The daily gazette., 1875-06-01
lcontinpet from First paae J


supper prepared, and some mysterious
LIQUID in a snug little kettle, emitting
odorous, tempting fumes. 1t was time
his arrival, and he was usually very
prompt. Yet he tarried.
The cl ange in the weather had not
taken place unnoticed, but had pro-
d,-ced in her kind of indefinite un-
nasiness, a slight restlessness, and yet |
t hld no particular il Importance In con- |
,ec,ion with the ab ance of her hus.
band, until the clock on the mantel
'~i rl sr 'uu. Then the wand whist |
ling around the house corners, rafting
he doors and shutters, and INC 81 uw
beating so persistently against the
widow parcs, accuired n painful sig
nlflcance. Her husband was out in
the storm, and might at that moment
nc perishing with cold on the prairie.
This dreadful thought transformed
her whole being; the genial expression
of her face changed into a terrified
look. She went to the window and
lrew wide the curtain, that the brignI |
firelisht might shine out as haven to
guide him who was the light of her
hum blc life She paced to and fro
under n rapidly increasing excitement.
The weird sounds made by the storm
mes zen er ms they whiled by in Til,
ulfilment Of their mission made her
start and tremblc.
1t had grown late, it was half-pasl
light, and yet no tidings. She fell bach
into a chair and burst into tears; bu
his weakness was temporary ouly.
| She looked resolutely down into the iic
aud made her plan. Ii was u desperate
ulg, uul Iove is more uc>pDidtc tudt
1ate. If John Dalton did not cor
Nv nino o'clock, she would go and find
him.
ltlsing With firmness, she went frs
| hci children. I hey were sleepiu,
very peacefully. A kiss for each,
long, lingering look of affection, hat no
| -hought tina. she would never see them
again.
She took from the closet pair OF
| iyefsl 0es and y cloak for herself, a
blanket and flask of brandy for the
one she was going 20 seek. Her SIM
pie preparations completed, she stood
waiting.
1t lackel a quarter of nine. There
vas a noise ut the door, like knoc@s
epeatcd by one who desired enhance
70 Jane Dalton's ovcrwrought scLses
he~e was the sound of a hand on tho
ioor-knob. She rushed to the doc
20 admit her husba "a; she opened il
o admit the bowling blast 'hish al
most dashed her to the floor. Very
,adly disappointed, but still courage
Gus, she returned to the place before
tho clock.
In five minutes more the time would
be UP. Her cloak and hood were on
and she was ready for whatever Goo
had in stoIe for her She watched
I the clock like one who waits for somt
supreme moment In life. The win(
seemed to be roughly calling her. Thel
F., +, lulled few seconds and she heard I
sry-a moan-which seemed to frcezt
e ler blood.
That is john" she cried; che call
a me-
= Instantly she was out In the night
brav ng the storm. Where should sh
20 She could not tell. She wen
0lindly on. A sparrow does not fal
without His knowledge. Her step
were guided; her feet struck some
thing buried in the snow. 1t was tn
mail bag.
"Thank God!" she cried, and fell o.
her knees at her busbaId's side.
Quc ckly, almost ficrcely, she snatch
6 ed from his body the jealous snow. Sh
t rubbed his breast; she chafcd hi
wrists and hands. There was an elcc
5. tricity of love in her touch, which It
stored warmth and life.
John Dalton arose from that bed Q
:, death saved by his wife.
il Together in the little rome, by th
\. bright fire, heartfelt prayer, a kiss fo
"a hn little ones, al enbrace-yes, nor
han one for the wife, the supper fir
shed, the contents of the snag littl
Kettle not forgotten.
John Dalton p. es- ID his hand on HI
forehead, his face wo e atroubled lool
then he turned to Jane and said:
"Wife, almost forgot the mail; an
important letter i'll the bag, and mu
be delivered tonight"
A tender voice replied; mo, JohI
tomorrow will do"
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