Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1867-08-09
MisGellann.
A School Girl Who Drove a
Stage.
A TRUE STORY.

than our company of ten, fresh from the
vacation, and ready for the active duties
of another term. We found the stage
awaiting us at Hamilton, but were too
weary to be conscious of our tedious ride
to the Western Seminary. Soon it was
growing dark and looking out, we observ-
ed we were travelling new road. Our
hearts sank within US when we remember
ed the bloated face of our driver. Could
it be that he had fallen asleep, and left us
to the mercy and wisdom of the unguided
horses?
1t was even so. Our now clumsy ve-
hicle jolted hither and thiiher over the
rough stones. Above were the signs of
heavy shower. We were in gloomy for
est. It's topmost branches seemed bending
over us, as if inquiring into our sad condi-
ton. When could we emerge from its
impenetrable depth What new danger
was before us? On one side was a deep
ravine,-the road narrow and the horses
seemed already to have lost all presence
of mind. was the youngest, but largest
of the company. Should / see danger,
and not be their protector Heaven for
bid hurried to The horses, and led
them by our immediate danger. The driv-
er was stretched across his seat in a state
of sound intoxication, and the reins were
on the ground. After several attempts
succeeded in climbing up to the seat
With great effort removed him to one
side; but this awoke him. The rain now
poured down.
Who are you p he inquired.
"The protector of these horses, this
stage, yourself and these young ladies'" /
answered.
"Who called you to this Officer" he
half vacantly asked.
"Stern necessity" / replied. Your
self asleep, the reins on the ground, and
the stage on the verge of deep descent,
impelled me TO be the driver"
"Pll drive myself said he
What should answer? My feelings
were aroused to the reality of cur situa-
tion,-an Incorporate driver, now half re-
covered from the effects of his dream
Never before had discovered the merit
of that beautiful verse, "a soft answer
turneth away wrath" l told him that
----- ---I- I-;-s incat.@L,- D.6a~o 7
was aware he was sound asleep. The
rain was falling fast; but my sister hand
ed me an umbrella. With the reins in
one hand, and the umbrella in the other,
drove as best | could.
The restless driver soon awoke, and
called for !" his bottle" Having found it
he was about to drink when l stayed his
hand, and said, +" do not drink it. 1t is
destroying your body and if persisted in
will destroy your soul.''
Who made you judge?" he asked
" You must either drink yourself or vacate
this seat"
A new difficulty was before me! Was
it not enough that / had taken the drivers
seat? Could l be influenced by fear, by
drunkard, to taste of the poison? There
is, in all things right and a wrong. My
heart beat convulsively. But one alterna-
tive was before me. Either vacate the
seat and suffer the half-unconscious man
to drive over that dangerous road, or drive
| myself and drink his rum. Neuer ~ my
heart answered 81 can never taste it,
Never 7" my mouth muttered.
Do you persist ?" he said, fixing his
fiery eyes upon me.
persist" l replied.
He gazed at me one half minute and
then one CLEAN of reason lit up his face,
as he said, Whoever you are, l honor
your decision. / know / am unable to hold
the reins; but oh, this burning thirstp
Drink water" i said, from Gods
gushing fountain"
| While he was talking, confrived to
reach the bottle witt one hand and bid
ding him look at the gathering clouds, I
| tossed ii out.
He did not notice it, but proceeded to
tell me his story. He said he had gradu-
ated at one of the Western colleges and
it was there that he had contracted the
fearful habit !
Break ii off at once" l replied
You will never regret it."
Do you think | can 2" he inquired.
i am certain you can," l replied.
Look at me-" he said.
/ looked, and beheld fearful face, yet
well developed head and finely chiselled
forehead.
"Is your judgment now the same ?" he
inquired.
1t is" replied.
"Where did put my bottle q he said.
/" must have rum. There is nothing that
can satisfy me-
As he was hunting for it beheld over
the hills the clittering dome of our semi