Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1867-02-15
BY w. A. LEE AND HUGH WILSON.
TIE SHEPHERD BOY AND HIS DOG.

Raph's mother, ono Saturday oven
ing, was taken very ill. The cottage
they lived in was far away among tho
mountains, for away from any path.
The snow fell in large, heavy flakes.
and Malcolm CHAT was the shepherds
nance took down his long pole, with
tho intention of setting out to the vii
! lagc to procure some medicine for his
wife
"Father," said little Ralph, al know
the shcep-path better than you, ard
with Shag who will walk before mo,
I am quito safc ; let mo go for the
doctor, and do you ftay and comfort
my mother" Malcolm consented.
Ralph had been accustomed to the,
mountains from his early infancy !;
and shag set out with his young mas
ter, waSging his tail, and making
jumrs and grimaccs They won't safe.
ly on. Ralph arrived at the village,
saw the doctor, received somo mcdi-
cine for his mother, Asd then COM
menced his return with q cheerful
heart.
Shag went on before to ascertain
all was right. Suddenly, no owcver, he
stopped, and began snuflling and smell.
ing about. EGO on Shag," said Ralph
Shag would not stir. "Shay, go on,
sir" repeated tho bog owe arc near
ly at tho top of the glen" Shag ap-
pcarcd obstinate for the first time in
his life; and at last Ralph advanced
alone, needless of the warning growl
Of his companion. Ue had proceeded
but few steps; when he fell over
prccipicc, which had been concealed
by = snow-wreath.
Malcolm was waiting patiently for
his son but no son came. At last he
heard the bark Ct his faithful dog
Shag. "My son, my son!' cried
both parents at the same moment
The cottagc-door opened, and Shay
entered without his master. "My
brave Toy has pcrishci in the snow -
exclaimed the mother. AT the same
moment tho father saw q small packet
round the dogs neck, who WAS lying
painting On the floor. "Our boy lives
said the shepcrd; I" here is the ncdi-
cine tied with his handkerchief. lie
has fallen into some Of the p;ts, bu,
he is safe: trust in God. | will 60
out, AID Shay will conduct me safely
TO the rescue Of my child" In an
instant Shag was again on his feet,
and testified the most uhboundcd Joy,
Az they both issued from tho cottage.
You may imagine the misery the poor
mother suffered while her husband
was absent. She felt that both their
lives depended on the sagacity of a
poor dog but sho knew that God
could guide tho dumb creatures stops
10 the saving both both.
Shag went On straight and steadily
for some yards, and then suddenly
turned down path which led to the
bottom of the crag over which Ralph
had fallen. At last Malcolm stood at
lower edge Of tho pit into which his
son had fallen. lie ballowed; lie
strained his eyes; but could not SEQ
or hear anything. At last Malcolm
succeeded in getting TO tho bottom, and
Shag scrambled to projecting ledge
of rock which was nearly imbedded in
snow, and commenced whining and
scratching in violent manner. Nal.
colin followed, and, after long search:
found what appeared to be the dead
body Of bis son. He hastily tore off
the jacket, which was soaked with
blood and snow, and wrapping Ralph
in his plaid, strapped him across his
shoulders, ard with much toll and
difficulty re.asccnded. RALPH was
placed in q bed, and with great exor>
tisn reused from his dangerous sleep.
He was much bruised and his ankle
dislocated, but he had no other hurt;
and when he recovered his senses, ho
fixed his eyes on his mother, and his
first words were: "Tbank God; but
did you get the medicine, mother7"
When he fell, Shag had descended af-
ter him; and the afftctionate son used
what little strength he had left, tied
tho medicine round the dogs neck,
and directed him homo with it.
Judge Perkins, of Columbus, Mis-.
sissppi, died recently, in the eighty
sixth year of his age. He YVES libo-