The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1899-07-06
A Singular Escape
By F. M. Colby.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..

bright AID yellow rose the sun over
n the wintry e-fields-such a sun
rise as no one ever sees in any but a
northern land. There was something
in the rugged grandeur of the scenery,
in the whiteness of the snow, the black
ness of the rocks which peeped out from
its voluminous wreaths, the lightness
of the atmosphere, and, above all, the
impressive silence, which would have
affected forcibly the senses of stran-
ger.
No living being was in sight, either
among the stupendous crags which
lowered above, or on the lower ice
fields, which lay SO cleaning white be-
tween the black cliffs and the greenness
of the sea.
But presently, from a dwelling
pitched far up among the ice-clitfs,
there appeared signs of life. Smoke was
seen issuing from the low chimney, and
shortly afterward the single door was
thrown open, and woman made her
appearance, leading goat by cord,
with which she fastened the animal to
n post in front of the hut-for the
dwelling was only hut, and very odd
looking one at that.
1t was built of layers of stones up five
OF six feet from the ground, with turf
between the layers to keep out the cold.
The roof above this was also covered
with turf, which in the short warm
summertime sprouted with thick, green
grass, that provided many a nice break
fast to the nanny goat, who would often
climb the family mansion, and clinging
with her sharp hoofs to the turf, nibble
n meal with much satisfaction.
This stone-andearth house was the
home of Hilda Ulricson, a poor widow.
1t stood on the western coast of Green
land, where the winter is cold and long,
and the days are so short that one can
scarcely more than have time to get up,
turn round and ii is night again.
Dame Hilda's husband, Ulf, had been
a hunter and fisherman, and they had
lived together happily for many years;
but one day the preceding summer, as
he was out to sea after seals, in his
kaiak, there came great storm, and
the hearted Norseman had never
been heard of since.
As for his widow, she continued to
dwell in the strange little Greenland
hut, where she lived quite alone, with
her goat and her two children, Jansen
and Ilse.
Jansen-or Jan, as he was called
was stout, active boy of about 10 years
of age, with thick brown hair, round
wind-tanned face, and brave, merry
black eyes, that his mother said looked
just like those of poor Tiff.
iise, his sister, was a dainty little
thing of six, whose blue eyes were like
1he yiolets that bloomed among the
rocks in the early summer, and long,
golden curls, that fell around her laugh
ing face like sunbeams.
Jan! JAM" called his mother. going
within doors, Its time you were up.
Ihe storm is over and the sun is bright.
You have the traps to visit after break
fast, and you must be getting ready"
Jan obeyed, like the obedient boy he
was, and presently came yawning down
fhe ladder from the loft, where he had
slept warmly under his fur coyerlet.
As he stepped upon the kitchen floor,
BE was greeted by his little sister with:
You said you would ask mother to
Jet me go with you when you went TO
1he traps again. You have not forgot
1en il, dear JAM
The boy looked at the mother inquir-
ingly.
No, nc" said Mrs. Ulricson. shaking
her head. Else is too small and tender
40 go with you. Besides, she would only
he in your way"
.'Oh, she wouldn't be the least
trouble, mother, and she would like Sc
much to go. Wouldn't you, Use ?"
That ! would" answered the little
girl, tossing her sunny curls. lam not
AIrajd of the cold, and l could help jar
carry the furs, indeed could"