Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1881-06-29

and the fortune won, ana thal llttle
home and sweet Kate Sheldon gained,
how slight the hardships will seem
then" said Jack, cheerily.
His companion frightened visibly.
That is pretty well assured already,
Jack. | 60 into the firm when | re-
turn, and Kate told me when we par
ted that she didn't think she could let
me 20 away again. So, Lcadville or
no Leadvilte happiness awaits my re-
turn. | wish that | could feel that the
same good fortune was in store for you,
dear old fellow
"The Aood-tide will come in good
time, Charley" said Howard, quietly;
and again there fell long silence.
The wind was rushing over the plains
in fierce gusts, and the snow was driv-
ing along blindingly. The driver peer
ed with strained eyes to catch here and
there ahead the fast-disappearing track.
1t had grown piercingly cold. The
horses, almost blinded, turned their
heads this way and that to escape the
pitiless blast. Charley, wrapped in
happy dreams, had become almost OBJ
livious to the wild storm which had
burst upon them. Not so Howard.
His face grew more and more grave,
At last he leaned forward and laid his
hand OH the drivers shoulder. The
man turned and his eyes met Jacks.
L. their troubled expression Howard
read danger"
How far is it to the station?'
Il we miles, if a foot.
Can you keep the trail?'
I can't! See this cursed wagon
drags cternally through the drifts. If
we cut loose from it and make break
with the horses"
The driver paused and looked in his
listeners eyes, as if seeking resolution
to 90 on. Towards dark eyes were
thoughtful and almost sad
"I on think the only chance for safe
" is in the horsesy"
Yes. We can run them for all
that's in them, and perhaps make the
station. But il will be close call at
the best, and''-belding his head near
er Jack, and glancing nervously toward
Charley-"only two can 20. So long
as there is shadow of Il trail | can
follow it, but it's going fast in this gale.
For Gods sake, decide quickly
The dark eyes had lost their look Of
trouble. The handsome face was pale,
but calm, as was its wont.
Cut the horses loose came the ans
wer, short and sharp. Charley we
must leave the wagon. Tumble out,
old man."
Jack was already on the ground, re-
moving with rapid, sEillful hands the
harness from the covering horses
Charley came back from dreamland
from the bright little home Of his fancy
and climbed bewilderedly to the ground
What are we leaving the wagon
for? Are we going to camp here
What s all the row."
The row is, my dear boy, that the
wagon sticks in the drifts, and we are
going to push on for the station on
horseback"
"All ready, sir?" said the driver
meaningly, looking anxiously at Jack.
"All ready. Here, Charley, up YOU
} go. Now ride hard, and stick close tc
your guide
The driver paused in astonishment.
But what are you going to do
: Jack?' And Charley looked from
his companion to the driver perplexed
~. Something in their faces strucl
him as with blow. He grew deadl,
pale.
; "My God! Jack, what is this
Can't we all go?'
mo, old fellow, we cannot" saiC
Jack.
, "But why should you be left? Thi
man-what right has he more thar
either Of us
Gle is tho only hope of. one of US
He alone can find the station"
"Great God! This is horrible.
I will not leave you. | cannot, Jack"
: Charley, you must, and at once
l. Every minute is precious. Your life
not your own. Think of Kate. Yo
c must 90, dear old fellow. Good by"
Jacks warm, firm hand held Charley
IN cllnglng grasp Ior IN lnst''ht, an
: then let it fall.
by heavens! | will not 60.
g The driver sat nervous and imp;
G tient. Jack moved to his side and whi'
4 percd: Gle must go-do you under
:, standl' and nodded toward the heav
e Wagon whip that lay beside the hea
j Of harness.
,, yes; be quick about it.
The driver grasped Grants reiI
/ that hung loosely on the horses necl
:, the long lash cut through the crisp Al
e savagely. Both horses sprang forwar
K with single impulse.
. Jack Howard stood alone IN tn
6 whirling snow. His skeleton was foun
there in the spring.
> At II. NJ, December Il, 1879, tn
telegraph operator at Leadville recei'
= ed the following dispatch:
4 New York, Dec. q, 1879.
Il To John Howard, Leadville, Col
10,