The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-11-29
THE MIDNIGHT VISITOR,


To the beautiful rest that remains in Heaven
THE MIDNIGHT VISITOR.
On distant prairie, at nightfall, a way
worn and weary traveller was overtaken
by a snow-storm. When the first few
fakes came softly dropping down, he
looked eagerly around in the hope of dis.
corning place Of shelter; but none was
to be seen-only the trackless waste of
rolling lands, and far-off hills in the d.
rection whittier he was going-so far
off that he feared he should never reach
them. With the departure of light the
snow began falling faster, the winds blew
keener, the road over the prairie was soon
hidden from view, and the traveller felt
that he was lost on trackless waste, with
out a star to guide him across the danger
Gus country.
"This is terrible" said he, aloud. II
fear much I shall never come to my des
tination. If had but compass and a
light should not fear, for l could resist
the effects of cold long enough to reach
the hills, and there l should find human
habitations, or at least the shelter of
rock. Now / may 60 in circle till I
freeze, and be no nearer help. What
fool was to leave the river side and
cross the prairie, just for the sake OF
few miles more or less journey. Nomat-
ter; must even battle it out now"
And battle it out he did most manfully.
He drew his cap down over his ears and
bow, and his fur collar up over his
mouth, and, thrusting his hands deeper
in his pockets, pressed on through the
yielding snow. The gloom increased, the
wind came sharper, and, through his
heavy clothes, the traveller began to feel
the effects of the cold. His feet grew
numb, his arms chilled, and, after an
hours rapid walking, he suddenly paused.
"How do l know whittier I am going2"
he exclaimed. "Perhaps have already
turned aside from the straight line, and
am wandering on the verge of destruc-
ton. Oh, that l could shake off this
drowsy feeling that is stealing over me!
know what it is-the precursor of q
rest in the cold winding sheet of snow.
Great Heaven, am freezing to death ~
shrieked he, bounding forward with re-
newed energy. Authorization action
is life, and lite is too sweet to lose yetl'
lie hurried, along with q springing
motion, stamping his feet vigorously at
every step, and swinging his arms to keep
the blood in circulation. Yet, with ali
his efforts, he knew that the angel of
death was folding his white wings Silent
ly but surely around him.
Despair-no!' he cried, "not while
the memory of my loved wife and dear
children is left to me. I will struggle
on tor your sakes, and fight the storm
tend to the last extremity. Oh, Just
Heaven, for the save of the innocent ones
whose only stay is my right arm help me
to resist-help me to triumph!"
At this moment he plunged into hol-
low, his feet trod over ice, and he heard
the voice of streamlet singing of life
and action beneath its icy crust. At the
same time the smell of wood-smoke a.
luted his nostrils.
"Oh, Thou who reignest above" he
calculated, II thank Thee that Thou
hast heard my prayer. Help is near
me-"
He reeled heavily onward through the
binding snow, and saw just before him
allow shed; one more struggle, and he
fell against it. In an instant he OWNED
its character. With last desperate ct.
fort he found the door, threw it open, and
rushing in, flung himself full length up.
on the floor, knowing only that he was In
an atmosphere reeking with the fumes of
bacon, and warm with the smoke which
rose from pan Of smothered Goals in the
center Of Of the place. It was a settlers
rude smoke-house, left to care for itself
during the long winters night, and the
travellers grateful heart sent up a tribute
to heaven for this place of refag e in thu
desert Of snow. ..s::.:
In large log cabin in the valley OF
the streamlet, Milly Dean sat alone. He1
husband had gone to distant town, and
the young wife was left with her baby
Accustomed to the solitude, she felt safe,
and sat in contentment before the blazing
fire; the flames leaped right joyfully ur
the chimney, and the green logs sizzled
and cracked in the heat like things o.
life. Out doors the wind was bowling
drearily, and the snow falling heavily
but Milly cared not, for it only made The
firesmore cheerful. There came q ran
ping at the door.
Chow strange! Who can that be a,
our door In this wild night7' she said t.
herself, as she rose and went into the lit.
tie entry.
The rapping was repeated.
"Who is there?" she asked.
"For Heavens cake let me in; I am
freezing to deatha'' was the reply.
'Who are you2 and how came you in
this lonely place on such an evening a.
this2"
II am a traveller from below; I lost my
way, and am dying with cold. For pityI
sake Jet me in, or shall perish!'': 50:
Milly hesitated. She was alone. and il
was three miles to the nearest neighbor's
What should she do9 She paused in per
plexity.
"Oh, save me-save me! am diving =
were the words that met her hearing
There was heavy fall against the sill
and then low means. Her woman natur.
could stand no more; true to the instinc
of her being, she unbarred the door ausi
threw it open. A closely-muf1ed fgur'
reeled by her into the room, and, shut
ting the door, she followed. On reach