National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1870-02-04

BY HELEN LUQUEER.

phies of many a hunt), before a
blazing fire in the huge chimney of
Toms cabin, up among the hills and
many miles away from any other
human habitation.
Early in the autumn l had left
my city home to recruit my failing
health and energy, and found my
self one day in the mountains, over.
taken by a storm, weak and drench-
ed to the skin. | sat down in des.
pair, thinking l must die alone and
uncared for.
i had not strength to battle long
er with the gusts of rain and blasts
Of wind. But | had brOOded only
few moments over my sad and
desperate situation before my atten.
tiOn was attracted by the cracking
of the underbIush, and fierce
hound burst through closely follow.
ed by man tall and gaunt, who
carried gun wrapped in his shag.
gy skin OvercOat, to partially protect
it from the wet. The dog would
have proved dangerous antagonist
to my weakened condition, had not
the powerful voice of his master
bade him to be quiet and brought
him crouching at his feet.
l instantly begged assistance and
shelter, telling the strange hunter of
my wietched situation, and that
death would follow continued expos
urc.
MY cabin he replied, lis just I'M
der the lee of yonder hill. You are
welcome to its shelter until the
storm has passed, and he strobe
moodily on without offering the
slightest assistance.
struggled to my feet, and fol-
lowed as rapidly as possible. The
way WAS long and rugged, and my
utmost strength was severely taxed
20 keep pace wirll his giant strides.
Out of breath, and entirely exhaust
ed, at length reached the little log
cabin. Its owner was waiting in
the door for me. He bade me enter
in a churlish way, showed rude
stool toward me, aud threw an arm
ful of wood upon the moulderin;
I fire. In few moments the blaze
/ danced merrly up the wide chin
ney.
AS the warmth began 10 pene.
trate my bcnumbed form f.,intnesS
came over me.my brain whliled, and
} al "a, Il l,.,t IN,
a strange confusion. Then all be-
came darkneSs-I had tainted.
When consciousness returned |
found myself lying upon a pile of
skins, warmly covered with blank
cts. but far too weak to speak or even
raise my hand to my head. My
host sat in front of the fire with his
elbows resting upon his knees and
his chin upon his hands, and gazing
moodily at the ilickcring flame.
Presently he looked up and caught
the expression Of my wistful eyes,
brought me a cup of tea, and said
in IA low and mockiug voice:
so you have come around, have
YOU Altlt ldAt IL hilIh, anu az
most tendcrlN raised me up.
God bless N0ur was the reply,
and pressed his hand warmly.
He instantly resumed his old seat
and manncr--was in Il moment ap.
parenily lost in thought.
Did not faint 7 | asked in a
feeble voice.
Il should think YOU iid.and made
pretty long faint of it, he replied,
laughing.
His face instantly changed, and Il
greater change was not possible
The glomy, soured expression was
lighted up-the sad features trans
formed into almost beauty-and Ell
conraged me to continue my qucs
tioning.
WAS | long in sensible ?
About two weeks. That wa,
fainting wit, vengeance
Two wccks' Impossible p
Yes, old fellow, two weeks.
= picked you up from the floor, where
you had fallen like IA sick girl, strip
ped you of your wet clothing, ant
wrapped you up in raIm blankets
Then l placed you on the bed upoi
) which you are now lying, and man
aged to administer a little hot whis
, key. II partially restored you, bu
, fever set in, and from that time un
, til the present you have been dclir
!. ious-bcen thinking you were II
home and his face lighted agaiI
{, with smile, and his dark eyes fash
: ed with merriment rs he recale,
). my wandering fancies.
}, You must have been very kin,
to me through this long Sickness
DID you call doctorf
'Doctori Heavens no! If ha,
you would not be able tO ask tn
question now. Old man Peters, h.
keeps the tavern where you lei
~ your baggage, sent his boy out il
K search OF you when YOU did not r,
turn ~, night, and | made him brin
1t up here, 50 that you could have
,, change Of clothing, and since he lo'
= we have not been troubled with pr,
;. ing neighbors, thank God. Iknc,
'. that IL anything would help you
:. recover 1t would be perfect quie
I AM, care. It did me good to Chez
the doctors, and the undertakcrs,tot
out of % job. The leeches! How
:. detest them! But don't talk an
- more nOw.'