Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1873-05-07
UNDER THE SNOW.
The Story OF a Knoxville Boy.

The following prize story We. written fer The
Young Folks Rural, by Hampden Stewart, pupil Of
Miss Andersons, who is Is years of age. The article
took the prize and was published.-EDs. CHRONICLE
Now there was to be a grand party at
Squire Benefits on Christmas night.
Nearly every child in the district had been
invited, for the Squire loved children, and
never Christmas passed without he gave
this tctc for them. Among the many little
boys who were to attend was William
Hare. Willie Hare was an orphan, and
lived at the house of wealthy farmer by
the name Of Kirby. Willie was left to the
care of Mr.. Kirby until the arrival of a
rich uncle who lived in India, and as the
time had elapsed without the appearance
of the uncle, the farmer concluded he was
lost at sea, for the uncle had written of his
departure from India on the "Sailor Boy"
Mr. Kirby afterward heard of the wreck of
the vessel, and that no one was saved.
When Willie heard the sad news he wept
bitterly, for he knew he was now indeed
alone. The kind-hearted farmer comforted
him, and generously offered him home.
Christmas dawned, and with it came just
enough snow to ride easily. When VIII
awoke in the morning and saw the white
mantle DER the trees, he clapped his hands
with delight. Mr.. Kirby arranged that
Will and Nettie should startabou three in
the afternoon, thus giving them ample
time to reach the Squire's before dark.
Will was to drive old Gray, as she was very
into the sleigh, with word or two of eau
ton from the good mother, who had all
confidence in Wills skill in driving.
Will and Nettie chatted so busily about
Christmas that they did not observe the
coming snow-storm. They had proceeded
about two miles when VIII first noticed
il, and as he merrily cracked his whip ovel
Gray she quickened her pace. The dark
snow clouds grew thicker, and the snow
fell thick and fast, in its soft, misty beauty
Now the wind howled, and blew the snow
far in its fury. 1t grew darker, but vii
dashed the horse, and they hurried on
Nettie was Heightened, but Will courage
ously spurred the flying animal. Could h
reach Squire Benefits tonight? Wer
they on the right road ? were question
constantly recurring to his mind, Will
little Nettie trembled with colda fright
and they wrapped the great shawl close
around them. VIII was growing cold an
sleepy, while poor Nettie had cried hel
self to sleep. Wills head nodded again an
again he tried to overcome his excessiv
stupor, but ne too fell asleep, with one arr
around Nettie, while the hand that hel
on to the lines relaxed its hold. They ha
proceeded but few steps when they wei
awakened by falling out. The sleigh ma
been overturned, and the horse mad dasht
away, leaving Nettie and him in the snow
Poor Titles ones! Willie prayed for hel
for they would be compelled TO spend q
night in the snow, and perhaps peris
The bitter winds hurled the snow in bin
ing masses into the faces of the little 81
ferers.
An idea struck Will he had heard /
good uncle tell of boy who crawled und
the snow during storm, and was tn
shielded from its fury, and was at il
saved. So Willie scraped out a hole in t
snow, and Nettie crawled in the best W
she could, he following. They careful
wrapped themselves in the great sha
and buffalo robe, which had fallen {
with them, and murmuring prayer tn
fell asleep. ,-.,,-r -.
The storm ragged, and the snow drift
and piled over little Willie and Nettie.
dawn they were aroused from their rest
the loud barking of dogs. viii threw
his arms and raked the snow away, a
saw three large Newfoundland dogs, ba
ing furiously, while men were riding
1t was Mr.. Kirby, the Squire and oth'
They uttered a cry of joy, and Mr.. XII
clasped his daughter 70 his arms, Will
stranger seized our Willie. BY the Iii
of the lanterns Willie saw his face,
cried out, "Oh, it's uncle Charlie
uncle CharlieW
Yes, il was Mr.. Charles Hare, and as
folded the orphan in his arms, told him