The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1875-02-12

4 tttt "tdtiitI. ~ kulIk maze over VfVzka UT
sun, .paling Il TO the hue Of silver the
wind had shifled 20 the northeast. These
signs had not escaped Dalfon's notice. The
mountaineer, like the sailor, soon learns
that life itself often depends ON the quick
recognition ofthe friendly warnings which
nature gives 10 the wayfarer. He scanned
the narrowing horizon, and urged his
horse 70 brisk trot. He reached Bacon's
Run, passed Il. and mounted TO the level Of
the prairie. From this point. on clear day
the top OF the Lone Tree could be outlined;
but now the clouds had become so heavy
and lowering, and the haze had SO thick
ened. that objects near at hand were indis-
tinct. Me ancholy. fitftil gusts came pass
ing to the traveller from AL quarters, as If
telling him 10 hasten. As he looked nj the
clouds his countenance wore an air OF APP
prehension. He was not kept long In a
state OF expectancy.
a mote. pure and white, came fiuttering
down, bufieted by the wind, now here.
now there. uncertain where TO go. II
finally sought refuge on Dalron's furred
coat. Others soon followed with hesita-
ton. now stopping and ascending, as
though to return 10 the home whence they
came, but finally descending. and seeking
rest in obscure hiding places These in
significant specks became larger, more
numerous. holder. took possession and
covered all things with a garment of
white.
The situation was plain, snow-storm
on the prairie was al hand.
Brave men are keenly sensitive TO the
approach of danger which they resolute-
ly meet.
Dalton thought of Inc comfortable little
cottage by the roadside. and the dear ones
ar.fs. -.
he had battled against the snow. and out
OF ten companions was the only survivor
OF that terrible experience.
The storm now ragged with increasing |
power. The snow-iiakes were blown |
abour Al binding myriads- All traces of
the TO ID. at best never very clearly defined !
were covered. The biting wintry blast I
went moaning by night came premature /
ly in wall OF darkness: all was a wild \
waste for the sport of the elements.
Dalton. unable 10 see an inch ahead. or
to form the remstest idea which direction
to take, let the reins fall on the horses
neck, leaving him unrestrained to take his
way-a cutting commentary on mans
boosted reason pitted against an animals
Instinct. But to guide Alright in such
night would make instinct sublime.
The noble stecd moved confidently on.
ness-the lonely, desolate unknown. Sud-
denly he stopped, with an abruptness
which nearly threw the rider. who, reach
ing. touched what seemed TO be the trunk
Of tree. Extending his hand higher, he
grasped what was certainly the limb of
tree, and then all doubt disappeared.
He was at the Lone Tree, only five miles
from home and safety.
Here, indeed, was hope, but not unal-
loyed. Two elements entered TO yitiate
10: one. the horse seemed falling: the
other, the tree was one hundred wards
from the highway. a variation which
showed that the faithful animal had so far
erred, and hinted-Why not further VIZ
ration in proportion rs he lost strength
and canfidences
The only solution was to move on. II
might be AT the bidding of chance: still,
motion was absolutely essential 10 prevent
the blood from congealing TO the very
heart. The rider found il necessary to
make the horse feel the rein. TO endeavoi
TO impart confidence TO hiIn. and 10 urge
him forward. The poor beast was readily
obedient, and showed that, his own re-
sources being exhausted. he relied on his
master. The sympathy existing between
them. the fellowship Of peril. almost re-
moved the barrier between the human and
brute creations.
a long time elapsed-it seemed to Dali
ton many hours-but his only measure Of
time was his bodily and mental suffering.
lie endeavOred 10 penetrate the darkness.
and strained his senses To a wonderful ten
sion. In the hope Of seeing some friendly
light or hearing some human sound
TO tell him he was not all alone.
Fate was mocking him. The horse stood
ltt,fx n Z
20 another stem. He tottered and fell al |
most on his rider, who, rising. and stag
geriDg about in the deep snow, struck
heavily against an upright object.
Could il be the sign-board post which
stood on the little knoll just east of his
home.
Oh. no! Horror more chilling than the !
wind and snowl Ii was the lone tree,
All those terrible hours he had been NOV !.
ny In a circle,
All this brave struggle had beer for no Z.
hing. Here was a crisis. One minute of
ndecision, and the paralyzing cold would |.
conquer: but early training and a noble
nature decided. Faithful to the last. DIAL
on quickly took the mailbag from the
addie. nerved himself for the final effort, =
nd then went houndering in the snow to !
each-wherever his destiny should lead :,
m. =
lime wore on. Strength and will were Y
bling fast. In desperation the unfortu- =
ate man endeavored 10 cry out for help, =
sit bis indlstinct uftennces were forced =
ack by the Kissing. merciless wind. He u
'as fast losing his mind. His steps were Y
numbered. A faintness came over him. =
Was II cruel mirage that trifled with !
i'm? Over the drifts. through the night. CO
hone the bright cheerful light of fire.
wiling him To comfort and home.
Too late. He uttered faint cry. then
u in the soft, yielding. deceptive snow. n
The storm was victor. o.