Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1839-05-02
Eco. .Ls Ne.O Brunssriek Standard, Sept 4. 1888
THE LOST CHILD.

THE LOST CHILD.
Adverse as we are to the practice OF seiz-
;oor on any little local incident, yet we occa-
sionallv hear of occurrences so touching and
nathetic in their nature as to awaken our
svmpathies, and interest us IN their narration.
Of such a nature is that which we now pre-
sent to the reader.
Mr.. Charles Bearghan left the north east
mart of the province snort time ago, an"
took what is called the upper road TO Fred
ericlxton to ST, Stephens, on his way TO the
limited States. On the 25th August, he pas
sod the thriving village at Harris Mills. on
the Rnshagonis, very early in the morning,
and expecied to reach Trew's tavern, at the
Piskahapan by night. Equipped for the
woods, furnished with suitable provisions,
his blanket, his axe, slung behind, and his
gun on his shoulder, he trudged gaily along
until he arrived at Shin Creek, which is UNI
bridged, and was at that time much swollen
with late rains. A woodman seldom heSI-
tates at such obstacles; he proceeded up TO
the bank of the stream, and set about feIllng
n tree across il, to serve as temporary
bridge: it swung aside in falling, and laun-
ching into deep water, it moved away males-
ticalIv down the stream. Our traveller
<.looEed aud looked, and visit not what to
do" He was not inclined to resume the axe;
and therefore resolved to proceed up stream
in hopes of finding q favorable place for
crossing. At length he arrived at one OF
those placid looking pools which form deep
stretches in our rivers, and are generally
termed saltwater places. Here ne made
kind of raft sufficient to bear up his clothes
and gun. and keep them dry, while he swan
over and drew them after him. He was
soon busily engaged in rehabiting his limbs,
and refreshing himself with bit of biscuit,
seated on the flowery margin of q natural
meadow, which extended along the banks OF
the stream, when his ear was startled by
whining noise, resembling the sounds fire.
uuently uttered by young bears. He instant.
ly seized his gun, examined the printing, and
e-prime1-then clapping ball into the
barrel,
"With look Intent,
"And eve and ear attentive bent,
he stole cautiously towards the spot whence
the sound issued. They were no longer ut
tered, but he now and then heard cracking
noise among the underbrush, and perceived
twitching motion of the twig and spray, but
could not discover what caused them. Con-
WINGED however that he had some animal TO
encounter, his gun was at his shoulder, and
his finger on the trigger. He then silently
reasoned with himself whether or not ne
toned him against so rash an action, tor no
animal is more furious than wounded bear.
AS thus he unused, his eyes became suddenly
dlated, his heart throbbed violently, he rails
ed himself erect and let the but Of his gun
drop quickly to the ground What did he
see? What did he gaze at? Behold amoeg
the raspberry bushes-and SEQ through the
interstices of their many twinkling leaves OF
dewy green-behold he sees beautiful
;nfantiie arm fitfully stretched out, and little
taper fingers plucking the rich, ripe, crimson
fruit.
After he had experienced the first flush of
the mingled emotions of surprise at the extra
ordinary sight, of horror at the bare idea of
his gun and his intended act, and Of pleasure
in the expectation Of meeting society in these
deep and solemn solitudes, our traveller adj
vanccd, and beheld little girl about seven
years old, scdulously engaged in pulling and
eating of the abundant wild berries which
were spread in great variety over that natu.-
rally rich and verdant spot. She appeared
to be an interesting child !; her clothes had
respectable look, albeit they were most wo-
ordered ringlets over her cheek, which was
begrimmed and pale, and her soft blue eyes
were red with weeping. She burst out into
wild and hysteric wailings, which sunk sud.
denly into convulsive sobs. The traveller
was lost in utter arnazement, and hemmel
aloud to attract the child's attention. Alarm
ed in her turn, at his appearance, half habi-
ted as he was, she screamed, fled a few steps,
fell, and covered her face with her hands,
He was quickly by her side, and used the
kindest and most soothing expressions 10 gain
her confidence and calm her fears. She had
fallen more from bodily weakness, than from
fear, although she had been greatly alarmed
at the unexpected appearance of the stran-
ger. Atlength she ventured to look up, and,
with sweet but languid smile, said, 0 now,
am sure you won't hurt me o am very
sure you will not kill me-" "Kill you God
forbid" was the full-hearted reply. 30
am very tired I've been very, very hungry,
but got plenty Of raspberries here; only
cat the good ones never take them as have
"Where is your mother, my dear child I"
eagerly inquired the traveller; and he was
answered with the greatest simplicity, T." she
is at home sir, guess but mann don't know
where be-; can't find out the way home
ever so long, What my child have you
strayed, and are you lost Come to that
fiowery knoll with me. God has sent me to
preserve your life. Come, and / will give
you some nice biscuit, and bit of meat
You are weak and worn, but will take care
of YOU" The poor innocents soul burst forth
in food Of grateful tears. not attended with
that hysteric affection which she had lately
suffered. She derived great relief from
weeping. and prepared to follow her new be.
nefactor, but the excitement she had just ex-
perienced acting on her sensitive, delicate
and exhausted frame, had shaken every
nerve,and completely Frustrated her strength
kA a 60 xuo1Ix hut h<a ina ard
generous Bearghan carried her to the bank
of the river where he had left his little store
and judiciously RECALLED her with spare and
gradual portions Of food.
As soon as she was moderately refreshed
laan nrAlasn nra,snHa 10 10 inniliriaa