Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-06-23

jointed part, we were suddenly interrupted,
and the. thread Of our discourse broken of, by
the squared EDITORIAL" and were forced to
leave the curiosity Of the reader suspended.
Having now disposed Of our feuds, and once
more got into smooth water, we will proceed
to tell the remainder of the story of the Keep.
er Of the Black Cow, and the benighted Sol
dicr.
The supper over, the strangers sat some mo-
ments at the rustic board, covered with the
choicest viands and liquids the village could
afford, and seemed to be mutually loN ~ medi-
mistress Of the Black Cow said to her hus-
band, in a low voice, but with a very signif-
cant look, 81 know all about it - I SEQ through
the whole Of it, and hang me, if these here
folk ar'nt runaways, what are going TO Rhode
Island, to get married; and if were a. man,
I'd stop them, that's what would, and restore
the poor young lady to her parents"
The old lady, the mistress ofthe Black Cow,
having suffered her anxiety to be considered
extremely wise, to carry her tongue to too
great length, very imprudently spoke so
loud, that the soldier distinctly heard her, not
withstanding he was lost in meditation; and
rising from his seat, IN an inpatient and angiy
him and the young lady y;tand continued he, old
wise-acre, you are too hasty in your conclu-
sons, and if you were a man, would teach
you, that it forms no part Of the duty of host
ess, to insult her guests, or thrust her nose in
other peoples busincss:-but 60, | say, and pre-
pare lodgings for me, and this incompatible
young lady.
The hostess, who had always valued herself
as discreet, proper spoken lady, and as one
ofthe elect, terrified at receiving such re-
tort, fell upon her knees, and as the tears fell
down her withered cheeks, protested she in
tended no insult; that she had always behaved
as discreet woman should, had read the bible,
spun linen thread upon foot wheel, attend
ed the parish in a nameless capacity, and made
every effort to please the inmates Of the
"Black Cow;'' and was exceedingly sorry if
she had said one word, to offend so great
gentleman as the one she was addressing, and
who, she doubted not, was as good he, as
any othor he in the nation.
It was evident, that If the old lady vas suf-
fered to 60 on in her speech. the morning would
dawn ere she closed it; and the soldier, no long
er capable of enduring her loquacity, hastily
drew his sword, and swore by the Gods, if beds
were not instantly prepared for himself and the
young lady, he would put every soul in the
house to death, without regard to age, sex, or
condition-from the keeper of the Black Cow,
down to Betty the chambermaid. The threat
was sufficient; it had the effect intended, it
set the whole family in motion; and as the
terrified landlord and landlady fastened to per-
form their several duties, they cursed the hour
that they ever opened their doors to the soldier
At length, after no inconsiderable delay, the
hostess informed her guests, that beds We're
ready; the soldier taking the young lady by the
hand, led her to a separate apartment, which
had been prepared for her, and bidding her
adieu, locked the door upon the outside, put
the key in his pocket, and retired to his
apartment.
The department Of the soldier now satisfied
the hostess, that she was altogether in error,
in suspecting the parties to be run away low
crs;-no, that cannot be, said she. for il they
were, my word for it, they would not keep in
separate apartments; and well l know, that
when was young-and do not think that
times and fashions have changed much since
that period--young men would stay with their
mistresses, as soon as dccency would allow
them to do so, but not beforo!-No no; l
perceive I am mistakenly there is some
thing wrong about this affair, and if don't find
il all out, before they leave the house, my nomo
is not Margcry Wiggns, the wife of Peter Wig
| gins, Esquire, the keeper Of the Black Cow,
and Deacon Of the parish. As the old lady
pondercd ovor the matter, it seemed, she said'
very singular that so good looking man as the
soldier should decline sleeping in the same
apartment with the beautiful creature who ac-
companied him and then it was still more
strange that he should lock her into private
room. DDS a-day, exclaimed the hostess,
have il, have il at tho tip of my iinger;-l
know what all this lit means this-thc
soldier is not yet married, but as he is an hon.
est man, and would not do any thing wrong
for the world. 10 nrayenf all srsncon, he has