Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1834-10-16

until day light was gone. hi, fatigue
was increased by the difficulty of walk
ing on an almost trackless road in the
dark, and the moon did not rise till near
ten o'clock. At length he arrived nj a
deserted log hut within two miles OF
Ircw's. and being almost exhausted. he
determined To make a short stoppage Ia
recruit. Here he thought 10 leave the
child, wrapped in his blanket, whilst he
should hurry on. and send back irnme-
date relief He struck light and par
took OF some refreshments with her
but found great difficulty in getting her
to consent 10 remain behind. Af,er he
had prepared pretty comfortable bed
Tor her. and placed her snugly in it. me
sat down To watch until she should fall
asleep. The moon had Just risen. and
before he started, he gently approached
the child TO find ii she were perfectly
composed; he held the light towards
her. she opened her blue eyes full up
on him, and avcrtcd her head and sob
bed. Mo- exclaimed the traveller
BY all that's sacred, Iswear will not
leave you bchindn He forthwith sluns
his axe and his gun, resumed his form
or equipment, raised little lydia from
her lonely couch, and carried her safe
~ to the long lookcd-for house of en-.
tertainment. Although il was quite
late, Capt. Josiah Trcw was easily A.
reused TO admit the toil-worn traveller
and his little companion, who now
stood beside him at the threshold: for
somethingt told him il was more seemly
that she should walk than be carried in
to the house. He had also tied hand.
kcrchicf under her chin, in the fashion
OF a gypsy head-dress.
They were soon placed by a comfor-
table lire IN n good house, well stored.
and blessed with hearty and hospita-
bic landlord. The females. as is the
custom of the country, were speedily
aioot and busy preparing the required
repaSt. We fancy we can see the mirth-
LIT countenance of facetious Josiah.
beaming with downright exultation. a,
he issued his multifarious orders for
every Wand the house could afford ia
comfort the wearied travellers. We
can imagine also that We see his fca-
lures oerclouded and his eve glistcn-
ing with genuine feelings as he related
that the whole country side had been
up m search for child lost In the woods :
that parties had gone in all directions,
but unhappily without success, that one
OF the people, deeply distressed on the
occasion, was now in the house. Our
traveller Immediately exclaimed that
Providence had made him the happv
instrument of recovering that lost child
who now sat before them. Every one
flew around the little girl, examined
and fondled her, and vented exclama-
IONS oil amazement and satisfaction.
During this sudden hustle, person from
an adjoining chamber rushed wildly in
among the company, snatched the hand
of little Lydia, gazed on her for a mo-
ment, then claspcd her to his bosom
II was her father.
What scene was here! what an
Overlooking of the finest feelings which
adorn humanity. what a giddying in
terchange of those pure affections
winch spring from sincerity and truth ,
But what tongue can tell what pen
Pourtray the varied emotions which
heeted in rapid succession through the
minds OF that painfully happy group +:
The half-frantic JOY and gratitude of the
Parent-the wondering fits Of delight
OF that enfeebled little suGercr-the
conscious self-satisfaction of the deIiy-
erer-the ofiicious but sincere rratula-
tons OF the excited inmates-rnust all
be estimated by the susceptibility Of the
reader.
The beautiful train Of circumstances
which Providence employed in this ai-
feeling story, Is worthy Of serious con-
sideration. II the traveller had passed
Hartt's Mills when the people were
stirring abroad, if Shinn's creek had
been bridged II the tree had fallen a.
cross; II he had no gun when he sho't
bear was by--if these facts had hap
Pencd, the child might have persisted.
He who sustains the mighty planets
IN their courses, and controls the mo-
ton OF PARTICLES Of dust-Hc who rules
the awful storm, and sends forth the
smiling sunbeam, works His wise pur-
poses IN mystery 10 u.s.
" Tome tl,eu exprrssive sflrnee c,u,- i.,,,i.. -