Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1890-06-11
THE TWELFTH OF MARCH.
Why Two Hearts Bless the Biz
zard Of That Date.

"Halloo!'
Staggering through the deep drifts
and binding snow, Jack FELTON, had
suddenly stumbled upon dark figure
standing motionless in the deserted
street.
1t was the evening of the 18th of
March, 1883, date made memorable by
the Great Blizzard" which ragged with
unprecedented violence throughout New
England.
The sidewalks were impassable; and
Jack, warmly wrapped in a sealskin
coat, with fur cap pulled down over
his eyes, was struggling desperately
through the drifted snow, taking the
middle of the street.
His progress being impeded for a mo-
ment by higher mound than usual, he
had been surprised to see the vague out
lines of human figure five or six feet
away.
"Hello!'' he cried, cheerfully. TAX
ing rest9"
Some murmured words came in re-
sponse, but they were drowned by the
frightful roaring of the storm.
Never saw any thing like it!'' Jack
gasped, recovering his breath with diff
Guilty. II was mad to leave the down
town hotel. But thought 1t would be
glorious fun. Hanged if l find any en-
joyment in an experience like this,
thought Whew, what wind! And I'm
in the snow up to my arm-pits. No one
could live exposed long to such a storm"
Silence. The snow-covcred figure
never stirred.
"You must be tired out, stranger"
Jack said, compassionately, wriggling
his way through the white mound. I'm
strong and hearty. I'll push ahead and
break path. We had better make for
the nearest shelter"
The sentence ended in a sharp cry of
amazement.
Good Lord, II it isn't woman!
Why, you poor little thing, what has
driven you abroad in a blizzard like
this?"
And Jack stared in breathless bewil-
dcrment at the small cloaked and hooded
figure about which the piercing wind
whirled the falling snow.
my little cousin was taken suddenly
ILL.," came the answer in a sweet voice
that thrilled his heart. Il had to go to
the druggists for medicine. There was
nobody to send, and Benny would have
died before morning"
what madness! You might have
perishedl Where do you hvc?"
''We can't be far from tho house. L
was so exhausted had to rest q mo-
meat. You will see light in the win
dow. My aunt will be watching for
me-"
''You have the medicineP"
YES"
Good. Keep up brave heart. We
will get it to Benny yet
IG a twinkling Jack FELTON, had thrown
of his warm, furred great overcoat and
wrapped it about the girls shivering
figure.
''Now, keep close behind me-" ne said,
clasping her slender, gloved hand. u
will take care of YOU"
1t was desperate struggle. For all
his sturdy strength, Jack made slow
progress through the huge drifts. But
his big, generous heart was beating
strangely.
Mingled with tho satisfaction CT being
Of service to helpless fellow-crcature
was another feeling that thrilled and
! quickened every pulse.
Something in the girls voice had re-
minded him OF Lillian Verne. Sweet
LILLIAN Verne, the ono love of his life,
from whom he had been cruelty parted!
That was Shreo years before. He had
schooled himself to think OF her with
out bitterness as another mans wife.
But it mado the blood leap in his veins
to hear the sweet, musical tones, SO
strangely like Lillian's.
They paused every few minutes to
take breath, and Jacks companion
would crouch down silently into the
snow with averted face.
81 wonder IL she has tho least look
like Lillian" he said 10 himself, peering
curiously through the whirling snow. in
q vain attempt to make out q single
feature.
! HeF long hair had become unfastened.
| and streamed upon the Tiad
Suddenly she lurched forward with a
half articulate moan, and her small