Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1877-05-30
VOL. 72.-36S5. NO. 33.

awild gallop, he started for the nearest cabin
Inc iour miles were soon passed, and the
sympathizing neighbors aroused TO aid bis
search.
"Call the dog, Tom," said the father. as
he lifted his wife on to the horse, and then
sprang into the saddle.
81 have, father, but | can't find him.
Was he here at supper, mother ?"
81 didn't mind, child. set down his pan
OF bones, but had heap of chores IN do,
and didn't mind whether he came up or
no. Run to the shed and see child"
| The bones amt been touched-where
can he be ?"
Well, we mustn't stop for him. But.
lom, when he does come, you show him the
bonnet tn start him" And giving tbe
| word to his horse, he followed the heart
broken father.
Leave me here said good Mrs. Bonnett,
as they halted at the creek. al can find
my way to the cabin if it is dark, and I'll take
good care of her, too. I'll get her to take
some OF that cordial stuff my old doctor in
Indiana used to make up for folks what was
nervous, and if can once get her to sleep,
| ill keep her So" And with fleet steps she
hastened to the lonely home.
But 1t was only after much coaxing that the
mother was prevailed upon to swallow the
| cordial and lie down, and then it was more
TO crafty her neighbor than from any faith
IN the virtues of the medicine But the re-
suit proved that it had not been extolled too
highly, for her limbs soon ceased their COLI
vulsive twitchings, and her lips their low,
sad moaning, and ere the clock struck twelve,
she lay in a profound, sweet sleep.
Lucky thought to bring it along" said
Mrs. Bonnet, lifting her head as soon as the
measured breathing of the mother assured
her she had forgotten her troubles. d" Poor
thing y and she bent compassionatey over
her and smoothed back her disordered hair.
my heart aches for you.
"I'll fix the fire all ready to light. and
spread the table, so that can get supper
ready in few minutes when they come, for
they'll be dreadfully tired and as to poor
Grey. don't believe he's eaten a mouthful
since morning.
" It's pretty night, so still and cool like,
but wish it was brighter. If it was only
the full of the moon and the sky clear, they
might happen to come on them; for that's
lheir only chance. They'll never waken
them tonight with all their bells and horns
md shouts. Children sleep so sound when
they're tired. Dear me--but it's dread
fu to think Of If stray wolf should hap
pen to catch them, or a rattlesnake or a
blue racer bite them, or if they should have
to starve. Bless me, but it would near kill
her And they was such pretty children-so
loving always-but what's that ?"
She listened eagerly. Then exclaming
ioytully They're comng-I'll hurry and
get them something to eat" she ran in and
iindled the fire, and ere the horses had
tairly reached the door, had smoking-hot
supper ready for the table
With outstretched hands she waited at
the door. Alas, there were no little children
TO be received
" We was getting worn out" said Nick to
his wife, as he came in, land told him
we'd better come home aud get bite-and
est till day-break for he's been on the 90
since morning and without eating, and
maybe Tom would come with the hound by
hat time, and we'd stand better chance to
ind them. Pour him out some Coffee wife
Sit down, Grey, and eat bit of something.
Don't shake your head. know how it'll
choke, but think of her" And he pointed to
The bed.
1t seemed to the impatient watchers that
lay never would dawn, and with the first
'treak OF light they mounted their horses.
They had just started and Mrs. Bonnet was
putting up the bars for them, when her hus-
1and put his hand to his ear, with the ex-
3lamation--" Ilark ~
"By Jehosaphat but that's Brun Yes"
IS lie raised himself up in the saddle "it's
1im and no mistake, and now we stand
ihance to find them. Let's wait minute.
Bless my old SOUL but what's he got in his
mouth A-a-yes, as sure as I'm alive,
It's hat--a little straw hatl"
"Willie's hat" And the father leaped
10 the gt6und, tears streaming down his
face. "Where's the boy, Brun ?"
He asked the question as passionately as
though addressing human being. The
,reature seemed to read his feelings, for,
living him wistful look and wagging his
tail, he darted back
Follow him, Bill-he knows" cried
Nick. And they started on gallop Mile
.fter mile the dog led them on, pausing not
ill he came to the divide Then he
struck off, made the circuit of slough, and
lalted beside gopher mound, on which
,rew luxuriant cump Of hazels. Half blind,
lizzy in brain, and with a heart near burst
ng the father sprang from the saddle. One
ook-one only he gave, and then fell fainting
% the ground, the joy-the sudden, delrious
Joy, being almost as hard for his stricken
'oul to bear as would have been mighty
orrow There they lay, their little white
Irms twiued about each other, their dimpled
'heeks pressed close together sound asleep
I'll dear little babes OF the prarie