more or less Of journey. No matter; |
must even battle it out now-hcayen
helping"
And battle it ont he did most manfully
| fic drew Ills cap down over his ears aud
brow. and his fur colarup over his moalh,
and thra>ting bis hands deeper in his
puckers, pressed on through the yielding
snow. The gloom increased, the wind
came sharper, and through his heavy
clothes,h traveller began to feel the effects
of the cold His feet grew numb. his
arms chilled, and after an hoar's rapid
walking he suddenly paused" "
"And do know whittier | am going?'
he exclaimed Perhaps | have already
turned aside from the straight line, aud
am wandering un the verge of destruction.
10, that could shake of this drowsy feel
ing that is stealing over me | know
what it is-the precursor Of rest in this
cold winding sheet of snow Great
Heaven, | am freezing to dca;L, shrieked
he. bounding forward with renewed en-
trgv ActiUn-action-action is life,
aud life Is tor sweet to lose yet
He hurrird along with as bringing mo
ton. stamping his feet vigorously at every
>ter. aud swinging his arms to keep the
blood In circulation. Yet with ali his ef.
forts. he knew that the angel of death was
folding his white wings silently but sure
around him.
"Despair-no.' - he cried. not willie
the memory Of my loved wife and dear
children is left ne. will struggle on for
their saheS, and fight the storm fend to
the last extremity. y, just Heaven, for
the sake Of the innocent Cnes whose only
stay is mv right arm, help ui6 to resist
to triumph
At this moment he plunged ;nto hol
low, his feet strobe over ice and he heard
the voice Of streamlet singing of l;fe
and action beneath lis crust At the
same time the stneli Of wood smoke sa-
luied his nostrils
20. Thou who reigncst above" he
calculated, Il thank Thee that thou mast
heard my prayer. Help is indeed near
ne ..s.
lie reelod heavily onward through the
binding snow. and saw Just before him
low shed one mure struggle and he fell
against it. In an instant he OWNED its
character. With last desperate effort
he found the door. threw it open, and
rashcd in, fiuug himself at full length up.
on the auor, knowing only that he was in
an atmosphere reeklng with the fumes OF
bacon. and warm with the smoke which
rose from pan of smothered Goals in the
centre Of the place. 1t was a settlers
rude smok house, left to care fer itself
during the long winters night, aud the
travellers grateful heat sent upa tribute
30 heaven for this place of refuge in the
desert of snow.
In the large iog cabin in the talley of.
the streamlet. Nlllly Dean sat alone. Her
lu, band had gone to a disiart town. and
the yonn" wife was left with her baby.
Accustomed TO the solitude she fell safe
and sat in conicDtMeni before the blazing
FIRE the flames leaped joyfuliy mp the
chimney, and the green logs sizaed and
cracked in the heat like things of life
Out doors the wind was howiing drearily |
aOd tNc Snow laiilH9 HeaNtE Dut MiIIl
cared not, for it only made the fire more
cheerful.
There 0ame rap at the door.
How strange What can that be at
our door this wild night :" she said to
herself as she arose and went into the en-
try.
WHO rs there ?'
"For heavens sake, let me in; | am
freezing TO death %
"Who are you, and how came you in
this lonely place on such an evening as
this r.
81 am traveller from below lost my
way, and am dying with cold For PHYS |
sake let Inc in or shall perishr'