The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1889-12-20

had becn packed in A. mad As . rock. no
crouched on the lee side Of II. and drew
the boy down beside him.
dig. PAUL. Dig hole in IT," no
cried
The boy realized the situation az once.
lilo had heard many stories OF shc
dreaded blizzard, and how men had
saved their lives BY following caves GU.
OF the snow 70 shield them from the
blast. and he set 10 work with will to
help his father. II was poor shelter.
for II only half covered them, but II was
better than nothing. The snow still
whirled about their heads, and oh. how
cold IL was'
Father, you are freezing.~ cried tho
boy, who, wrapped up a. he was in the
big coat, was shivering himself. ssiIere.
take IL; can get along
mo. no, am all right" protested Mr..
wilkins. clapping his hands TO get up
circulation.
But his blue lips and trembling form
told too plainly OF his suffering. The
mild weather had lured him from the
house without extra clothing. His son
was right lie was gradually but surely
freezing. lie realized it fully, and il
frightened him. Still he could not de-
priye his son Of the coat. for ii meant
death 10 him. An hour passed. and his
legs and arms were growing numb.
But still he dared not face the awful
blast
Father In Heaven. have Mercy he
prayed ''Send us h,.r. Save US from
this terrible DEATH
As III il was an answer to his PRAYER
dark form suddenly threw itself up
against the drift, and great mass OF
shaggy hair scattered the snow in their
faces. Then there was howl which
mingled with the blast. and the st.
BERNARD barked and jumped with de-
light.
Bruce, dear old Bruce. Tie Is here
| TO save u.s.. exclaimed Paul. throwing
his arms about the dogs neck and cry
ing for JOY. Bruce can take us home
II anybody can Father. we are saved.
Come. let me help you up"
II was with difficulty that Mr.. wilkins
could gain his feet, but. aided by Paul,
he succeeded.
Then the boy fumbled n his pockets
and brought out piece Of strong Irvine,
one end Of which he tied 10 the dogs
collar.
"NDw. Bruce. homo. sir--homc.'
The dog understood. lie shifted tho
snow. shook himself and started of,
Paul following and leading his father.
l,ruce's instinct was true. and in few
minutes he led them up TO the door.
and father and son stumbled into the
kitchen ina half-frczen condition. Mrs.
wilkins lowered over them with tear
full eyes. rubbing their hands and feet
with coarse flannel and pouring the
hottest Of coffee down their threats.
while the dog crouched on the floor and
watched every movement with his in
telligent eyes
Bruce" said Mr.. wilkins. when he
was able TO sit up" Bruce, come here,
SIR
The st. Bernard got up slowly and
walked over to him. Nr. wilkins took
the dogs head between his hands and
bent over it. Was it tear that
sparkled on it, or was it but melted
snow?
At all events, the dog understood. for
he wagged his tail furiously. Mother
and son looked at each other and smiled
Il have always hated dogs. but-but
don't now" he said. Bruce. you have
been our salvation. How did you ever
find us?-
Il sent him." said Mrs. wilkins. II
was afraid you would lose your way and
told Bruce TO find you and bring you
home. And he seemed to understand
every thing said
mobile Bruce. noble Bruce repeated
her husband. Bruce must have good
supper tonight"
Poor old dog. And he has got to 60
of tomorrow said Paul. tenderly.
Hey. What's that? Go Of to- NOR
row? Well, guess not~
"Oh. then he can st ay?~ cried the boy,
eagerly.
stay. Well. should say he could.
and he can tear upa coat every day IL
he wants to. and won't say word
And the dog understood that. too. and
his joyful bark mingled with Paul's
happy shouts Charles II. Heustis, in
Golden Days.