The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1883-11-29

the prairie, but I will soon find home"
/ can dimly remember that the boy
for hc seemed nothing but lad
forcibly drew me from the couch and
dragged me nearer the blazing fire.
The action aroused my wandering
senses, aud in my heart ] blessed my
young host for his thoughtfulncss.
"Sit here" said he, and he drew a
rude char near the hearth. Il will
get you some supper mt once, and when
you have eaten you may rest and
sleep"
He drew ont some glowing Goals, on
which hc laid slice of venison, fresh
and juicy Tho savory odor foated
through the room, and, MS my nostril,
inhaled the appetizing smell, l realized
how hungry I was.
4 pot Of fragrant coffee was soon
boiling over the glowing embers,
mingling its aroma with that of the
boiling meat. Tho youth brought forth
q number of catables that seemed like
luxuries in this wild prairie home.
"Now," sad he, after he had placed
the welcome repast on the rough table,
"while you are eating / will attend to
your horse and. wrapping himself in
q heavy blanket, he unbarred the door.
"No!" i exclaimed, arousing myself;
"you must not 60 ont in the storm.
Only tell me where. will see to the
horse"
For the boy looked pale and ema-
ciated, while hacking cough told me
only too plainly that consumption was
slowly but surely wearing out the
vitality Of his slender frame.
"No; go back" said he, with gentle
firmness. "You are not strong enough
yet to withstand these blasts.
And as the door opened loud,
cheerful neigh from tho horse greeted
the youth, for my faithful steed stood
close to the threshold. had almost
finished the repast prepared for me
when my young host returned.
Now" said he, IF you wish you
may rest. The food and fire have
given you strength and you can sleep
without danger" and he pointed to the
couch of skins.
Flinging myself down, my head was
scarcely pillowed on the yielding furs
before delicious slumber stole over
me. deep and dreamless, and Iknew no
more until aroused by the voice of my
benefactor, for such considered him.
The daylight was stealing in through
the one small window of the cabin.
The glowing warmth of cracking fire
in the rude fireplace pervaded every
nook and corner, while upon the table
was spread tempting meal. Com.
pletely restored to health by my sound,
sweet sleep and u refreshing ablution,
/ marvelled that could ever have been
So worn and weak rs when l trem
blingly knocked at the cabin door.
When We were seated ut the little
table I leisurely surveyed my young
friend and his surroundings. judged
him to be about 20 years Of age; tall
and slender, black hair and very dark
eyes, a face of almost angelic beauty
his eyes bright and his dark checks
crimsoned with the hectic flush Of dis
ease. His name, he told me, was
Edgar Raleigh.
NO doubt You WONDER" said he, al
finding me away out here, miles from
any human habitation, but this Ia.
been my home for ten years.
Not alone?" / questioned in sur
prise.
"No; my father was with me. Blu,
since his death, six months ago, / hav,
been alone"
"Were yoa not afraid of the Indi
ans - l asked.
"The Indians were the best friends
we ever had, and since fathers deatl
they have We'd with each other in thei
kindness to me-"
"What could have induced YOU
father to penetrate thus far into til,
wilds of the Territory" I asked, in
voluntarily.
"Father met with reverses in tn,
East and lost great deal of property
Added to this. the death of my mother
quickly followed hy that of an onl,
daughter, cast such gloom over tn
mind of my only remaining parent tina
with me he sought the solitude o
these Western wills."
Excuse me for being so inquisitive
but, now that your father is gone, VIII,
do YOU not return to the Easts Hav,
you no friends or relatives?'
Il have no relatives in the wild
world" said Edgar, after moment
silence. "And, to tell the truth, d
not know where to Co."
We'll, said /, decisively, "you mus
not stay here alone. When / go hom
you must go with me-"
Edgar looked up quickly, gla,
light leaping into his dark eyes.
will You let me go?" he questioned
eagerly. "Will you take me home wit
you?"
"les," answered. Il am poe
man, but you shall share my home: m
mother viii be only too glad to welcom
you," and 1 thought of the dark k-eye
young brother that died years ago, an
for whom her tender heart ever grieved
Il have some money!" said Edgar
at least 500 or $500. That may las
my lifetime, and weary smile fiitte
over his handsome face. Il fancy
shall not live to be very old"
Have you been ailing long?'
Il never was very rugged; but thi
fall l have failed very FAST was hi
answer.
A good physician, perhaps, Nigh
help you," / ventured.
Yes, as You say, he might help, bu
but could never cure me. My diseas
is inherited. My mother died wit
consumption, and her mother befor
her."
Throughout that day the storm cor
tinued without abatement, but towar
nightfall the clouds broke away, an
the sun sank behind the distant mount
aims, leaving clear sky above us. Blu
the storm would have been more pre-
erable to the clear, intensely col
night that was to follow. Biddin
Edgar stay within the cabin, l procure
bountiful supply of wood for til
night, gave my Ii rse and the littl
Indian pony belonging to Edgar fu
supply of hay from the stack near til
little log stable. then went into find
delicious supper awaiting me. At til
table Edgar told me whence came hi
supplies of meat and food. Wheneve
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