The post. [volume] (Middleburg, Snyder County, Pa.) 1864-1883, 1881-08-25


of the break, the sorrel and gray
made a weak attempt at friskiness
lost years before, and the bucboard
rolled heavily along 10 the deep
rrts OF the frozen ground.
An hour had passed. The uneven
road had given place to snowy
trial, over which the wheels crnnched
viciously.
The wind came rushing over the
plain with hoarse, viudictive
scream, and the air was white with
snow which cut the face sayagely.
Tho borses wero laboring heavily
through the low drifts which had
begun TO ill the trail. Tho west
range had disappeared from view.
Tho drivers face was dark and
troubled.
by Goorgol one deserves for.
tune Tor overcoming tho difficulties
he meets with in reaching Leadyille,
setting aside those that await him
there growleI Grant.
But when the Elioraio is reach
ed and tho fortune won. and that
little home aud sweet kato Sheldon
gained, how slight tho hardships
will seem them said Jack cheerily.
His companion frightened yisibly.
"Tbat is pretty we'll assured al
ready, jack. go into tho firm
VII en iroturn, and Kate told me
when wo parted that che didn't think
she could let mo go again. So,
Leadyillo or no Leadville, happiness
awaits my return. | wish that |
could feel that tho same good for.
tune was in store for you, dear oil
I fellow
"The Il 'od.,i will come in good
time, Charley said Howard quietly;
and again there fell a long silence.
The wind was rushing over the
plains in fierce gusts, and the snow
WAS driving blindingly. The driver
peered with strained eyes TO catch
hero aud there ahead tho fast dis
Appearing track. IL had grown
piercingly cold. Tue horses almost
blinded. turned their hea Is this way
then that to escape the pitiless blast.
Charley wrapped in happy dreams
bad become almost o,livions to the
binding storm which had burst up
on thon Not 50 HoRarl. Ills
face grew moro grave. At last ho
leaned forward aud laid his hand up.
on tn drivers shoulder. The man
turned and his eye caught Jacks.
In their troubled expression Howard
read danger
SLOW far is il to the station I"
Five miles il foot"
"Can you keep the trail ?"
II cant! See this cursed wagon
digs eternally through the drifts.
IL we cut loose from it and make
break with tho horses
The driver paused and looked in
his listeners eyes, as il seeking reso-
luton to go on. Howard's dark
eyes were thoughtful and almost sad.
"You think the only chance for
safety is iD the horses"
"Yes. We can run them for all
that's in them. and perhaps make the
station. But it will be close call at
the best, and'-bending his head
nearer Jack. and glancing noryously
toward Chsrley--"only two can go.
So long as there Is o shadow of a
trail | can follow II, bat it's going
fast in this gale. For Gods sake,
decide quickly y
The dark eyes had lost their look
of trouble. The handsome face wac
pale, but calm as was it's wont.
"Cut the horses loose !" came the
answer, short aud sharp. "Charlie
we must leave the wagon. Tumble
out, old man T.
Jack was already on the ground,
removing with rapid, skillful hands,
the heavy harness from the covering
horses. Charley came back from
dreamland, from the bright little
home of his infancy, and climbed be-
wilderipgly to the ground.
"What are We leaving the wag on
for ? Are you going to camp here
What's all the row :"
"The row is, my boy, the wagon
strikes 10 the drifts, and we are go
iug to push on for tho station on
horseback
San ready, sir T. said the driver
meaningly, looking anxiously at
Jack.
.skli ...du ua.a Ch.,lHy nm