River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-21
MAGGIE'S LESSON.

A pleasant sight greeted Mr.. Martyrs
eye as he threw open the door leading to
the apartment serving as kitchen, dining
and sitting room in one, on this very cold
night in midwinter A bright fire
cracked and sparkled in the wide CHM
ney place, the kettle sang a merry tune
all to itself, to which a demure "grimal-
kin nodded grave approvals. A round
table, drawn to the center 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 COM
fort for the master, who glanced expect
antly around as he walked toward the
fire.
Where's Maggie27 he asked, finally,
throwing down his bundle of frostcrustcd
wood on the hearth.
sShe nas gone with Arthur Tracy to
Sandville," answered his wife, mentioning
village several miles to the west. " He
had some business to transact, and he
askei.her to 60"
Gone with Tracy" repeated the hus-
band, in tone OF surprise and annoy
ance. II thought. Harry was coming
here to-night?n
81 believe she decided to go with Ar
thur; girls are changeable, you know"
returned the wife.
"Girls are fools" added Mr.. Martyr,
administering a VIGOROUS kick to the
huge black log by way of emphasis, send
ing a shower of red sparks up the chin
ney "Bear in mind Janet" he exclaim
ed, turning angrily towards his wife,
ha1. ff-Ia
Harry Nelson is as fine young fellow as
ever stepped in shoe leather, and if she
offends him, she'll rue the 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
a lonley, unfrequented Western village,
scarcely more than mere settlement,
with no society, save such as the rude set
tier could give them, though thoroughly
approaching the worth of Harry Nelson,
she could not blame Maggie for being at
tracted by the polished exterior o. the
handsome stranger.
Mr.. Martyn finished his supper in 81
lence, but anxiety soon took the place OF
anger in his heart.
did you caution Maggie about coming
home before dark 2" 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.
sAnd they have two stretches Of wood
land 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 day
light in pleasure-ride, had never re-
turned; the stained snow, with scattered
fragments of torn clothing, told of their
fearful fate, and of the scourge of the for
est-the wolves. The hours passed heavi-
ly. Six-seven- eight struck, and still
no signs of their return.
At last, unable to bear his suspense
longer, Mr. Martyr went out in quest of
Harry, and with him to devise some means
Of relief.
Meanwhile, the hours passing 50 wear
lily to the parents flew by laden with gay
enjoyment to Maggie and her companion.
With pardonabIe vanity in her stylish
escort she extended her ''calls" to far be-
yond their intended limit, to which Ira
cy, wholly ignorant of the dangers of q
Western life, politely asscnted. The sun
was far in the west when the last adieu
was spoken, the last invitation exchanged,
and the ride for home commenced in the
sledge and pair.
Before they had gone two miles, the
day was entirely gone, and the moon
shone brightly over the wide expanse OF
snow Maggie closed her eyes with a
thrill of terror as they passed rapidly
through the first stretch of woods.
Nothing appeared to coRfirm her fears,
and she began to hope they might reach
home in safety.
Tracy broke the silence by exclaiming:
This is the best part of the ride, isn't IT,
Miss Maggie2" bending glance of adj
miration on her fresh, blonde beauty.
Startled from her reverie, she joined in
his merry conversation, while her thoughts |
made an undue accompaniment to the !
sledge music in the words of her father, |
The evening previous-''These clear, cold |
nights are Just the ones for the wolves"
Sud denly to badinage and repartee came |
fearful interlude, long, low cry, at |
first howl, then dying away into pro-
longed, mourning wall, sound once |
heard, never forgotten.
Maggie had repeatedly heard it when
the wolves pressed by sore hunger, VEN
tured within the limits of the settlement !
At such times she would cover her head, |
and, trembling with fear, pray that she, |
or any loved one, might never be exposed !
to such death.
And now a faint moan of anguish es-
capped her lips. Tracy turned to her in |
surprise.
eWhy, what is the natter" he cried, |
seeing her pale and affrightened features.
She endeayored to speak, but her voice
failed her. Then. as the death-cry arose
. ~.a;,, -, +ha c+ili nioht air with the u