The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-03-23
Come over here, Bet. I've got new
word for you,-a regular puzzlerl"-
Christian Register.
AN INDIAN LEGEND.

An lndlan cD1ef, growing old ano
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 bills 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 time the chieftains wife left
his side and returned. The dog, after
looking back with low whine, followed
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 while
their courage failed. They besought
him to turn homeward. But the chief
tain turned toward the brilliant 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; l will struggle
onward alone"
The men turned back sorry to leave
their chief, yet glad to have his permits
sion 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-capped peak between the
chief and his long desired journeys end.
The rosy and golden light from the
Heavenly City streamed over the snow;
but that did not make it less cold and
deep.
As he bravely ploughed passage
across the chill height, against the freez-
ing 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 sprang forward;
and lying on his breast kept the warmth
in his feeble heart, and licked his be-
loved masters face and hands, making
sharp cries to rouse him from the drow-
siness which was creeping over him.
The chief awoke, and stumbling to his
feet, patted the good dog. which by joy
full gambols and cheerful barking tried
to lead him onward
In another half hour the chief stood
knocking at the gate of Paradise, and
shining winged-one looked over the gilt
tering door.
II wish to come in" said the chief.
Willingly" replied the angel of the
gate. But what is that in the shadow
behind your"
at 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.
ut is forbidden-it must not be-" said
the keeper of the gate. ENTER; but the
dog must remain without"
"Then will stay with him!" said the
Indian. "This creature has been faith.
full when all others forsook me! He
saved my life; where he goes l will go!
l will share his fate as he shared mine!'
The chieftain was turning to leave the
gate when 10! at his side. instead of the
trembling limbs of the frightened dog
with upturned timid face, there stood
bright form with white wings and ra-
diant countenance, but with clear eyes
full of just such mild love as the crea-
lures had been. Smiling, this fair Wis
ion took the hand of the chief, and lead
ing him in at the open gate said, II was
your guardian angel. II you had not
been true to me l could never have
guided you within these gates. We will
enter together and be happy forever"