Norwich bulletin., 1917-12-27

After the death of his wife, MT. Wal ton and daughter Clara, a young lady 1 20 years of age, shut up their house and travelled about, first west, then south, trying to overcome their grleI with new scenes.
 Clara was glad her father could ar range his affairs so he could be aDsent for an indefinite period, for she feli the change would not only be bene- ficial to him but to herself ana enaoie her to be strong enough on their re- turn to assume the home duties with out her mothers guidance.
 With the fall came thoughts or home but both deferred the returning from time to time. MT. Walton wished i, wardly to remain away until after the holidays. At first Clara coincided
 with him, but Thanksgiving day caused her to change her mind. The day was spent at a hotel instead of at home, which she knew would not meet her mothers approval so after a talk with her father they decided to reach home two days before Christmas and observe the day quietly but in their natural manner.
 | Coming eastward, the air was very cold and soon they found themselves ;n the midst Of a raging snow storm. The air was filled with snow which blinded the view from sight, the car windows rattled and the heavily load ed train only craw1ed along;' then just before reaching Swanlea suddenly stopped and the conductor informed the passengers that they were stalled in drifts of snow
 For several hours the travellers re- mained. patient, but as the cold crepf in and they became chilled and also hungry (for the dining car had been left behind). the men made snowshoes as best they could and started on a and food, for the conductor assured them that. as the telegraph wires we're crossed and tangled, help could not reach them until the storm was over.
 Clara and her father donned snow shoes and she unfastened a sash which ske was wearing and tied one end around her fathers arm while she tied the other around her wrist and follow ed after him to find lodgings some where.
 They lost their course and their breath and strength and were nearly spent when they discerned a flicker Of light in the distance which they fol- lowed and soon came to a cottage.
 Through the window on the veranda MT. Walton perceived a bright fire burning in the stove, on a table by the window stood lighted lantern, an easy chair stood here and there. but cradle in which laid a sleeping child, and by her side sat a small girl with her head resting on the cradle with traces Of tears on her face, while near by a maltese kIcten was playlng with spooIs. /
 As no one answered his rap MT. Walton called out: Don't be afraid, but my daughter and I have lost our way in the storm. Will you please let as in where we can warm oursefves?"
 The child, who had trembled with fear on hearing the rap, shouted: "An rrght!" and as the key turned and they entered and she perceived how tired they were she soon had them seated by the fire, while she hastened to bring them some cold food with a hot. cup of tea. After parta1xing they removed their wraps and MT. Walton told the story of their experiences.
 Clara then asked the child, her name and why the children were alone.
 She replied: 'T am Hilda Allen, six years old, and baby is Barbara, and she is three.' Then the tears rolled down her cheeks as she continued: {:
 Mamma died, she did, and auntie came to take care of us. Papa went to war. Grandma is sick and auntie went to make her we'll, and we stayed tc wait for Santa Claus"
 You poor dears,' cried both father and daughter together, putting their arms around her just as someone shouted:
 Hello! Hello! Hilda! It is I! Open the door!' and pleasant jolly look ing man entered, but on sperceiving company he was silent.
 Mir. Walton rose and again told his