Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-01-18

Gentle Hand.


passing through thinly- peopled district
of country, night came down upon me,
almost unawares. Being on foot, could
not hope to gain the village toward
which my steps were directed, until a
late hours and | therefore preferred
seeking the shelter and nights lodging
at the first humble dwelling that pre-
sented itself.
Dusky twilight was giving place to
deeper shadows, when found myself in
the vicinity of a dwelling, from the small
uncurtained windows of which the light
shone with a pleasant promise of good
cheer and comfort The house stood
within an enclosure, and short distance
from the road along which | was moving
with wearied feet. Turning aside, and
passing through IAN ill-hung gate, | APP
preached the dwelling. Slowly the gate
swung on its wooden hinges, and the
rattle of its latch, in closing, did not dis
turb the air until had nearly reached
the little porch in front of the house, in
which slender girl, who had noticed
my entrance, stood awaiting my arrival.
deep, quick bark answered, almost
like an echo, the sound of the shutting
gate, and, sudden as an apparition, the
form of an immense dog doomed in the
doorway. At the instant when he was
about to spring, light hand was laid
upon his shaggy neck and low word
spoken.
"Go in, Tiger" said the girl, not in a
voice of authority, yet in her gentle tones
was the consciousness that she would be
obeyed; and, as she spoke, she lightly
bore upon the animal with her hand, and
he turned away, and disappeared within
the dwelling.
"WhO's that?' a rough voice asked
the question; and now heavy-lookiug
man took the dogs place in the door
"How far is it to Co." asked, not
deeming ii best tn say, in the beginning,
that sought a resting place for the
night.
no c." growled the man, but not
SO haI silly as at first. "It's good six
miles FROM here
"A long distance; and I'm stranger,
and on foot" said |. "If you can make
room for me until morning, Will be very
thankful"
| saw the girls hand move quickly up
his arm, until it rested on his shoulder,
aud now she leaned to him still closer.
Come in. Well Try what can be done
for you"
There was change in the mans voice
that made me wonder.
| entered large room, in which blazed
brisk fire. Before the fire sat two stout
| urh n
eyes, with no very welcome greeting
y middle-aged woman was standing at a
table, and two children were amusing
themselves with a kitten on the floor.
"A stranger, mother" said the man
who had given me 50 rude greeting at
the door; 'and he wants us 70 let him
stay all night"
The woman looked at me doubtIngly
for few moments, and then replied
coldly-
I'VE don't keep public house.
~ am aware of that, ma'am,'' said | ;
but night has overtaken me, and its IA
long way yet TO-
"Too far for a tired man To go on foot, :"
said the master of the house, kindly, $50
it's no use talking about it, mother; we
must give him bed
SO unohtrusively, that | scarcely no.
ticed the movement, the girl had drawn
to the woman's side. What she said to
her | did not hear, for the brief words
were uttered in low voice; but | no.
ticed, as she spoke, one small, fair hand
rested on the woman's hand. Wa, there
magic in that gentle touch? The woman's
repulsive aspect changed into one of
kindly welcome, and she said;
"Yes, its a long way to c.. |
guess we can find place for him."
Many times more, during that evening,
did observe the magic power of that
hand and yoice-the one gentle yet
potent as the other.
On the next morning, breakfast being
over, was preparing to tske my depart
ure, when my host informed me that if
would wait for half an hour he would
give me a ride in his wagon to c.. as
business required him'to go there. was
very well pleased to accept of the invita-
ton. In due time, the farmers wagon
was driven into the road before the
house, and | was Invited to get in. no
ticed the horse as a rough-looking Cana
dian pony, with certain air of stubborn
endurance. As the farmer took his seat
by my side, the family came to the door
to see us OIL
"Dick - said the farmer in a peremp-
tory voice, giving the rein quick jerk a.
he spoke.
But Dick moved not step.
"Dick' you vagabond. get up" And
the farmers whip cracked sharply by the
pony's ear.
1t awaited not, however, this second
appeal. Dick stood firmly disobedient.
Next the whip was brought down upon
him, with an impatient hand; but the
pony only reared up a little. Fast and
sharp the strokes were next dealt to the
number of half dozen. The man might