Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-01-08
THE HAND OF FATE.

On a cold, clustering night in March q
young girl, apparently not more than
sixteen years of age. slowly wendell hel
way along the country road, situated
about five miles from the little village OF
Oakdale. Her appearance betokened ex-
IRENE poverty. She was dressed in an
lll-tittlng suit Of rusty black, and her shah
by black bonnet was drawn tightly over a
thin, pallid face, which was lighted up by
pair of piercing black eyes that seemed
to penetrate the darkness with almost
supernatural briliancy. He long black
hair become unfastened by the ferceness
of the storm and hung IN frozen strands al
her seemed to be touched with the winter
frost, and the snow lay piled in huge mas
ses as far as the eye could could reach.
As she pursued her journey her heart sank
within her, her head reeled us il in a
drunken stupor, her weary limbs began TO
fail, and at last nature refused to do its
work, and she succumbed to the pitiless
cold and sank in an exhausted and uncon-
Bcious condition to the ground.
Down the road with rapid strides came
Farmer Hawkins ana his dog Nero, and
as he hurried along he stumbled over the
his feet trying to arouse the motionless
object before him, while the dog barked
vociferousiy as if imploring aid. In a
few moments lantern las seen in the
distance, and a rough ice called out,
who's there?" Ills |, your master, ="
responded the farmer as he recognized the
voice of his hired man, land for God g
sake make haste or it will be too late A"
Wit har
inanimate form and in few minutes ar
rived at the old farm house. 1t was not
long past the usual hour for supper, and
Ruth Hawkins, being alarmed at her
husbands protracted absence, was
seated In her old-fashioned rocker by the
side of the open fireplace in the comfort
able kitchen of the old homestead knitting,
while every now and then she would cast
fur,iva chances toward the window, and
stra,:i aer ears to listen if she could catch
the V, 50me sound of her husbands foot
sUer'.
The logs burned merrily and cracked
and spluttered on the irons, and threw a
cheorv reflection in all directions about the
room. The table was still set. and with a
bountiful supply of food The delicious
homemade bread, the print of golden
butter, the ruby ounces and quivering
custards and the pretty blue and white
china offered an inviting prospect to the
two men as they passed the window on
their way to the sitting room door.
Mercy's sake, father what have you
thera?" exclaimed Ruth, as she sprang
from her seat, and, opening the door, saw
the men with their unconscious burden.
'Do not waste any time in asGing-ques-
tlons, wife, but bring some brandy as soon
as possible he replied. With careful
hands they deposited their unbidden guest
upon the settee and drew it in front of the
fire. Hastily divesting herself of his out
er garments, the farmer endeaV0red to re-
suscitate the young girl. Meanwhile Ruth
had returned to the room with the brandy,
and with kindly hands moistened the lips
of the young girl, and succeeded In forcing
few drops down her throat, while the
farmer was busily engaged in rubbing and
slapping her hands. At first all their at
tempts to bring the girl tack to conscious
seemed fruitless, but at last a faint flush
overspread her features, she opened her
eyes, and in pitifu tones begged that she
might remain during the night. The
farmer had scarcely noticed the girl. but
he now looked :mxiously at her. 1--WE
shall keep her. shan't we father?" asked
Mrs. Hawkins. "Of course; did you ever
know me to turn anyone from my door
Saint or sinner, rich or poor, they are wei
come to stay; but how goes the supper
wife? | am as hungry as a wolf. y al
ready, father" was the reply and as she
spoke she placed the steaming coffee urn
upon the table. "What shall | call you?"
asked Mrs. Hawkins as she placed a saucer
of custard upon a chair by the side of the
settee. Call me Lena, repeated the
girl, as she tried to partake of the food
that was offered to her.
The hospitable couple watched the stran.
ger curlously, trying to solve the mystery
that hung around her. Those white hands
had never scrubbed or secured, and there
was 4 certain grace about every movement
which impressed one with the idea that
she WAS of gentle birth, a girl whom nc
ordinary sorrow had made a homeless wan
derer. The clock struck and then anC
still they sat gazing at the girl as she lay
quietly. When the clock struck 10 anC
the last chimes had died away, the girl
timidly inquired if she was keeping the n
from their rest. DO not mind me- she
said Il can sleep here very comfortably. >
1t had been query with Mrs. Hawkins
where to put the new conner every since
she had asked her to stay. The garnet
was first thought of, then the west room
but now, lighting a fresh candle, Mrs
Hawkins led her guest into the parlor anc
through 1t into the best spare room, anC
turning down the lavender-scented sheet
and shaking the downy pillows of thu
tented bedstead she said in motherl,
tones: "Sleep here, and going back t
the kitchen murmured dreamily: 20
In so doing you may entertain angels un
awareS.
About midnight the storm, which haC
been gathering all its forces during tn
evening, burst violently forth. The ole
farm house fairly rocked with the will
gusts of wind, while the snow fell fast anC
furious. 1t was no wonder that the poo,
girl hid her head beneath the blankets ant
thanked God for the shelter she haC
found, and when, after hours had passed
the storm gradually abated, she fell into
refreshing slumber. The next mornin!
she was awakened by tapping at tn
door, and the voice of Mrs Hawkins in
quiring if she might come in.
certainly. ma am, " replied the girl il
faint voice.
Entering the room and approaching to
bed, Mrs. Hawkins found her guest muc
better, hut still suffering from the effect
of the physical strain to which she ha
been subjected during the previous night
Lie still my dear said the kin
hearted woman. as the girl attempted t
raise herself on her elbow. Il will brin
you something to eat, and, perhaps, b
noon you may be able to get up
In few moments Ms. Hawkins return
ed bearing in her hands tray covere