Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-09-19

contrivance by means of his blanket and car
ried her comfortably on his back. The delight
full consciousness of performing good action
buoyed up his spirits and nerved his frame, and
he beguiled the rgor Of his laborious task by the
prattle of his little founding, who had now be-
come more sprghtly and free.
As he journeyed along he inquired if she had
seen any wild beasts in the woods, and she an
swered "No, did'nt-onIy once--two black
dops were coming to me--they were not MT.
Burpe's dogs-they stopt, and one stood upon
his hind feet--they didn't bark, but ruined
away again." Our traveller smiled at the chlld's
simplicity, while she continued to say ~ sir,
last night--O when woke in the middle OF the
night. U how glad was!--I thought was close
to home, for heard the cattle trampng about
me- | couldn't see nothing, none OF them had
bells--and when | called Star and Bright,
they lay still; was glad and my heart was
beating and beating-I lay very still 10 listen,
and so Just dropt away asleep agan--was'n nj
it pty-they were all gone in the morning.
"Providence seems to have defended you IN an
especial manner, my child, against hidden dan
gers and DEATH" said the traveller.
Having carried his helpless charge until day
LIGHT was gone, his fatigue was increased by the
difficulty of walking on an almost trackless
road in the dark, and the moon did not rise I'M
til near ten O'Clock At length he arrived at
deserted log hut within two miles of Trew's, and
being almost exhausted, he determined to make
Il short stoppage to recruit. Here he thought to
leave the child, wrapped in his blanket, whist
he should hurry on, and send back immediate re-
lief He struck light, partook of some refresh
ments with her; but found great difficulty in
getting her to consent to remain behind. After
he had prepared pretty comfortable PED lor
her, and placed her snugly in il, he sat down 10
watch until she should fall asleep. The moon
had.mst risen, and before he started, he gently
approached the child to find if she were perfect
" composed; he had the light towards her, she
opened her blue eyes full upon him, she averted
her head. and sobbed. "No!" exclaimed the
traveller BY all that's sacred, swear will not
leave you behindr-He forthwith slung his axe
and his gun, resumed his former equipment,
raised little Lydia from her lonely couch ana
carried her safely to the long looked-for house
OF entertainment Although it was quite late,
Capt Josiah Trew was easily aroused TO admil
the toilworn traveller and his companion, who
now stood beside him at the thresholds; for some
thing told him that it was more seemly that sne
should walk than be carried into the house. lie
had also tied handkerchief under her chin, IN
the fashion Of the gypsy head dress.
They were soon placed by comfortable hre
in a good house. well stored, and blessed with a
hearty and hospitable landlord. The females
as is the custom Of the country, were speedily
afoot and busy preparing the required repast.-
!
of facetious Josiah, beamng with downright eX-
ultaton as he issued his multifarious orders for
every Wand the house could afford to comfort
the weared travellers. We can imagine also
that we see his features oerclouded and his eye
| glistening with genuine feeling as he related
! hat the whole country side had been up IN
search of n child lost in the woods; that parties
| had gone in all directions but unhappily with
out success and that one of the people deeply
distressed on the occasion was now in the house
Our traveller Immediately exclaimed that Pro-
violence had made him the happy instrument Of
recovering that lost child who now sat before
| them Every one flew round the little girl, ex
amined and fondled her, and vented eXclama
tons Of amazement and satisfaction. Du
ring this sudden hustle a person from the ad
! Joining chamber rushed wildly in among the
company, snatched the hand Of little Lydia, ga
zed on her for moment then clasped her tC
| his bosom. 1t was her father!
What scene was here! what an overfiowng
of the finest feelings which adorn humanity
what giddyng interchange OF those pure aztec.
tons which spring from sincerity and truth
But what tongue can tell; what pen portray the
varied emotions which feeted in rapid success
sion through the minds ofthat painfully happy
rroup? The halEfrantic JOY and gratitude o.
the parent-the wondering fits ofdelight Of the
enfeebed little sufferer-the conscious self sa.
tisfaction of the deverer-the officious but sin
cere gratulations Of the excited inmates--musi
all be estimated by the susceptibility of the rea.
der.
The beautiful train Of circumstances which
Providence employed in this affecting story is
worthy of serious consideration. If the travel
Ter had passed Hartts Mills when the people
were stirring abroad; if Shnn's creek had
been bridged; if the tree had fallen across; if he
had had no gun when he thought the bear was
by-if these facts had happened the child might
have persisted
He who sustans the mighty planets in their
courses and controls the motion of particles OF
dust-He who rules the awful storm and sends
forth the smiling sunbeam, works his wise pur-
poses in mystery to us
"Come, then, expressive silence, muse His
praise"
DRAITS TO-NORROW