Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1886-12-24

-. =. The eldest, who
looked about fourteen years of age, was
lying back in huge armchair, an open
book on her lap, though at that moment
her thoughts were wandering far enough
from the story written there.
Her sister, nearly four years the junior
of Edith, sat curled up on the hearth
rug, holding a fluffy kitten in her arms,
her eyes fixed dreamily on the blazing
wood
How late Rex ISL Edie said at
length.
Yes; I suppose the coach has great
difficulty in forcing its way through the
snow. | hope it will arrive soon, all the
same" Amy chimcd in. rubbing her
check gently against pusSy's soft head.
Papa said he might get home by six;
it is nearly half-past now"
80 it is; | wonder why he doesn't
Gomez
Perhaps it SHOWS harder than ever,
Edie suggested, and slowly rising she
walked towards the window.
Drawing the crimson curtains on one
side, she pressed her face close to the
frozen pane, trying to pierce the thick
veil of fallen snow.
Il can't see, it is too dark; l don't
even think we could hear the coach, the
snow is so soft and deep
With a slight SILVER Edie dropped the
curtain, turning despondently towards
her sister.
Never mind, we must be patient |
wish Dr. Lorne would break up earlier,
| it makes Rex arrive SO late; why if any
thing happened to stop the coach, he
would very likely not get here in time
for Christmas
How horrible And, OH Amy, do
| you think Aunt Maud will send Cissy
after all?"
Amy shook her dusky head, and
sighed.
Il am afraid not; she wrote and told
mamma it was too far for Cis to come
alone, and she had no time to bring
| her"
what a shamer' Edie cried quickly,
throwing her book with angry gesture
across the room.
What is a shame? Why this sudden
WRATH" pleasant voice said, and turn
ing, Edie was clasped in her father s
! arms.
Il was speaking of Cissy, papa; l
wish auntie had let her come
Perhaps she wanted her at home.
Besides, such Il journey would hardly
suit a delicate child like your little
! cousin
Il do so want the coach to arrive
! Isn't it very late papaT Amy asked,
twining her hands around his arm.
well, yes, it is rather. | was just
wondering whether it would not be bet
! ter for me to 90 down the road to see if
! tbora opv Cip, Of tho coach >
do, papa, and bring Rex home st
| once"
Smilingly Mr.. Evans left the room,
and was soon plodding his way through
the deep snow, unhccding the big cold
fakes that whirled around him, cover
ing him with a mantle of white.
Heavily fell the snow without, dead
ening every sound of life; within, the
girls nodded over.the warm fire, whilst
pussy pLrred on uldiSturbed, completing
a pretty picture of homely comfort.
Outside small country inn stood
big yellow coach, with four strong
horses, just freshly harnessedt to the pom
dCrous vehicle.
Now then, come along. young gen
tieman, or we shall leave you behindl"
the coaChman sh uted, lifting his heavy
whip to urge the horses on.
In answer to that cry, Rex Evans,
quitting regrctfully the warm fire, babe
goodbye to his host and quickly entered
the coach.
Another instant and the horses start
ed, dashing recklessly through the snow,
whilst the driver whistled merrily as
they tore along.
Rex had settled himself comfortably
on the seat, wrapping a warm blanket
round his chilled form. At first, until
he became accustomed to the faint light
cast by the dim lantern, he thought him
self alone; but presently he saw small
muttledup figure sitting opposite.
Surprised, he gazed searchingly at his
fellow traveller, wondering how any
child, and that child a girl, happened TO
be there alone.
Il suppose she, too. is on her way
home, perhaps just returned from school
I'll ask her presently" Rex thought, his
curiosity aroused.
The little girls blue eyes were fixed
wondcringly upon him-eyes that re-
minded him of spring violetS; her face
WAS small and extremely pretty, framed
by lot of golden curls. that fell from
beneath the hood of red quilted six COW
ering her tiny head.
\ warm fur cloak almost enveloped
her tiny form. giving her the air of some
young princess sitting in state.
She looked so sleepy, the wistful eyes
nearly closed, and her head dropping
YEARLY forward. Rex felt his heart
beat compassionately, and all his boyish
chivalry aroused.
I'm afraid you are not very COM
Portable there; why don't you lie on the
seat as | am doingI' he asked after a
long silence.
is it better like that?"
Il should think so indeed; only try"
Hex cried, jumping up to help her.
In a few minutes the child was cOzilv
enooonocd on the scat, her head propped
against one of Rex's soft rugs; nor was
1t long before both, exhausted by their
journey, lay wrapped in slumber.
The coach seemed to pass almost
silently over the ground the horses
working their way bravely onward in
spite of the binding snow which CON
tinued to fall.
just, however, as they neared the last
village they were to pass. the coach
wheels caught against wayside stone
and fell heavily over.
Happily the coachman was thrown far
SOS vi ~ Il pl4G U SOIL snow, ana thus
escaped injury. Fearing for his Young
passengers he fastened to their aid
he found both unhurt. but very fright
ened, Rex trying to sooth his little com
panIon, who was weeping bitterly.
Come - come. missile. don't CRY:
there IS nothing the matter" the coach
man said cheerily, lifting her out. We
nil soon get the coach up again"
But this task was not so easy to a.
complish. and for nearly ten minutes
Rex stood patiently by holding the girls
small hand in his, not daring to leave
her to help.
Il m afraid we can't do it; one of the
wheels has come of. There must be a
house or something close by. Suppose
we walk on. instead OF wasting precious
time hereT'
Yes; 1 think that is the wisest plan"
Rex answered
SO, with chattering teeth and numbed |
limbs, they marched onward. leaving |
the tired horses and fallen coach to await |
their return.
1t was not long before they caught |
sight of faint light cleaning through |
the mist
As they neared the spot, they found 1
the welcome light came from big farm 4
house, standing amidst waste of white
fields.
In answer to their KNOCKING eba a.,