Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1867-08-23
THE SHEPHERD BOY AND HIS DOG.

ing was taken very ILL., Tho cottage
thoy lived in was far away from any
path, among the mountains. The
snow fell in large, heavy flakes, and
Malcolm CHAT was the shepherds
namo) took down his long pole, with
tho intention Of setting out to tho
village to procure somo medicine for
his wife.
Father" said little Ralph, "I know
the shecp.path better than you, and
with Shag who will walk before me.
l am quite safe; lot me 20 for the
doctor, and do you stay and comfort
my mother" Malcolm consented.
Ralph had been accustomed to tho
mountains from his early inphancy;
and Shag set out with his young mas
ter, wagging his tail, and making
jumps and grimacos. They went
safely on. Ralph arrived at the vii
lagc, saw the doctor, received somo
medicine for his mother, and then
commenced his return with u cheerful
heart.
Shag went on before to ascertain
that oil was right. Suddenly, howev-
er, he stopped, and began snufiling
and smelling about.-"Go on Shag,"
said Ralph. Shay would not stir.
"Shag, go on, sir" repeated the boy
eve arc nearly at the top of the glen"
Shag appeared obstinate for the first
timo in his life; and at last Ralph ad
vanced alone, needless of the warning
growl of his companion. Ho had
proceeded but q few steps, whom he
fell over prccipice, which had been
concealed by a snow-wrcath.
Malcolm was waiting patiently for
his son but no son came At last he
heard the faithful dog Shag. "Nly
son, my son - cried both parents at
the Same moment. The cottage door
opened, and Shag entered without
his master. "AIy brave boy has per-
ishcd in the snow!' exclaimed the
( mother. At tho eamo. moment the
father saw small packet round the
dogs neck, who was lying painting on
the floor "Our boy lives," said the
shepherd ''hero is the medicine tied
with his handkerchief IIe has fall
len into some Of the pits, but he is
safe: trust in God. ] will go ont and
Shag will conduct mo safely to tho
rescue my child" In an instant Shag
was again on his feet, and testified
the most unbounded joy, as they both
issued from the cottage. You may
t imagine the misery the poor mother
suffered while her husband was absent
She felt that both their lives dcpen-
: ded on tho sagacity of q poor dog, but
the knew that God conId guido the
dumb creatures steps to The saving
= of both.
Shag went on straight ard steadily
for some yards, and then suddenly
turned down path which led to the
bottom Of tho crag over which Ralph
had fallen. At last Malcolm stood al
tho lower edge Of the pit into which
his son had fallen. He halooed he
strained his eyes; but could not SCI
or hear anything At last Malcolm
succeeded in getting to the bottom
D and Shag crambled to projecting
ledge OF rock which was nearly i'm
bodied in snow, and commenced whi-
ming and scratching in violent man
ner. Malcolm followed, and, after .
} long search, found what appeared t.
be dead body Of his son. lie hasti-
'. ly tore of his jacket, which was soak
ed with blood and snow, and wrap
ping Ralph in his plaid, strapped hin
across bis shoulders, and with mucl
D toll and difficulty re-ascended. Ralph
:. was placed in bed, and with groa
q exertion reused from his dangeron
: sleep. He was much bruised and hit
, ankle dislocated, but he had no othel
| hurt; and when he recovered his son
q ses, be fixed his eyes on his mother
q aud his first words were: "Thanl
d God; but did you get the medicine
e mother ?" When he fell, Shag had dc
, cended after him, and the af'ectionat
son used what little strength he ha,
3 left, tied the medicine ronnd the dog
IA neck, and directed him home with IT
e MorHER's PUpDINa.-Five eggs, l Qua,