Year: 1861

By l. W. DAVIES


On distant prairie, at nightfall, wayworn
and weary traveller was overtaken by snow
storm. When the first few fakes came softly
dropping down, he looked eagerly around in the
hope Of discerning place Of shelter; but none
was to be seen only the trackless waste of rolling
lands and far off hills in the direction whittier he
was going-so far off that he feared he never
should reach them. With the departure of light
the snow began to fall faster, the wind blew
keener, the road over the prairie soon hidden
from view. and the traveller felt that he was lost
on trackless waste, without a star to guide him
across the dangerous country.


"This is terrible" said he, aloud. "I fear
much / shall never come to my destination. If
i had but a compass and light should not fear
for could resist the effects of cold long enough
to reach the hills, and there should find human
habitations, at least the shelter of a rock
Now, / may 90 in circle till freeze, and be no
nearer help. What a fool was. to leave the
river side and the prairie, just for the sake
of few miles more or less journey. No matter;
/ must even battle it out now, Heaven helping.
And battle it our he did, most manfully- He
drew his cap down over his ears and brow, and
his fur collar over his mouth, and thrusting his
hands deeper in his pockets, pressed on through
the yielding snow. The gloom increased. the
wind came sharper and through his heavy clothes
the traveller began to feel the effects of the cold
His feet grew numb, his arms chilled, and after





"How do / know whittier l am going2" he ex-
claimed. perhaps have already turned aside
from the straight line, and am wandering the
verge of destruction. o, that / could shake off
this drowsy feeling that is stealing over me- 1
know what il is-the precursor of rest in this
freezing to death, shrieked he, bounding forward
with renewed energy. "Action-action-actio
Is life and life is too sweet to lose yet"


He hurried alcng with springing motion,
stamping his feet vigorously at every step, and
swinging his arms TO keep the blood in circula-
tion Yet with all his efforts, he knew that the
angel of death was folding his white wings 81
lently but surely around him.


despair? no." he cried, "not while the mem
ory of nv beloved wife and dear children is left
to me. / will struggle for your sakes, and
fight the storm fend TO the last extremity. o,
Just heaven, for the sake of the innocent ones
whose only stay Is my right arm-help me to re-
sist-help me to triumph"


At this moment he plunged into hollow, his
feet strobe over ice and he heard the voice of a
streamlet singing of life and action beneath its
icy crust At the same time the smell of wood
smoke saluted his nostrils-


80, thou who reignest above, he CALCULATED
'.I thank Thee that Thou hast heard my prayer
Helps near me-


He reeled heavily onward through the binding
snow, and saw just before him low shed; ont
more struggle, and he fell against it. In an in
slant he OWNED It's character With a last des
perate effort he found the door, threw it open, anC
rushing in, flung himself at full length upon th'
floor knowing only that he was in an atmosphere
recking with the fumes of bacon, and warm witt
the smoke which rose from pan Of smothere'
Goals in the center of the place. Il was settler
rude smoke house. left to care for itself durin;
the long winters night, and the travellers crate
full heart sent up tribute to Heaven for this plac
Of refuge in the desert of snow.


In large log cabiniE the valley of the stream
let, Milly Dean sat alone. Her husband had gon
to distant town, and the young wife was LET
with her baby Accustomed to the solitude, sh
felt safe, and sat in contentment before the blaz
ing fire; the flames leapt right joyfully up tn
chimney, and the green logs sizzled and cracks
in the heat like things of life. Outdoors. to
wind was howling drearily, and the saow .fallin
heavily; but MiIly cared not, for it only made tn
fire more cheerful.


There came ripping at the door,


"HOw strange WHO can be at our door i
this wild nicht?y she said to herself, as sh
rose and went into the little entry.


The rapping repeated


ssWhO is there1' she asked.


"For Heavens sake, let mein; am freezin
10 DEATH" was the reply


!. "Who are you, and how came you in th
lonely place on such an evening as this


AI am a traveller from below; lost my way
and am dying with cold. For PHYS sake, let m
in, or shall perish


MiIls hesitated. She was alone, and it wa
three miles to the nearest neighbor's. Wha
should she do2 She paused in perplexity.


80, save me--save me- ! am dying" Wer
the words that met her hearing. There was
heavy fall against the sill, and then low moan
Her woman nature could stand no more; tru
to the instincts of her being. she unbarred tl
door and threw il open A closely mufied fs
ure reeIed by her into the room, and, shuttin
the door, she followed. On reaching the III
place, the stranger threw off his disguise. an
stood erectand strong, without sign of incoI
venience from the effects of the weather. Mil
retreated from him in amazement; but recoverin
herself, and putting the best face the matte
she tremulously addressed the man:


II am sorry, sir, YOU are so cold. 1t is bi
ter cold night to be abroad VIII vow not sit
the fret" And she pushed chair forward


The man made no response, but STOPPING ov'
ran his fingers through the blaze. Then l
turned and stared at her with look which mac
her blood run cold. A bright thought came in