Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1900-03-15


and seating herself before the cheerful
hearth. proceeded to dress the child,
making merry game of the task. as She
told over and over on his pink toes the
stony of the five little pigs" Then.
giving him his breakfast of bread and
milk, and placing on the floor for his
amusement a box of well-worn play
things, she went briskly about her
household tasks.
The market town to which her father
and brother had gone was a good 10
miles away. and once there they must
wait for the grinding of their load of
grain.
We shall have q long day by our
selves, Tony, dear said Jenny. more
to herself than the child; but there ii
be plenty of work to do. for sister must
bake the bread and cakes for Sunday.
and father and Steve will be wanting a
good hot supper tonight"
Tony help sister," lisped the boy
"Yes, Tony shall help sister and sis
ter will fry him a doughnut man"
Clapping his chubby hands. the child
drew his little cricket to the table.
where, by climbing upon it. he could
overlook his sisters operations at her
molding board. and SO, with frolic and
cheer, the short winters day wore on.
Gradually the sky, which had been
clear in the early morning. grew over
cast with clouds, and Jenny saw from
the window the air filled with gray
mist.
Its surely going to snow" she said
to herself, a little anNiously. But
father promised to be home early, and.
anyhow, Meg and Dobbin are strong
enough to pull them together
A few fcathery flakes came floating
down as she spoke, which proved but
the forerunner of a mighty host as the
storm slowly settled over the landscape.
Hour after hour passed. There We're
no longer any tracks to be discerned
along the narrow roadway. which was
the only avenue Of approach through
the dense forest.
Inside the cabin it grew so dark that
Jenny placed Il lighted lamp upon the
table, and. having finished her work,
sat down to listen for the first distant
sound of sleigh bells, while Tony curletl
himself up sleeping upon her lap.
Suddenly she heard the mut1led beat
shadow darllened the window. and a
moment later a heavy knock resounded
upon the door. Jenny opened it, hold
ing Tony in her arms.
The visitor. who had dismolmted and
stood holding his horse by the bride
rein. was a large. powerful man, in
hunters dress, carrying a brace OF PTS
tolls. and a long, sheathed knife stick
ing in his leathern belt.
\ little city-brcl maiden might have
tainted with fright at sight of so for
midable an apparition, but Jenny was
too we'll accustomed to the rough eN-
terror of the bacllwoodsman to be easily
startled.
The stranger looked at her keenly
as the glow of the open fire lit up her
little figure. with Tonys golden head
upon her shoulder.
Then he said:
Can l stay all night? I've been
caught in the Storm
The young girl hesitated, but only
for a moment.
We're all alone, sir--I and the baby
My father and brother went ito town
this morning. but | expect them home
every minute. and I'm sure they
wouldn't like me to let anyone 90 on
in the storm. SO you're welcome, sir;
and You can put your horse in one of
the empty-stalls in the stable yonder.'
The man made no reply, but having
led his horse away in the direction in
Gated soon returned, and. taking his
place in front of the fire, began to dry
his wet garments.
His face. which might once have
shown fine lines. wore a hard and bitter
expression, as the !1ickering shadows
played over his bent head and averted
eyes.
a vague sense of discomfort crept
over the spirits of his little hostess.
II wonder if he is in trouble. poor
man." she thought. "He looks so ms.
erable!"
Then she said aloud:
eff you haven't had any supper, sir
can give you some Of the pork and
beans I'm keeping hot for father and
Steve
II don't want any" he answered. still
without looking up.
Little Tony, who by this time was
broad awake. had slipped from his sis
ter's arms. and stood with great. blue
wondering eyes fixed upon tn,
stranger.
1t was something wholly new tc
Tony's short experience to find him
self quite llnnoticed by a visitor. ano
he was evidently bordering deeply the
problem of this unsolved personality
He walked slowly up and down thf
room. at each turn approaching lit
tie nearer the grim, silent figure be
fore the hearth.
At last he paused. and laid little
ROSY hand on the mans knee. Still
there was no response.
The cl1ild's breast heaved his breath
came quickly. and a grieved expression
curled his pretty lips.
MAN" he said with tremulous baby