The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1895-04-23
AN INDIAN

An Indian chief, growing old and
weary of life, determined to set out for
Paradise, or the place of rest, which he
believed to lie beyond the winding
river and blue hills in front of his
dwelling.
He started, accompanied by his wife,
his son, and two faithful followers
his favorite dog keeping close at his
heels.
The way was long. The track lay
up steep hill. sides, and across parching
plains, then through the deep snow of
mountains.
After a time the chieftain's wife left
his side and returned. The dog, after
looking back with a low whine. fol-
lowed his master.
The way grew more difficult, till at
length the son too faltered, fell back,
and left his father.
The chieftain's dog and two of the
servants still remained; but after a
while Their courage failed. They be-
sought him to turn homeward. But
the chieftain turned twards the bril-
liant light streaming from the setting
sun. where he thought he could already
see the pearly gates of the Golden City,
and said:
Return if you will; I will struggle
onward aloneI"
The men turned back, sorry to leave
their chief, yet glad to have his per-
mission to go; but the faithful dog
lifted his wistful eyes to his masters
face, nestled his rough head under his
hand, and refused to leave him.
Day by day, night after night, the
pair went on together over crag and
swamp and hill and valley, till at
length there lay but one snow-clpped
peak between the chief and his long
desired journeys end. The rosy and
golden light from the Heavenly City
streamed ove the snow; but that did
not make it less cold and deep.
AS he bravely ploughed a passage
across the chill height, against the
freezing blast laden with snow flakes,
he fell overpowered by the winds icy
breath.
But the dog, which had kept close to
him all the while, now sprangforward;
and lying on his breast kept the
warmth in his feeble heart, and licked
his beloved masters face and hands,
making sharp cries to rouse him from
the drowsiness which was creeping
over him,
The chief awoke, and stumbling to
his feet, patted the dog, which by joyful
gambols and cheerful barking tried to
lead him onward.
In another half hour the chief stood
knocking at the gate of Paradise, and
a shining winged one looked over the
glittering door.
81 wish to come in" said the chief.
Willingly" replied the angel of the
gates.
But what is that in the shadow be-
hind you9'
"It is my faithful dog" said the
chieftain.
He cannot enter here" replied the
angel.
You may come in, but you must
leave him outside"
The chief pleaded earnestly with the
angel, begging that his companion
might be admitted; but all in vain.
1T is forbidden-it must not be"
said the keeper of the gate Enter;
but the dog must remain without"
Then I will stay with kim! = said
the Indian. This creature has been
faithful when all others forsook mel
He has saved my life; where he goes l
will goi I will share his fate as he
shared minep"
The chieftain was turning to leave
the gate when loI at his side, instead
of the trembling limbs of the frightened
dog with upturned timid face, there
stood q bright form with White wings
and a radiant c%ountenance, but with
clear eyes full of just such mild love
as the creatures had been. Smiling,
this fair vision took the hand of the
chief, and leading him in at the open
gate said, 81 was your gus rdian angel.
If you had not been true tO me Icould
never have guided you within these
gates. We will enter together and be
happy forever"