Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-11-01
TWO Brave GIRLS.

1t was bitter cold night; the snow was
several feet deep on the ground, except
where a few paths had been dug here and
there. But inside the Clifford cottage the
fire burned brightly, and two little girls
sat before it. Although their eyes were
fixed upon the dancing flames, they saw
them not. They were thinking Of then
little brother lying pale and still in tbs
room above them, where he had lain fol
two hours without hearing or seeing any
thing. They thought how, only a little
while ago, he had stood kissing his hand
goodnight to them from the landing above
when he made step backward, and fell
the whole length of the staircase, and had
been picked up insensible
Helen, the elder OF the two, was the first
to speak. You know, Cassie" she said
that the doctor should see Aubrey, and
have made up my mind to go for him
ooh Helen, how can You? DR.. Howe
is the nearest one, and he lives three miles
away and, anyway, mamma never would
let you go, ii is so cold ard dark outdoors, .
going over to the window, drawing aside
the curtain, and gazing oul into the dark
ness.
Helen followed her sister, and putting
her arm around her, said heard mann
ma say that il she only had some one to 90
for the doctor, Aubrey would not die.
And You know how papa told us to take
GOOD care OF mamma and Aubrey until he
came back. know how TO harness Dob
bin, and | will get the doctor and surprise
mamma And oh We may be able to
save Aubrey after all"
You shall not go alone, Heleu,' said
Cassie, putting awav her own fears, and
resolving to be brave like her sister. The
look on Helen's face thanked her better
than words.
They put or their warm coats and hoods,
and while Cassie held the lantern Helen
united Dobbin and brought him up near a
bench so that she might better reach to
harness him. She then backed him be-
tween the shafts Of the sleigh; she had
seen her father do it often, and he had let
her try once, and praised her for doing it
so we'll.
When all was ready, she threw open the
barn doors, and drove steadily out into the
yard and through the gate, and was soon
lrotting fast toward town. The snow had
driited good deal, but Dobbin, well
knowing who was driving him, though lie
wondered at being taken out ri such a
time Of night, went bravely on. Suddenly
he stopped; the sleigh was caught in a
drift, and no cxertions on the part of the
girls or of Dobbin could make any impress
sion. Cassie and Helen gazed at each
other with horror-stricl,en faces.
"Oh, Helen, have we got to stay here
all night?' cried Cassie, trying to keep
back her tears What are you doing? p
she added, as Helen jumped from the
sleigh and struggled through the snow NJ
to Dobbin, and began Juggling at the horse
Embarrassing Dobbin," answered
Helen. ave Shall have to ride the rest
of the way on his back"
Cassie waited, and wondered how they
ever could keep on, while Helen brought
| Dobin to the side of the sleigh, climbed
| up on his back, and then helped Cassie NJ
after her, and telling her to keep firm hold
of her, she guided Dobbin gently through
the drifts until they came upon the man
road, and then urged him into a trot.
DR.. Howe was sitting reading by the
fire. having just returned from visit to a
sick patient, and wishing TO warm himselt
before retiring. He was startled by hear.
ing the bell pulled two or three times
sharply, and on going to the door was still
more surprised on seeing two little girls
and hearing the elder exclaim, On, DR.
Howe, please come at once to see Aubrey
he is hurt very much by fall" And
then down she sank on the doorstep.
He took them in, and, after Cassie had
explained, ordered his sleigh, and had
Dobbin put into his stable; and taking the
two girls, whom he had tried to persuade
to remain at his house over night but who
had begged SO hard to go back with him