The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1897-03-19
II.

However, | made the best selection |
miles. Then l began to grow doubtful,
and oor persuading myself that l "a
on the wrong track, retraced my steps.
| was by this time something like a
huge white plaster-of-paris figure, and
the snow which had accumulated on
the old dog-cart made it run heavier
by ~half-a-ton, more or less. By the
time | came TO that unlucky junction
of roads at which my misfortune be
an, it was almost dark; the sky as
black as ~tarpaulin, yet sending down
the white feathery flakes thicker and
faster than ever. / felt inclined to
curse my folly in attempting such a
drive, at any rate | blamed myself for
not having started two CT three hours
earlier. I'll warrant that steady-going
old Brand never had to accuse himself
Of such foolishness as mine.
Well, l took the other road went on
| some way; came to a turning which
1 seemed TO remember; and, not with
out misgivings. followed il. My mis-
/ giyings increased WHEN. after a little
while, 1 found the road grew full of
ruts, which the sno and the darkness
quite concealed from me until the
wheels got into them. Evidently I
was wrong again. l was just thinking
of making the best OF my way out of
this rough and ~unfrequented road.
--ha,- +bora 7 dam i-onu- how - hon
pened, and such things seldom occur
to me-a stumble. q fail on the part of
my tired horse sent ME flying over the
dashboard. with the only ~consoling
thought that the re:ns were still in
my hand.
Luckily the snow had made the fall
ing pretty soft. | picked myself up
and set about estimating damages.
With some difficulty l got the horse out
of the harness and then felt free to
inspect the dog-cart. Alas. after the
manner of the two-wheel kind when
ever I horse thinks ft to fall, one shat.
had snapped OF ike q carrot: so here
was l, FIVE males apparently from any
where, in the thick OF a binding snow
Storm. left standing helpless beside 4
jaded horse and a broken CART
should like 10 know what Brand would
have done under the circumstances.
AS for me, I reflected for some min
utes-relection IN a snowstorm is
weary work. l reasoned, l believe,
logically. and at last came to this de-
cision: l would follow the road. If.
as I suspected, it was but a cart track.
it would probably o lead to a habi-
tation OF ome kind. Anyway. l had
better Try a bit farther. l tool hold of
der m feet. snowfakes whirling
round me, and a wind blowing right
into my teeth, struggled on.
1t was a journey. I think I must
have been three-quarters of an hour
going about a quarter Of a mile. l was
a welcome gleam OF light. l steereG
toward it, fondly hoping that my trou-
bleS were at an end. | found the light
stole through the Hitting window
shutters Of what seemed. so far as l
could make out in the darkness. % be 4
small farmhouse. Tying to a gate the
knotted reins b. which l had been
leading the horse. l staggered up to
the door and knocked loudly. Upon
my honor, until | leaut against that
doorpost l had nc idea how tired l was
until that moment l never suspected
that the finding of speedy shelter
meant absolutely saving my life. Gov
cred from head to foot with snow, my
hat crushed in, l must have been d pitt
able object.
No answer came 10 my first sum
mons 1t was only after a second and
more imperative application of my heel
that the door deigned TO give way a few
inches. Through the aperture a wo-
mans voice asked who was there?
Let me in 1 said. I have missed
my way to Midcour5e. My horse has
fallen. You must give me shelter for
the night. Open the door, and lie. me
in"
Shelter. You cant get shelter here,