Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1873-05-04
UNDER THE SNOW.
The Story Of a Knoxville Boy.

me- StOEy VA a N.Y.
THE following prize story was written for The
Young Folks Rural. by Hampden Stewart. pupil Of
Miss Andersons who is ID years of age. The article
took the prize and was published.-EDs. CHRONICLE
Now there was to be 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 fetc 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 a wealthy farmer by
the name of Kirby. Willie was left to the
care of Mr.. Kirby until the arrival of
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 bis
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 Will
awoke i'm the morning and saw the white
mantle Ger the trees he clapped his hands
with delight. Mr.. Kirby arranged that
will and Nettie should startabout 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
gentle. So Will and Nettie were bundled
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 Will first noticed
1t, and as he naerriIy cracked his whip over
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 Will
dashed the horse, and they hurried on.
Nettie was Heightened, but Will courage
Ously spurred the flying animal Could he
reach Squire Benefits tonight? Were
they on the right road? were questions
constantly recurring to his mind, while
little Nettie trembled with cold and fright,
and they wrapped the great shawl closer
around them. Will was growing cold and
sleepy, while poor Nettie had cried her
self to sleep. Willis head nodded again and
again ; he tried to overcome his excessive
stupor, but he too fell asleep, with one arm
around Nettie, while the hand that held
on to the lines relaxed its hold. They had
proceeded but few steps when they were
awakened by falling out. The sleigh had
been overturned, and the horse had dashed
away, leaving Nettie and him i'm the snowi
Poor Titles ones! Willieprayed for help,
for they would be compelled to spend the
night in the snow, and perhaps perish.
The bitter winds hurled the snow in blind
ing masses into the faces of the little suf-
ferers.
An idea struck Will he had heard his
good uncle tell of boy who crawled under
the snow during a storm, and was thus
shielded from its fury, and was at last
saved. So Willie scraped out a hole in the
snow, and Nettie crawled in the best way
she could, he following. They carefully
wrapped themselves in the great shawl
and buffalo robe, which had fallen out
with them, and murmuring a prayer they
fell asleep.
The storm ragged, and the snow drifted
and piled over little Willie and Nettie. At
dawn they were aroused from their rest by
the loud barking of dogs. Will threw up
his arms and raked the snow away, and
saw three large Newfoundland dogs, bark
ing furiously, while men were riding up.
1t was Mr.. Kirby, the Squire and others.
They uttered cry of joy, and Mr.. Kirby
ciaSpeu his UdugnUer 10 Ills arms, WnlIe
stranger seized our Willie. By the light
of the lanterns Willie saw his face, and
cried out, "Oh, it's. uncle Charlie! it's
uncle Charlie"
Yes, it was Mr.. Charles Hare, and as he
folded the orphan in his arms, told him his
story, how he had chung to spar, and was
picked up by ship bound for Ningpo,
China, where he changed ships, and again
sailed for America, reaching farmer Kir-
by's the night before. Old Gray had trav-
eled on until she reached the Squirrels,
who, hearing her sharp neighing, came
out to see what was the matter. He in
stantly apprehended danger to the chill
dren of his friend; starting for their house
he alarmed the parents and uncle, and
they started on the search. Unable to find
any trace of the children, they procured
some dogs, and found them in the place
before narrated. --rt e. sr7 -o o.
Knox County Crop Items. h}iGrsl