Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1878-03-21
Our Selected StOrY.
MAGGlE'S LESSON.

A pleasant sight greeted Nj Martyrs
eye as he threw open the door leading to
the apartment serving as kitchen, dining
and sitting room in ode. on this very cold
night in midwnter. 4 bright fire cracked
and sparkled in the wide chimney place.
the kettle sang . merry tune an toiteclf.
to which demure '.grimalkin'' nodded
grave approvals. \ round table, drawn to
the centre of the floor, with snowy cover
and neat appointments, shone in the red
! light thrown by the logs in burning. But
/ there was evidently something wanting to
complete its comfort for the master. who
glanced eXpectantly around as he walked
toward the fire.
where's Maggie:" he asked finally,
throwing down his frost-crusted wood on
the hearth.
''She has gone with Arthur Tracy to
Sandville," answered his wife, mentioning
a village several miles to the West. .'He
had some business to transact, and asked
her to 60"
"Gonc with Tracyv' repeated the hus-
band, in tone Of surprise and annoyance.
Il thought Harry was coming home to-
night?'
IL believe she decided to go with Ar
thur; girls are changcable, you know" re-
turned the wife.
''Girls are fools!" added Mr.. Martyr. ad-
ministering vigorous kick to the huge
back log by way Of emphasis, sending a
shower of red sparks up the chimney.
Bear in mind, Jane," he exclaimed, turn
ing angrily towards his wife, Mag will
play her tricks once too often. Harry
Nelson is as fine young fellow as ever
stepped in shoe-leather, and if she otfends
him she'll rue tie day she did it,
Mrs. Martyr sighed as she took her place
at the tea-table. Mothers love is ever
ready with an excuse, and, in This instance,
reasoned as follows: Living in lonely,
unfrequented village, scarcely more than a
mere settlement, with no society, such as
the rude settlers could give them, though
thoroughly approaching the worth of
Harry Nelson, she could not blame Maggie
tor being attracted by the polished exterior
Of the handsome Boston merchant.
Mr. Martyr finished his supper in 81
lence, but anxiety soon took the place of
anger in his heart.
Ibid You caution Maggie about coming
home before dark" he asked.
'.Yes; it is time for her to be here now,"
returned his wife, glancing uneasily at the
clock, which was on the stroke Of five.
land they have two stretches of wood
and to pass through" he muttered. look
ing gloomily out on the fast gathering
night. ...
The mothers heart sank: she under
stood the ominous meaning conveyed by
his words.
Many parties, lingering beyond daylight
in pleasure ride, had never returned; the
stained snow, with scattered fragments of
torn clothing, told of their fearful fate, and
of the scourge of the forests-the wolves.
The hours passed heavily. Six-seven-I
eight struck. and still no signs of their re-
turn.
At last. unable to bear his suspense
longer, Mr.. Martyn went out in quest OF
Harry, and with him to devise some means
of relief. tsy.~
Meanwhile, the hours passing so weaiily
to the parents few by laden with gay en-
joyment to Maggie and her companion.
With pardohable vanity in her ylish es-
cort. she extended her '''calls' to far bey-
ond their intended limit, to which Tracy,
,,,holly ;rpnranf of the dangers of West |
ern lite, politely assented. The sun was
far in the West when the last adieu was
spoken. the last invitation exchanged, and
the ride for home commemorate in the sledge
and pair.
Before they had gonetvo miles. the day
was entirely gone, and the moon shone
brightly over the eide expanse Of snow.
Maggie closed her eyes in terror - they
passed rapidly through the first stretch OF
woods ,zaaTT aiagRYEsIqf fge easdaf
Nothing appeared to confirm her tears,