The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1883-09-19
Saved by a SODg---A True Story.

Mamma" said Nellie Andrews, COM
ing in from the front gate, one bright
spring morning, "Mr Brown says he will
come for you in an hour to 60 to town."
81 don't know" said her mother, hes
itatingly. 81 don't like to leave you and
Dot all day. would take you to Mrs.
Hills, but they have whooping cough
there.n
Mrs. Andrews went to the door and
looked out, the bright sun glinted on the
foaming waters of the river, and the lit
tie white house nestled among the sand
hills, 1t had been raining constantly for
weeks, and this spring sunshine freshened
everything.
"Oh, mamma continued Nellie, L" do
goi you have been wanting your things
for so long. l am a big girl now, and
can take care of Dot. You'll see how
well I'll get along"
well, dear, remember leave Dot in
your charge, keep her safe till come"
"Yes, mamma, indeed l will"
Reluctantly Mrs. Andrews stepped into
Farmer Browns old market chaise she
had never felt such an unaccountable
misgiving on leaving home.
She looked back at her darlings until a
turn In the road hid them from sight, and
IT was pretty picture on which her eyes
rested. Nellie, with her wind-tossed
curls over her face, was holding four.
year'old Dot up in her arms that she
might catch the last glimpse of "mamma
as she vanished from sight
Who knows" sighed Mrs. Andrews,
what may happen before get back |
believe am little superstitious to-day"
Little did that mother know how sadly
her heart would beat with pain and anx-
iety before she saw her loved ones again.
Now" said Nellie, turning back into
the house, let's play am keeping house
and you are my little girl"
And the ten-year-old housewife busted her.
self with all sorts of trifies of work. The
day passed quietly, the children had their
simple lunch and the afternoon waned.
Dot grew tired, and Nellie cuddled her
IN her arms like veritable mamma, and
she fell asleep. Then she took her seat
by the window, hemming her towel and
singing softly to herself.
loud muttering sound aroused her
and looking out she found the big drops
were beginning to fall from the fast dark
ening sky. Faster and faster came the
rain, louder and louder grew the thunder
peals, until the frail house shook beneath
the angry storm.
Then came a shock which walked Dot
and with cry she started up.
where's mamma Dot wants her,"
Nellie flew to the child, saying:
Come to sister, darling, mamma will
come soon.'
And praying that her words might
come true, she sat down in the low
rocking chair, with the little trembling
arms clinging about her neck. Her own
heart was beating with terror, but Dot was
her charge, she must be- brave for Dots
sake.
Don't you remember, dearie," she said
"when Jesus was asleep on the sea, and
the disciples were afraid of the storm
and came and walked him up, how he said
to them, Il am here, you needn't be
afraid and he will take care of us lust
the same, if we ask him."
Will he, really, sister ?"
Yes, really. He says, Nellie, Dot, ]
am here;' don't that sound good %
4 Yes, it does" said the little one. and
she lay quiet for while, with her mead
on Nelhe's shoulder.
The darkness deepened, but Nellie KEEP
the child interested by lighting the fire
putting on the kettle, and making the
room bright and CHEEKY for mammat
Homecoming. The kettle sang, and the
candles cleaned from the window, where
Nellie mad placed them to light hel
mother home, but still she did not come.
The rain still poured, and Dot becam,
tired and fretful. Nellie gave her hel
simple supper of bread and milk, and pu
her to bed.
Released from the strain that had beer
upon her for hours, faithful Nellie dropped
her head upon the chair and criet
piteously.