Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-04-04

the rising wind, and fakes OF snow
were beginning to futter to the
ground.
I tried to increase the speed of the
horse, but found it impossible by rea-
son of the numerous distinctions in
the form of trunks of trees.
"DonHG be afraid, Robbie, " said I, in
as cheerful tones as I could command.
"Not a bit of it. I think it just
jolly. I'll make the eyes Of the boys
at home open"
A swapping sound cut short the lads
remark and caused his own eyes to
open pretty wide, 1 fear.
An upward glance showed me the
green top of a huge pine, describing in
our direction an awful circle in the air.
dug my heels into the tanks of the
horse and shouted at the top of my
voice.
This seemed to increase the terror Of
the animal. which stopped stock still.
Another instant and the tree was
upon us.
L felt a sharp twinge of pain and lost
consciousness.
My first thought was of Robbie, and
the groan L uttered was caused not so
much by pain as by the dreadful fear
that had lost him forever.
Judge Of my JOY when I saw him not
only alive but actively engaged in
clearing away the branches which Gov
cred me-
The horse had been killed outright,
and my right leg broken above the
knee.
With the assistance of the cool
headed boy I changed my position so
as to lean against the body of the dead
horse, which somewhat relieved my
pain.
Our situation was desperate in the
extreme, and Robbie realized it as soon
as myself.
"Brace up, father, said he, "PlI run
on, and be back before long with lots
of help!"
But I at once interdicted this plan.
The storm had become furious by this
time, and I well knew that the boy
could never face it and live.
Toward evening, however, it abated
and finally ceased altogether. But the
wind, bowling through the only avenue
afforded it, had piled the snow into
enormous drifts, which precluded all
thought Of the child's working his way
through them.
10
My pain was forgotten in the awful
! consciousness that my foolish fondness
for my boy had brought him to a terri
/ bic death in the wilderness.
Where do the telegraph lines run,
/ father?" asked Robbie suddenly.
To some point on the lake" re-
piled.
and are they used"
80, yes; I understand they are a
/ great convenience to the inland camps.
Cant we use them, somehow"
mo, my boy; we have no instru-
ment, and would not know how to use
one if we had it.
Then 1 spoke of other matters, not
| wishing him to entertain hopes which
1 saw had no foundation.
Suddenly / awOke from an uneasy
sleep and missed him from my side.
In terror I called his name, and with
a sinking heart listened for the response
that did not come.
An awful fear took possession Of me.
Knowing that he could never secure
my consent, the daring little fellow had
started off to meet his death while
trying to bring relief to me.
This terrible conclusion, coupled
with the pain of my broken limb
caused me to lose consciousness.
When L revived, it was to find Rob
bic rubbing my hands and face.
Where have you been 2" I asked, II
tremor of Joy at seeing him in the
starlight.
Looking into that telegraph mat
ter" he replied. I'm hoping"
Hope no more for that Robbie. bur
SIT down beside me. Help may come
IN the morning. L added, not wishing
to discourage him.
Help did come In the morning
} About nine o'clock Robbie set up
Joyous shout. and d moment later I saw
strong men approaching.
How came you here? % I inquired
as soon IS my feelings permitted me t,
speak.