Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-03-24
MONTPELIER VT, WEDNESDAY, MARCH "a, 1879

snow in the light Of an unclouded sky, | at
last saw fun in everything. So long as we
had possession Of the road that stretched It's
white length between high einbankments on
either side, We got on brayely; but turning
out proved a serious business, requiring all
available help to keep us right side up, while
our noundering steed dragged us past the
obstruction. which was in most cases n
heavily loaded wood sled, drawn by slow,
/ patient oxen. Presently we reached Farmer
/ Smiths, next door neighbor TO Bill Silver
with only an expanse Of a mile between
| them. Here we halted, while Abijah sur
veyed the situation. lie walked forward,
and gazed- to the right Of him, snow
10 the left Of him. snow underneath him
| sparkled and shimmered. Coming back to
me, he made known the conclusions of his
faithful mind.
Now, Miss Resolute," he said, 81 want
you tew set just as nigh the middle Of the
sleigh as you ken, and hold the reins."
Why, what are you going 10 do = ]
asked, in surprise and alarm.
"Go behind and hold up this consarn,"
he replied, calmly.
"Why, you will certainly freeze" ! said.
Not bit Of it," he answered, cheerily
now drive ahead"
| obeyed without more words, and leav-
ing the main road, plunged into the unbroken
e1panse Of lleecy glitter that spread out be
fore us. A single sleigh track was my only
guide through the white desert. Some Sill
yer had evidently passed that way, before us.
Up and around the Hill we toiled, the patient
horse before, the patient man behind. while
| slid from side to side as the centre Of
gravity seemed TO require. A wreath Of blue
smoke curling gracefully heavenward pointed
us to the goal of our desires and stirred
wish that We too. could curl if not toward
heaven, at least up to a warm fire. Truly,
"gittcn on tur that hill vas purity tough
work, as Abijah predicted, and began 10
think it would never be done. There were
moments when thought the beast before
me was actually being buried out Of sight,
but each time he rose again. and plunged on
undaunted. Behind me came my painting
cavalier waist deep in snow, but still reso-
Lutte As for myself, my courage well nigh
failed, but We were certainly in for it, and
going ahead vas our best way out so ! |
clung to my favorite motto
At last the end came. Breathe's and |
frozen we reached Bill Silver's door, a spec .
tacle to children and dogs. But they were .
Of small account beside the blazing fire, to .
which we were made welcome. | am in .
doubt whether truth requires me 10 speak OF .
that stove as close or open. The blaze GER
tainly chuckled and winked at me through
innumerable assures, but at the moment
thought nothing about It, being forcibly re-
minded Of the thumb-screws and iron boots
Of the Inquisition, by the agony / endured
in my hands aud feet. The girl was there,
however buxom and ready. Yes, she would
certainly 60 the very next day. There was
no hesitation no quibbng about work or
wages Here was my reward-conplefe sue
cess. In my Joy metaphorically embraced
the whole family, two dogs four cats, and
children whose number is best expressed by
the algebraic quantity-X. Happy me
Happy Abijah We slipped down that hill
with hearts as light as those Of people who
20 ahead and succeed always are. Neither
did we pause till we had told the glad It'd
ings by Energys own fresde, and received
her hearty blessings. When / reached my
own home old Sol had donned his red night
cap, and was costly cuddling to rest in his
snowy couch behind the western hills. Tie
next morning the mercury was thirty degrees
below zero.
Would that I might here drop my pen
But truth compels me TO add this humilia-
ting confession From that day to this, 4" Bill
Silver's girl " has neither been seen nor
heard from
what became Of her 2"
" | don't know :" LARK.