St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1883-02-23
Randie'S Adventure.


Every body is telling a tale Just now
so do not see why | should not tr,
and contribute my mite more espe
cially when-as it happens in my cas-,
there is something really worth tell
ing. Perhaps it is rather horribl,
tale; but many years have elapsed
since the circumstances about to be re
corded occurred and although every
incident is painted indelibly on my
mind, some of the nervous horror will
which | used to think of it has passed
away. 1t is better so; yet long as
| live | never can entirely blot the rec
| objection from off my brain, whereOn al
one time every act was written in let
ters of fire. But without any more
preamble, | will begin and let facts
| speak for themselves, telling my tale
III the best way that | can-iust as il
really happened.
There was party of us sitting in
our cosy dining ro0m-three girls and
three hoys-busy preparing texts and
decorations for merry Christmas, which
was nearly on us, having got Ia
Christmas Eve. Our father was Il cOun-
try doctor, and we were not at all rich
but we were healthy and strong, and a
| merry party-eight of us in all-twO
younger ones being upstairs in the nur-
sery. We were laughing and chatting,
when the door opened, and mamma
joined us. Mamma had not been well
lately, and the cold seemed to tell OH
her very much. Roy, our eldest broth
er, ever polite, drew chair near the
fire for her.
Thanks" she said, smiling grateful
ly; 81 am not going to stay. | have
come to see which of you can spare the
time to go to Farmer LOngton's for
me.n
81 will, mother" replied Roy, readi-
ly. 81 seem to be the only idle one
here
"You are wanted, unfortunately
elsewhere" said mamma, cor | know
| could have depended on you. Your
father requires you in the surgery :
there is more dispensing to be done
than he will manage alone"
Roy made cOmically wry face and
walked off. His services were often in
requiSitiOn, and he was ever ready to
he of use. He little thought how
thankful he would afterward have
cause to feel for being summoned away
Just then.
"Well, Matilda and Janet" exclaim-
ed mamma, care you ready for a walk
1t is not so far, and if you do not start
soon you will have the dark come on
you. am quite uneasy about the tur-
key they promised to send moreover,
there is IA bottle of medicine for old
Job"
ave cannot 90, really, mamma,
dear replied Matilda, raising her fair
face and golden head from the text,
"For unto us Son is born" which she
was deliberately Illuminating in gor-
geOus colOrs. 1--WE are, as usual, all
behind time now. The turkey will ar
rive sans dOUte-yOu are generally ner-
vous-and Bankes can leave the phys
ic staff on his way home. We really
cannot spare the time"
"No; impossible :" joined in Janet.
"And Ethel has IA cold" deliberated
mamma. She was not annoyed at her
daughters refusal to go, because she
saw the necessity for their keeping to
their decorations. She only wondered
what was to be done. The nurse girl
in the nursery was fully engaged,
while our general servant, as she was
called, was up to the eyes in work.
IL think shall have to go myself" q"
declared our mother, all of a sudden.
''There seems nobody yelse-Randolph's
throat is sore, and Ernest is too young.
Yes; | will put my things on"
"Gou, mamma-yOu ~ we exclaimed
all round. "Oh, you must not Papa
NJ I 4
sacrifice their work sooner than let you
risk your health
"Willingly," they exclaimed.
"No, my dears," replied mamma.
''You are very kind but | think. well
wrapped up, a brisk walk will do me
good. Ernie shall accompany me-he
will be quite a companion. We shall be
back before dark
'Let me 90 too, mamma" petitioned
eagerly. my throat is quite we'll: it
is indeed, and | hate being cOddled up
like a girl. Besides, it is such treat
going with you such a rare one late
ly."
Mamma hesitated she did not like
to refuse. She scarcely thought it wise
to accede. | saw my chance.
81 am quite as well as you are"
said courageOnsly; ''and | am sure pa
pa would like me to go and protect
you.n All, me how little | knew when
| spoke thus what need there would be
for my help. Even mamma smiled,
amused at my boyish mauliness was
only eleven, and the most delicate one
in the party.
"Wrap up, then, Randie-weIl, too
Get your papa to give you the bottle
for job, and we will start Mind, ia
net, and have tea ready at FIVE" ia
net was the hOusekeeper; a very clever
and important one for her age, too.
A few minutes later, warmly equip
ped, mamma, Ernie and started. Er-
ME was not five, but generally speak
ing quite little man in his way but
snow had fallen, and then the ice had
taken it, frOsting it in ruts and Jumps
and bumps just as it chose. 1t was
bard walking, and after several fall.
Ernie discompOsed us by beginning to
cry. We were walking along a solita-
~ country road. With the exception
of covered cart and two pedestrian,