The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1878-04-23

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lessly limited survey in search of some
indication landward. So they drove on.
The horses trotted along swiftly, the bells
rang merrily, and Philips laugh, supple
mented by lower and softer one, re-
lieved the desolateness of their painless
way. But Philips jokes were evidently
madewith an effort, and Margie' sresponses
grew more and more brief, until the 6c-
ton of whistling to keep up their
spirits" became too transparent and was
dropped by mutual though silent con-
sent. Presently the ice began to grow
rougher and seemed to be piled up in
jagged heaps.
"Our general direction is right" said
Philip, stopping to reconnoitre. "You
know where it freezes last, near the mid
die of the lake, the water dashes up along
the edge of the crust, and makes this
roughness G"We are halfway across.
A little turn to the left I think will bring
US in all right"
Halfway" said Margie, shivering.
"Then we shall soon be at home"
~ hope So. You are cold, Margie p
"Oh no. That is, not much. I feel
quite comfortable" said Margie bravely.
But Philip knew better. The cold fog
had penetrated robe and blanket, and
was sending its chilling numbness
through both of the young brave hearts.
The slight indication of the homeward
direction gave them new hope, and again
their merry voices rang out on the muf-
fed air; but the terrible monotony of
their painless ride made their merry tones
seem like a mockery, as heartless as care
less laughter in chamber of death, and
silence fell upon them again.
On, on, over the trackless ice, Philip
was driving recklessly; but care was Of
no avail, since the fog and the darkness
so completely shut them in. The main
object was speed.
"Phil," said Margie, "haven't we
driven six miles since we passed that
rough place?'
eyes, Margie, I think So" We must
be nearing the shore now"
Silence again. She sharp click of the
iron hoofs was beginning to fall more
slowly, and the soft jingle of the bells
fell like monotonous rythm upon the
heavy air. The mist was growing colder
and more penetrating, and the hopeless
darkness of starless night brooded over
them.
"Philip," again, but lower and faint
er, " shall we ever get home?
ooh, yes, Margie; it is not late yet"
and Philip struck a match to look at his
watch, but he did net tell Margie the
time. ~
No star, no shore, olight, no warmth,
alas, no hope either. Philip put his
strong arm around the little shivering
girl. There was no false modesty, no
coquettish airs now. The scarlet plumes
dropped YEARLY upon his shoulder.
Darling, it would be easier to die if
could hear you say that you love me. "
"You know that I love you, Philip"
Margie spoke with solemn earnestness,
as one speaks under the awful shadow Of
death.
Margie raised her lips to meet he1
lovers in the seal of betrothal. Ah
how much that means to young lovers
caresses, congratulations, visions Of snowy
robes and bridal wreaths, future home,
a long life of love and helpfulness; but
to these two it meant nothing but clasp
ing of hands and going together down
into the dark valley. They did not
speak. They were content. The iron
hoofs were falling more and more slowly;
the bells rang with softer melody; the
dull rumble Of the turbid waters beneath
them was growing fainter and fainter
What did it matter? The end was not
far off.
"Phillip," cried Margie, suddenly
throwing off the lethargy that was
slowly creeping over her, "Philip, I be.
lieve I heard a bell"
Philip drew the rein and the tired
horses stood still. Yes, it was surely a
bell, the sounds echoing softly through
the heavy mist.
"Thank God! we are saved" said
Philip, as the horses heads were turned
once more toward home, and the faint
sounds of the bell grew more and more
distinct, and the lights of the city began
to appear family through the mist.
"The bells saved us, Philip; how
glad they sound"
eyes, darling. We were turned to-
ward the head Of the lake, going nearly
parallel with the shore, and we might
have driven twenty or thirty miles be-
fore reaching the land"
A few weeks later, there was a merry
chime of wedding bells, as a bridal party
passed out from the lofty portals Of q
church. A little brown-eyed girl looked
up to her young husbands, through 8
cloud of filmy lace, and her eyes were
full of happy tears.
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