Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1902-04-25

the dog knew sny more than ala Of
our whereabouts or destination. he
ing chilled through by the cutting
wind, vet from the ICY needles that
penetrated my clothes anl melted. I
Vas In . discouraged stuper. and
wanted nothing 90 much ~ 10 lie
DOWN and sleep.
The dog was exhibiting signs Of
alarm. lie struggled round the flank
Of the hating flock with whines Of
esgerness, and finally disappeared. !
fancisd that ! once heard his bark
above the roar Of the blizzard. but i
did not attempt To learn what was
the matter. | was too exhausted and
desperate 10 know or care.
But the sheep. after struggling TO
crowd forward, and slipping TO right
and left, stopped and began 10 lie
down and seek 10 get under one an
other in the snow. Except for the
tumult of the storm and the shrill
patter OF the ice on the low willows.
there was no further sound. A.
staggered toward the sheep, / thought
that. as | must lie down, j should
seek the shelter OF their bodies. So
crawled over the backs OF "A dozen OF
the wearied animals and then kicked
and pushed my way down between
the heavy, ill-smelling feeces. The
animals made way for me and then
crowded round me SO closely that !
had to force my face out 10 keep from
smothering. The darkening night
was closing down. the blizzard swept
above, and the sleet sifted unceasing-
ly between the warm, wet sides of
my protectors.
An overpowering desire 10 sleep was
upon me, but l struggled against n,
soothing comfort. But the heavy
warmth OF the sheep and their quiet
ness SO affected me that | soon drift
ed into slumber. At troubled periods
awoke 10 find darkness all about,
but the breathing Of my feecy com
panions again and again renewed my
drowsy sense of security and comfort
til oblivion came once more. II was
only when the cramped position ~
my body made a change necessary
that | swoke enough 10 see that there
was a dim light shining through the
snow above me.
| broke through the chilly covering
10 find ii broad daylight; the sun,
high in the cloudless sky. was glaring
intolerably on the wide, white coun-
try. The sheep were still quiet under
their snow blanket. and the surface
was unbroken. but beyond them ] saw
the black water Of the open river
smoking against its glittering banks.
The blind march had led us out on
harrow, sandy peninsula. where the
river curved around in It's narrow bed.
and here, n seemed. the faithful dog
had OWNED danger and had slipped
around the flock in time 10 keep the
leaders from venturing on the treach-
erous ice
Where the brave fellow was ] did
not know until climbed the low bank
and discovered him watchfully upright
on the highest point. gazing across
the drifts 10 the town. which was, 10
my Amusement, hardly a mile away.
He welcomed me with delight and saw
me plunge into the snow toward the
settlement with barks of pleasure and
encouragement. but did not offer 10
follow the broken path. | felt SO
happy al the termination of the ad
venture that | soon covered the dis
lance, hungry and weak though WAS.
Then | found that the children and
my sister had stayed all night in the
schoolhouse. and had suffered but lit
tie discomfort.
My runaway mule was discovered
in the shelter of crib in the town
his mate was frozen to death as he Law
by the wagon.
The rancher who owned the sheep
was out early looking them up, and,
although nearly one-half Of them had
p, rished on the march. or died before
they could be dug out. he was glad
enough 10 find any of them alive.
As for the gallant dog. | tried in
vain to buy him Of the owner: he
would not consider any price. But for
many years ! used 10 make frequent
trips 10 the ranch for the sole pur-
pose Of visit TO the brave and saga
cious Rink. Youths Companion.