Year: 1861

On distant prairie, at nightfall, q wayworn
and weary traveller was overtaken by q snow
storm. When the first few flakes came softly
dropping down, he looked eagerly around in
the hope Of discerning place Of shelter; but
none was to be seen-only the reckless waste
of rolling lands and far off hills in the direction
whittier he was going-so far of that he feared
he never should reach them. With the depart
ure of light the snow began falling faster, tho
wind blew keener, the road over the prairie
was soon hidden from view, and the traveller
felt that he was lost on a trackless waste, with
out star to guide him across the dangerous
country.


This is terrible ~ said he, aloud 81 fear
mucn shall never come to nay destination
II had but compass and light should not
fear, for l could resist the effects of cold long
enough to resch the hills. and there should
find human habitations, or at least the shelter
of rock Now, may 90 in a circle till
freeze. and be no nearer help. What a fool I
was, to leave the river side and cross the
prairie just for the sake Of few miles more or
less journey. No matter; must even battle
1t out now, Heaven helping"


And battle 1t out be did most manfully. He
drew his cap down over his ears and brow, and
his fur collar up over his mouth. and thrust
ing bis hands deeper in his pockets, pressed
on through the yielding snow. The gloom in
creased, the wind came sharper, and through
his heavy clothes the traveller began 70 feel the
effects OF cold. His feet grew numb, his arms
CHILLED, and after an hours rapid walking, he
suddenly paused.


How do know whittier am going ," he
exclaimed. perhaps have already turned
aside from the. straight line, and am wander
ing on the verge of destruction. o, that
could shake OH this drOwsy feeling that is steal
Ing over me / know what 1t is-the precur-
sor OF rest In this cold winding sheet Of snow
Great Heaven, / am freezing to death -
shrieked he, bounding forward with renewed
Anf
life is too sweet to lose yet,


lie hurried along with springing motion,
stamping his feet vigorously at every step, and
swinging his arms to keep the blood in circu.
lstion. Yet with all his efforts, he knew that
the angel of death was folding his white wings
silently but surely around him.


"Despsir-no?" he cried, mot while the
memory Of my loved wife and dear children is
left to me. will struggle on for your sakes
and fight the storm-fend to the last extremity.
%, just Heaven, for the sake of the innocent
ones whose only stay is my right arm, help me
TO reSist-help me to triumph"


At this moment he plunged into hollow.
hlS feet strobe over ice, and he heard the voice
of streamlet singing Of life and action be-
meath Its icy crust. At tho same time the
smell Of wood smoke saluted mis- nostrils


so, Thou who reignest above" he eiacula-
ted, &c thank Thee that Thou hast heard nv
prayer. Help is near me-"


lie reeled heavily onward through the
binding snow, and saw just before him low
shed; one more struggle, and he fell against
It In an instant he OWNED its character
With last desperate effort he found the door
threw ii open, and rushing in, flung himself
at full length upon the floor, knowing only
that he was In an atmosphere recking with
the fumes Of bacon, and warm with the smoke
which rose from a pan of smothered Goals in
the centre OF the place. 1t was a settlers
rude smOke-hOuse, left to care for itself during
the long winters night; and the travellers
grateful heart sent up tribute to Heaven for
this place Of refuge in the desert of snow.


In large log cabin in the valley of the
streamlet, Miily Dean sat alone. Her husband
had gone to a distant town, and the young
wife was left with her baby. Accustomed to
the solitude, she felt safe, and sat in content
ment before the blazing fire; the flames leaped
right joyfully up the chimney, and the green
logs sizzled and cracked In the heat like THINGS
Of life, Out doors, the wind was bowling
drearily, and the snow falling heavily; bat
Mily cared not. for it only made the FIRE moro
cheerful


There came a rsppiug at the door.


= How strange Who can that be at our
door in this wild nightl' said she to herself,
as she rose and went into the little entry


The rapping was repeated.


"Who is there 9' she asked


For heavens sake let me in; / am freezing
to death ~ was the reply.


mo are you and how came you in the
lonely place on such an evening as this ?"


. i am a traveller, from below; lost nv
way, and am dying with cold. For PHYS
sake let me in, or L shall perish 30


Milly hesitated. She was alone, and il was
three miles to the nearest neighbours. What
should she do? She paused in perplexity


20, save Ine-saye me / am dying =" were
the words that met her hearing. There was a
heavy fall against the sill, and then low moans
Her woman nature could stand no more; true
20 the instinct of her being, she unbarred the
door and threw it open. A closely -mufied
figure reeled by her into the room. and shut
ting the door she followed. On reaching the
fireplace, the stranger threw of his disguise
and stood erect and strong, without a sign of
inconvenience from the effects of the weather
Milly retrestsd from him in amazement, but
recovering herself and putting the best face
on the matter, she TREMENDOUSLY addressed the
man:


- am sorry, sir, you are SO cold. 1t isa
bitter night to be abroad. Will you not sit by
The FREE" And she pushed a chair forward


The man made no response, but stooping
over, ran his fingers through the blaze. Then
he turned and stared ut her with a look which
made her blood run cold A bright thought
came into her mind. She would pretend there
were others IN the house, for she already felt
afraid Of the man, and bitterly regretted hav-
ing admitted him.


Would you like to see some of the men
tolks, SIR =. sne inquired II 80, will call
them from their BEDS ~ I.s..-


The man laughed hoarsely and replied ::


'Mily Dean, for that / believe is your name,
you cannot deceive me. You are all alone in
this house. 1 took particular care to ascertain
that before came. So you may as wen make
yourself easy on that score and do as I bid
you" ~ g.


''Do rs you bid me-" exclaimed Milly, in
terror; what do you want Of me ?"


II want the twelve hundred dollars in gold
your husband received for ais produce two days
ago. You probably know whereit Is"


Mily sprang into the entry and would have
fed, but the stranger caught her by the wrist
and dragged her back. ~ u.


- You cannot escape me, young woman he
said "YOu will find it most convenient to
make clean breast at once. II will be better
for you" -.7s. -.-ra-fsssf -


MIily strove to relieve her arm. The rough
treatment she received aroused her temper,
and indignation Overcame all other feelings.


n H.. LAT L.