2. As I set foot upon the first part of the wide, open moor1, where the narrow path could hardly be seen in the twilight2, a few flakes3 of snow began to fall.
3. For a moment I began to wonder whether it would not be better, even now,[Pg 38] to turn back and stay in the town for that night.
4. But thinking that my wife and dear little girl would be both sorry and anxious when I did not appear, I put a stout4 heart into the matter, and strode boldly forward.
5. The snowflakes came down thicker and faster, my beard and the front of my coat were quite white, the great brown moor changed first to a grey, and then to pure dazzling white too.
6. The whirling flakes blinded me, I felt giddy from the cold. The storm was now upon me with full fury, the wind almost lifted me from my feet.
7. I trusted that the sudden gale5 would soon pass over, and folding my arms close to my body, tried to struggle forward still. But so far from getting better, the weather grew worse each moment.
8. With a dreadful feeling of despair, I found that I could no longer find my way. I did not know where my home lay, nor how I must turn my face in order to reach it. I cried to God for mercy.[Pg 39]
9. I now felt that I had been very foolish in trying to get across the moor on such a night. Perhaps I might never see my wife and dear child again.
10. The bitter wind seemed to pierce through my clothes, I was fast getting
Join or Log In!
You need to log in to continue reading