Los Angeles herald., 1905-12-24

his fathers arm. His father saw at a glance
what was the matter, and, without word,
drew out handkerchief and bound it tightly
about the boys mouth and nose. Then,
throwing away the -four, which was becoming
too burdensome, he took his son by the hand
and led him along.
1t was the hardest kind of work to keep their
teet IN the driving storm The cold wind
pierced them to the bones. but they struggled
bravely on, thinking of the warm FIRE await
ing them at home.
Homel where was it? The longer they
walked, the further they seemed to be away
from it.
Where are we? We must be near the
anxlously, shading his eyes from the cutting
Ice Why Is 1T we do not reach 1t -
Almost as he spoke, he stumbled over a
great stone.
wandering In a field" he cried, in alarm
And then, with the suddenness of despair, he
exclaimed. I'VE are all turned aroundl We
are lost in the blizzard"
What was to be done? 1t was useless to
wander on at random-Air. Wilkins had had
enough experience to know that-and select
ing DRIFT OF snow which had been packed IN
as hard as rock, he erouehed on the lee side
Of it, and drew the boy down beside him
Father, you are freelngl' cried the boy,
who, wrapped up as he was In the big coat.
was shivering himself. Here, take it; can
get along"
NO, no | am all right" protested Mr.. Viii
xins, elapping his hands to get up a eireula-
ton.
An hour passed. and his legs and arms were
growing numb But still he dared not face the
awful blast.
Father in heaven, have mercyl' he prayed.
send US help! Save from this terrible
DEATH"
As if it was an answer to his prayer. a
dark form suddenly threw itself up against
= - lwrFk
scattered the snow in their faces. Then there
was a howl which mingled with the blast
and the st. Bernard baTked and jumped Will
delight
Bruce, dear old Brueel He Is here to save
US! exclaimed Paul, throwing his arms about
the dog neck and crying for joy. Bruce can
take us home, if anybody can. Father, we are
savedl Come, let me help you up
It was with difficulty that Mr.. Wilkins could
gain his feet, but, aided by Paul. he succeeded
in struggling out of his icy bed.
Then the boy. fumbled in his pockets and
brought out piece of strong twine, one end
Of which he tied to the dogs collar.
Now, Bruce, home, sir-homel'
The dog understood. He sniffed the snow
shook himself, and started off Paul following
and leading his father. Bruce's instinct was
true, and IN few minutes he led them up to
The door, and father and son stumbled into the
kitchen IN a half-frOzen condition.
Bruce" said Mr. Wilkins, when he was
able to sit up-"Bruce, come here. sirl''
The st Bernard got up slowly and walked
over to him Mr.. Wilkins took the dogs head
between his hands and bent down over ri
Was it a tear that sparkled on it, or was +
put melted snow!
4 have always hated dogs, but-but don't
low, he said. Bruce, you have been our sal
-atiOn. How did you ever find uss''
Il sent him, said Mrs. Wilkins. Il was
lfraid You would lose your way, and / told
Bruce to find You and bring YOU home. And
he seemed to understand everything said .
"Noble Bruce, noble Brueei" repeated her
husband. Bruce must have good supper to-
light-'
said Paul tenderly.
''Heyl what's that: Go off, tomorrow,
Well, / guess aotl"
And the dog understood that. too, and hi.
oviul bark mingled with Paul's happy shouts.