A Waif of the Mountains

by Edward Sylvester Ellis

"A Waif of the Mountains" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a rugged mining camp called New Constantinople during a harsh blizzard, and follows the struggles and camaraderie of a group of miners. The introduction hint at the arrival of a small girl named Nellie, whose presence soon transforms the rough group of men into more caring and considerate individuals. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the miners of New Constantinople, who gather at the local saloon to discuss important town business—naming their settlement—during a blizzard. As tensions rise with their humorous and argumentative discussions about potential names, the opening sets a light-hearted and comedic tone. The arrival of Maurice Dawson and his young daughter, Nellie, brings a dramatic turn to the atmosphere, as Dawson recounts the tragic loss of his wife in the blizzard while he miraculously saved his daughter. In this opening section, readers witness the miners' rough edges soften and their humanity begin to shine as they rally around the father-daughter duo, setting the stage for a heartwarming story of community, loss, and friendship.