Year: 1861

On a distant prairie, at nightfall, a
way-worn and weary traveller was over
taken by u snowstorm When the first
few flakes came softly dropping down,
he looked eagerly around ia the hope OF
discovering a place OF shelter; but none
was to be seen-only y the trackless 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 departure OF light the
Snow began falling faster, the wind blew
keener, the road over the prairie was
soon hidden from view, and the trav-
eler felt that he was lost ON trackless
across the dangerous country.


This is terriblc!'' said he, aloud
81 fear much l shall never come to my
destination If had but compass
and light / should not fear, for L
could resist the effects of cold long
enough to reach the hills, and there L
should find human habitations, or at
least the shelter Of rock Now, l may
go in circle till | freeze, and be ne
nearer help What a fool l was, to
leave the river side and cross the prai-
rie just for the sake of few miles more
or less journey, No matter; l must ever
battle it out now, Heaven helping"


And battle it out, he did manfully.--
He drew his cap down over his ears and
brow, and his fur collar up over his
mouth, and thrusting his hands deeper
into his pockets, pressed on through
the yielding snow. The gloom Increased,
the wind came charper, and through his
heavy clothes the traveller began to feel
the effects of the cold. His feet grew
numb, his arms chilled, and after aa
hours rapid walking; he suddenly
paused.


"How do l know whittier am going?"
he exclaimed perhaps | have already
turned aside from the straight line, and
am wandering on the verge of destruc:
ton. o, that could shake off this
dro Esy feeling that is stealing over
me- 1 know what it is - the pre-
cursor of rest in this cold winding
sheet of snow Great Heaven, l am
freezing to deathr' shrieked he, bound
ing forward with renewed energy
"Action-action-ac is life, and life
is to sweet to lose YETI


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


"Despair-ao," he cried, mot while
the memory of my loved wife and deal
children is left me. l will struggle on
for your sakes, and fight to the last ex.
tremity. y, just Heaven, for the sake
of the innocent ones whose only stay il
my right arm, help me to reslst-helE
me to resist-help me to triumph


At this moment he plunged into a hol
low, his feet strobe over ice, and he
heard the voice Of IA streamlet singing o
life and action beneath its icy crust. A
the same time the smell OF wood smok,
saluted his nostriis.


so, Thou who reignest above" b,
tejaculated 81 thank Thee that Tho,
hast heard my prayer. Help is nea
me.


He reeled heavily onward through
the binding snow, and saw just befor
him a low shed, one more struggle ant
he fell against it. In an instant he di
vined its character. With a last despe
rate effort he found the door, threw i
open, and rushing in, flung himself a
full length upon the floor, knowing


only that he was in an atmosphere reek
ing with the fumes of bacon, and warn


with the smoke which rose. from pa
of smothered Goals in the center Of tn


place. 1t was settlers rude smok


house, left to care for itself during tn
long winters night, and the traveller


grateful heart sent up tribute t


Heaven for this place Of refuge in tn
J, the desert of snow