Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1883-09-13


store, filed the stockings to overlooking.
On the stair beneath stood plate of
molasses candy in long twisted shining
sticks: and an immense pyramid Of
popcorn balls, the product of Jacks
skill. Jennie had another project in
view. Jack deserved some reward for
his Eanliness, and she prossessed a
treasure which she knew he coveted.
LET us hang up our stockings, Jack,
just as if we expected something she
suggested; and Jack, nothing 10th, con-
sented When the lamp was extin-
guished, she placed her handsome copy
of Robinson Crusoe on the chair beside
the little red stockings, not dreaming
that in her own quietly lay Jacks new
silver dollar. Then she dropped off to
sleep. murmuring, .sDear God, watch
over us. and bring my papa and mamma
safe home"
.'Four children showed in out on West
Prairie! This was the summons that
went from house to house through the
little village that bright Christmas
morning. Quickly the braye-hearted
pioneers responded to the call. .sWhat
| if it were our own?n was the thought
in every bosom. In half hours time
they had gathered with strong teams
and sledges, with snow plows and SHOW
els, valiant little army of 100 men.
Courage, sad-hearted little ones, look
ing out with prayerful eyes across the
dreary, lonely waste of snow. Help is
at hand!
| At this east window, the only one, for
the snow on the north and west of the
| house rose in immense pillows to the
very caves, Jennie and Jack relieved each
other in keeping guard through the long
wearisome day. Little they knew of
the fearful task which the rescuers had
attempted; of the hills of snow, beaten
into almost ice-like solidity, which rose
at intervals across their path; of the
weary, snow-blind men, the painting ex-
hausted teams. The sun wa tow, and
Jennie sad and sick at heart turned
away from the window and covered her
eyes with her hands. .Will they never
Gomez" she whispered, but the cry
from Jack made her turn again to her
post. ''See! sister," he exclaimed ex-
citedly, something glistens like silver
in the sunshine She saw them now
the long, black line creeping slowly for
ward. the FURNISHED shovels flashing in
the air propelled by stalwart arms; the
painting, steaming horses, and as they
drew nearer her fathers agitated, anx-
ious face; and all the pain and doubt
and foreboding of those long, sorrowful
days found vent in that one cry of
thanksgiving, praise the Lord
All! there have been many happy
Christmas dinners in this happy land /;
but there was never such another as
that eaten beneath Mr.. Reynolds roof
that blessed Christmas night. The
courses were not many, but hunger and
gratitude seasoned the viands. Mrs.
Reynolds, not to be dissuaded, had fol-
lowed the men in the last sleigh and
now flew briskly around, making bis
cult and johnny cake and fragrant cof-
fee, while Jenny brought out all the
stores of cellar and pantry for the hum
CRY rescuers. A number of the party
had turned back when the work was
nearly done, but the remainder were
bountifully fed and refreshed before
they went their homeward way.
'And Pse got my stockings full, too.
mamma" cries Clara when the tumult
has subsidized, while Jennie exhibits the
silver dollar which she has mentally re-
solved to expend on Jacks own benefit.
But Jack, leaning on his mothers chair
one arm around her neck and his loved
Robinson Crusoe' in his hand, says in
a low voice: II think the best Christ
mas present boy can have is his own
father and mother home again"
Mrs. SARAH ID. HoBERT.