The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1881-01-27
THE ANGELS OF THE SNOW
STORM.

FRO II WltUlu Tue COdfScr ulOlQS OF na-
ture there are often acts SO kind, SO un
selfish, 80 untainted with petite motives.
that near them one could almost feel the
plumy brush of an angels wing.
On one of those tracts of bottom land,
unfurling like vast wings, from the ser
pent like body of the Mississippi river
nestled al Arkansas station village
Though under the miasnatic influences
of swamp land, developing in summer
its routine of bilious diseases, yet winter
found the villagers in health and spirits
equal to keen appreciation of Christmas
festivities.
Up one of the country roads winding
out from the village came in sight two
Little trudgers. Their poor attire was
presentable only in its exquisite cleanh
ness, from the washed-out blue of the
little sisters quilted hood to the snowy
sock peeps from the worn shoes of the
little brother. These were somebody's
darlings, sacred as We're those Spartan
jewels of old, to waiting old grand
mother.
Their small store of butter and eggs
had been previously bargained for pair
Of shoes, and little sack of popcorn vas
the anticipated means to purchase candy.
They learned at first inquiry that the
store keeper was engaged about a Christ
mas tree in a house remote from the
store, and thither they repaired, and
were admitted.
The storekeeper came forward, relieved
them of their light burden, and, absent
ing himself for short time, returned
with the shoes. No one seemed to take
any notice OF them except one thought
less girl, who said, as she swept past
them with g lap full of oranges: 81
thought no children were to be admitted
till to night.
What novel spectacle Of beauty was
that Christmas tree to their eyes of won
derment and eagerness!
Almost reaching the ceiling was tow
erinS evergreen; pendant from every
twig were tarleton sacks starred with
gilt, yielding tempting glimpses of rose
and white molds of French candles; gay
pictured cornucopias overhowing their
plenteous stores Of nuts and clusters of
fresh raisins, and the larger limbs orns.
mented with drums and doll babies.
There we're continually new faces en-
tering with ieweled hands clasping bun
dies and fancy boxes, mingling gay voices
with the merry, busy crowd, clustering
around the already burdened tree, all of
which formed scene so tempting to the
delighted vision of the children, that only
the closing of doors and regaining of the
outer world again told them that the
afternoon had come unawares.
They turned homeward, those two
than whom had never throbbed in human
hearts more boyish heroism or girlish
self-sacrifice; they turned homeward from
that pleasure, seeking throng with not SO
much as one orange or sugared bon bon
to lessen the pangs of poverty and hung
er tugging at their poor little heart
strngs-
"Now, grandma will be so proud of her
new Shoes" said the boy, as he noted on
tie little wan face beside him look of
such grieved disappointment.
IF des had one orange for her I
wouldn't cared, Robin, and you would
been so proud of dem red drums with de
tawsels.
''See the snowhakes, Wreniel" said
Robin, making hasty step or two for
ward, trying to grasp the gossamer bits
in assumed glee, but with heart ready
to overflow in boyish tears. "I'll finish
my eled to night, and. with the pony
harnessed in, we will have sleigh ride
tomorrow, and, after all, q jolly Christ
mas. Well have to hurry home now,
before the snow gets deep, for you'll get
cold" He glanced down at his own al
most bare feet that already began to tin
gle. "Yes," replied the little sister,
initiating the brightness of her brothers
face, "and well be good like grandma
tells us, and take some of dem folks to
| ride what wouldn't div us nothing, won't
us, Robinl" He nodded pleasantly in re-
turn, and they both FASTENED as fast as
their limbs could bear them, for not only
the snow was falling fast, but keen
| wind began to whistle an unwelcome
] dirge through the almost leatless forest
limbs above them. 1t was only two miles
70 their home, and in dry seasons was q
straight, plain way. But winter rains
had submerged shallow slough. through
which they usually passed on foot. Here
they passed, for the wagon tracks wind
ing around the circuitous marsh, which
had been their guide, were entirely GOV.
cred by the snowy vestment, rapidly and
silently folding on the gray form of ma
| ture.
Robin stood and thought for minute.
"Ol reckon we'll go all right. Come,
Wrenie, grandma is making sausage fol
supper, we must hurry home."
"Robin, am awful hungry; dey is SO
good des can't wait"
The Christmas tree and all behind
them were forgotten in the severity oi
their surroundings and the great desire
TO reach home.
They had gone perhaps mile, When
Robin realized they were wrong. He
concluded not to retrace his steps, but
thinking he knew the way, turned to his
sister, who was forcing her little body
along with great effort.
81 am des trying with all my might
and main to go fast, but des can't go nc
fudder."