The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1877-04-22
CAST UPON THE WATERS.
Iour Young Folks Msgaztne.l

events often shape the whole future of on
Ives. AS the companion rain drops, whic
aali upon the mohtaintop, find differed
lands and different chimes according q
hey reach the grouud on one SIDE or TIL
Rther of the dividing point, although fail
= pg but single foot apart, SO our materia
prosperity, or the reverse, often seems t,
epend upon acts which at the time wer,
Pnsidered scarcely worthy of a singl.
$ought.
The following story, substantially true
III illustrate my meaning:
Many years ago, during one of the mos
rere snow storms ever known in New
gland, an old man, carrying a huge
slise, was trndging along towards the
ailroad station In N. Without any
the task would have beer q
rd one; but, laden as he II s, he could
ercely make his way against the cutting
20 and the driving snow. Ouce he
opped, and for moment seemed to hest
Pc as to whether he would proceed or
pt. But the distance was short; aud so,
etheriDg up his strength for final
lements.
Ihe storm, so fierce aud unpleasant to
re ana Inf1rmiry, brought excitement aud
pleasure TO lad, perhaps dozen years
ia, VINO just then came up on his way to
Ghooi. He was accompanied by large
:Riack dog, with shaggy coat, completely
800 Will euo", 6UU ndTness6u to
fed. The drifts, big as they were, did
eot stop this couple. Ever aud anon the
10y screamed with delight as be witnessed
ne efforts of his companion in pulling the
geo along through the piles of snow, while
ne good natured animal, seemingly as
Ruch excited as his young 10 asser, parked
Here, Buck" said the lad, as he ar
we'd where the old man was standing.
heres a JOB for yon; you must take this
Pggage to the railroad station. You are
4oihg there are you not, sir 7" he contin-
sed, addressing the stranger.
les, my boy, l am; but"
Nay, sir, no bats u; you are too heavily |
aden. You see, Buck and run a general |
Express this morning. He's d lazy Dug, |
what he has to eat,-ain'G you,
The dog gave shrill bark, as if inclined
dispute the point.
so let me have your valiae, sir, and
FeIl whisk to the citation in a f. y"
The old man would have objected. INT
& was really gratified at this attention to
rs comfort. and amused at the frank
pr1iality OF the boy. So he quietly gave
Ip MS valise, and it was soon placed on the
Either Buck was little vexed at having
zen called lazy, or be was too anxious to
Frlve at the place of his destination with
pc luggage, for giving a sudden start,
yer won't the sled in one direction, while
rs Vaiise went into drift in another,
ne aog at The same time going head and
BRA into the snow. A scream of delight
nrst from the lad, in which the old man
ould not help joining, as Buck scram bled !
p whining and shaking his shaggy coat.
MY horse is not well broken, you see, 4
!, said the lad, as soon as he could speak;
but your vallce is unharmed. We must 4
y it once more.D
Ihe luggage was again secured on the f,
ed, and this time Book landed it safe at
Q station, pulling his young master %
rt of the way along with it. :.
" There you are, Sir" said the lad to the I,
ranger, as he came up, "safe and sound, RI
and there's your check. You must ex n
SO the liberty 1 took, but, really, r.
ought you were too heavily laden for
ch stormy day."
Bat your pay" suggested the old man. 4
- On, I'll charge that! Pay once In ak
1nths. Come, Buck !"
The old man was too busy brushing off
Q snow and updoing his muller to reply in
once When be turned around, both rs
y and dog had disappeared. Just then sc
shriii whistle OF the approaching train tt
anded leaving no time to inquire who th
little friend was. So he took his seat in &C
cars, and was borne on his way to his de
me. lie
Mr.. Martin-for that was the old mans fe
q well-tO do trader in the city tn
ne dozen miles away. He bad come out a7
previous evening on matter of bust ha
a. Having been detained logger than hy
expected, the storm came on Suddenly, bI
be was induced to stop over night. 10
ter breakfast, hardly being aware OF the of
'ience of the storm, or the depth of the th
ow which had already fallen, he had at tn
npted to reach the railroad station on TT
1t, carrying his valise in his hand. Bat re
hough, as has been stated, the distance CO
rs not great, the deep snow, made deeper til
here drltted, soon tired him; and it was n
en- that the event which we have just tn
oxen of took place. 1t was not until til
er he was comfortably seated, and the he
re- were in motion, that it occurred to Mr.. tie
sFtin that he bad not thanked his little th
end,-that he had not even asked his ba
me. Every thing had been transacted so be
Cdenly, that the whole adventure seemed re
ore like dream than reality. But til
tn he knew it was not dream, and be al
omised himself that he wolId, ere many 81
ls, make another visit to tho village, SC
10 out the name of the clever. boy, and in We
me way reward him for his act of polite HI
ss. - ST
but, amid the whirl of hnsssAsa this TO