The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1875-02-11
THE TRIBUNE.
FOR DEAR LIFE.

-
the home of my childhood, as it had
been that of my forefathers for many
generations. The pleasantest spot III
the world, I thought, and still think,
that quaint Norwegian homestead, with
its buff walls and birch bark roof, which
succeeding summers had rendered YER
dant with an evergreen thatch OF moss
and ichens Just now, however, this
was not visible, for snow lay thickly
upon it. as it had lain for weeks past,
not only there, but upon all the country
round.
Tt was the hardest winter there had
been for fifty years-so the old folks
said-and they foretold its continuance
some weeks longer.
All this, however, did not affect any
of our party, who were all Morse men
and maidens born, used to the cold, full
of health and spirits. [, Ella Bleorn,
daughter of the house, was the widest
of that mad circle who had assembled
at Stor Aswan that Christmastide to do
honor to my betrothal to Eric Jarl, the
lover Of my youth, ere long to be my
husband At soon as the birch trees
put forth their first green tassels, In the
early springtime, was to leave my old
home for new one; as now, surround
ed by kinsfolk and neighbors, we We're
keeping this last anniversary OF my
spinsterhood i'll goodly fashion.
So in dancing, feasting, and merry
making. the week sped, until a few
hours more would see us all scattered in
various directions, to meet again we all
knew not when or where. For the last
day, therefore, we had reserved the chief
pleasure, the browning point Of all our
enjoyment sleighing and skating party
to Stor Aswan, q mountain eniercled
lake some ten miles further north,
the same from which our homestead de-
rived It's quaint Runic name. This was
to be our vail or greeting to the New
Yea-our welcome to the incoming
guest.
Brightly dawned the eventful morn
ing, clear as ones heart could desire.
Blue was the sky as sapphire, whilst the
freshly fallen snow sparkled and shone
as though strewn with living gems. All
nature seemed rejoicing like ourselves
at the advent of another year, and one
already so full of promise. Without,
the sleigh bells tinkled and chimed
merrily, making the frosty air ring again
as the gaily caparisoned horses paved,
and shook their heads, impatient as their
owner to be off At length, we started,
Eric and [ as hosts being the last of the
party; for, of course, he was my chariot
eer.
OF that day, I shall not speak; we
were all young and in high spirits, and
some of us in love. [, blue-eyed, gold
en- haired, Ella Bleorn, was acknow,
edged the belle and queen OF the party,
and Erie, my lover, the most stalwart
youth of the countryside. But all
things, even the pleasantest, must come
to an end. SO, when the shades of even
ing began to fall heavily, merging earth.
sky and water, into one gray leaden
cloud, we began our journey homeward.
Tired out with my exertion, as soon as
we started | nestled down amongst the
soft furs in the sleigh, and, rocked by
its easy motion, soon fell fast asleep.
How long [ slept l know not, but when
L awoke it was showing fast, and the
darkness so intense that we could not
see hand before Us, ] called to Eric
he was driving and asked if all was
well. TO which the answer came back,
half deadened by the thick atmosphere,
Gan well, but for God sake, try to keep
awake.
So / reused myself and sat up, know
ing that sleep in that bitter night air
might mean death. OF any other fear l
had no thought, when suddenly heard
another sound come up with the wind
a longdrawn hollow moan. Twice or
thrice it came at Intervals, this weird
noise, each time nearer and more dis
tinct. The third time the ponies also
heard it, for they sprang forward with
an impetus that almost shook me out of
of the carriage. frightened, [ said to
Eric, 'sWhat, oh what is that ?" And
the answer came bake, short and stern.
.'The Salten wolves !"
Then began that terrible chase ''for
dear life" which though we should live
for twice our allotted time, we could
never forget. Swiftly We sped along,
our steeds impelled by a terror as great
as our own, until they appeared almost
to fly. Breathlessly we nearkened, hop
ing vet TO leave our enemy behind. But
no, they travelled with us, gained upon