The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1867-02-01
THE CALIFORNIAN.
for the Children.
The SnOlU Storm.

yerance, and now lay deep Oh the ground
had been detained at my office later
than usual. and had to cross Il drearv
moor for some two miles, to reach my
home. must confess | felt chilled at
the prospect of such walk III such 4
storm ; but wrapping my plaid around
me, and staff in hand, set forward,
thinking OF the bright little home | should
soon reach. and the dear ones who were
waiting my lc;urn with a loving welcome.
Soon lett the busy town, and It's many
lights, behind me, and stepped out into
the dismal moor, The snow lay much
deeper here on the un,rodden tootpath,
and seemed to fall more heavily than be-
tore-.o thick and biinuing, that found
myself perpctuaIly strayln9 from the prop
CT roadway, and with difficulty retraccd
my step, : the cold iIlt kcener also, and Il
sharp east wind had liScn. At times
became almost brcath!c>> with the siru4-
gle, and had to pause for gathering
strength, ere | faced the storm once more.
At length rejoiced to see the guiding
post, which was placed where three roads
met, and against which was thankful to
lean Tor Il Jew seconds, until | had recov-
cred breath. ! was Just ON tue point OF
Stating of ;ttre>L, whena faint sound of q,
human voice caught my ear. Startled, |
listened. hut all was still | shaded my
eye with ny hand and stared anxiuoSly
into the surrounding darkness lut nauohi
could discern beyond wilderness OF
snow, and was just concludln. my mag
nation had deceived me wien again the
same mu:mur came floating through the
air
Feeling that, with the guiLc-post 50
near, | could scarcely lose my way, has
tened forward in The direction Of the
sound, and soon distinctly heard a child ;
voice Repeating the Lords PRAYER. Ii
had Il >llHncc effect III such Il storm at
such a place, and my heart beat high
when the gentle Amen was said.
called out, Whose voice is that ,"
but there was no reply. | called again.
more loudly than before, and then the
tlmld answer cam, ''Johnnie's,' and u
lew steps brought me to Il boy some eight
years old, standing >hivering in the snow.
MY poor little man. | said, '.are Won
all alone -
no" he replied, smelly Is here but
she grew 50 cold and tired could not er,
her Oh, and now Size is last asleep. iei
sleepy, too, but thought | would say my
pray crs first" And as stopped down to
the bundle OF snow he had indicated a.
being Nelly" he whispered softly, - Has
Jesus sent You ~
"SurcIy 10 has answered " had
you not SAID your prayers, Johnnie, YOU
might both have perished But how came
You here, my boy j.
''Wc went into town this morning. to
see grandma. 1t was showing them he
sud, lnnocrntly, 'when We lett home"
"And where is your home % | asked,
sand who is your father -
''Famer Ru'hiand,'' he replied we
live at High Farm
High Farm happened to lie on the
road 10 my o"n house, 50 told Johnnie
we would all 90 home together. He re-
joictd when he heard my name, and re-
marked TO himself, How we'll it was
said my prayers
found Nellie indeed hall asleep, wrap
ped IN Il hcavy cape, which the devoted
lit;ic 1rIiow had divcotc;l himself of in his
endcaVor to Keep her warm Nor could |
miurc Inn to put II Oh until lie saw me
raise Nelly lenderly in my arms, and
Wrapping her in my great plaid, gathered
her close to ny bosom, prepared to carry
her
Now, Johnnie" said, ''vou keep
hold OF the skirt OF my coat, and we will
soon be al High Farm
Inc cold seemed to have become more
intense, the failing snow more dense than
ever. Mlntr!ly tie little fellow kept up
to my lie, tnon@h the snow bv thi, time
reached up to hi> knees. | tried to cheer
HIN as We trud"rd along, but felt til,
draa upon my coat becoming greater, and
1t was evident Iii, strength and heart wer,
falling iim-thcn a SUPPRESSED sob brok,
from him, and he chung more closely t,
mt As bent down, trying to sooihe ant
comfort him.
You are a brave little man." | said
''wc will soon reach the farm now
Think OF the bright fire there, the mic,
warm milk and bread, and mothers low.
in4 kiss, all waiting for you
Il cannot walk further" he sobhed
"Oh, take Nelly home, but let Inc Ii,
down here, ] will say my prayers again
and pcrhapc Jesus will send some one els,
TO hcIp me
mo, no." | answered chcerily, Il can
not leave you behind, Johnnie you must
make 4 horse OF me, and mount nv back
There you are now, hold me fast aroun,
the neck. and whlp hard TO make me o,
better And again | started forward
cndeavorlng TO keep him awake will
Questions and sllIies :: bat | tcI; the add
ilonai burden IN such a storm. was bccom
me beyond my already exhausted strength
when suHdcnly Il wavcrIng Spcck of field
shot out of the darkness. then vanished
thea app arlI once more. LycoLIino near.
CT and bII-htcr. | halloo,d loudly. and
my >""ut was answered. and Johnnie call
c Out IN Il I;rnt rnl nI,J ,..;., ,,nI,