“It chanced to be a hard winter, and the snow was very deep. However, the people tackled up their dogs, hitched them to their sledges, and cantered away over the snow like so many witches. Nurly was a great hand at a frolic, especially if the girls were of the mess; and he went on at such a rate as to become quite a favorite with the softer sex. But it so happened, that, just as the girls became eager to catch Nurly, he wouldn’t be caught, you know--a thing that’s very disobliging, though it’s very much the way of the world. “There was one black-eyed girl that particularly liked our little hero; and he liked her well enough, but still he wouldn’t come to the point of making her an offer of his heart. Well, they went on flirting and frolicking for some time, and a great many moonlight rides they had over the snow-crust. Well, one night they were out with a party, skimming over the vast plain, when they came to a steep ridge, and the leader of the train of sledges must needs go over it. It was hard work for the dogs, but they scrabbled up one after another. “Now Nurly and his little lass were behind all the rest, and, for some reason of their own, they were a good deal behind. However, they ascended the hill; but, as luck would have it, just as they got to the top, the sledge slipped aside, and tipped the pair over. The sledge went on, and all the more swiftly that the dogs had a lighter load; but down the hillside went Nurly and the girl, her arms around him, as if she had been a bear and he a cub. At last they came to the bottom with a terrible thump, the crust broke through, and in a moment they were precipitated down some five and twenty feet! Both were stunned; but soon recovering, they looked around. What was their amazement to find themselves in a street, and before a little church! Just by their side was an image of the Virgin! “‘What can it mean?’ said Nurly. “‘It is a warning!’ said the lass. “‘And what must we do?’ said the other. “‘Why, Nurly, don’t you understand?’ replied the girl. “‘I’ll be hanged if I do,’ said the youth. “‘Shall I tell you?’ said the girl. “‘Certainly,’ said he. “‘Well, Nurly,’ replied the lass, ‘we have been a good deal together, and we like each other very well, and yet we go on, and nothing comes of it. We dance and ride, and ride and dance, and still nothing comes of it. Well, one night we go forth in the sledge; the train passes on; it courses over a hill. They all go safely. You and I alone meet with a miracle. We are hurled to the valley--we descend into a new world; a church is before us--we are alone--saving the presence of the blessed Virgin, and she smiles upon us.’ The girl hesitated. “‘Go on,’ said Nurly. “‘Well--the Virgin smiles--and here is a church--’ “‘Well, and what of it--pray what does it all mean?’ said the fellow. “‘You are as stupid as a block!’ said the lass, weeping. “‘I can’t help it,’ said Nurly Nutt.