The Illinois free trader. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1840-1841, 1840-09-04

penetrated the clothing of the stranger
ere he could obtain the shelter of large
oak, which stood at little distance.
Almost exhausted with the labours Of
the day, he was about making such dispo.
n sitions of the saddle and his own coat, as
!. !. would enable him to pass the night with
If what comfort circumstances would admit,
whenh he espied light glimmering through
VI the trees. Animated with the hope OF
o better lodgings, he determined to proceed.
The way which was steep became attend
II ed with more obstacles the farther he adj
vanced, the soil being composed of clay,
which the rain had rendered so soft that
his feet slipped every step. By the ut
termost perseverance this difficulty was
r finally overcome without any accident,
and he had the pleasure of finding himself
in front of decent looking farm house.
The watch dog began barking, which
bro't the owner of the mansion to the door.
"Who is there p said he.
"a friend who has lost his way and is
in search of shelter" was the reply.
Come ill.," added the first speaker,
"and whatever my house will afford you
shall have with welcome"
IL must first provide for the weary
companion of my Journey remarked the
other.
But the farmer undertook the task, and
after conducting the new conner into the
room where his wife was seated, he led
the horse to a well stored barn, and there
provided for him most beautifully. On
rcjoining the traveller, he observed. that's
a noble animal Of yours, sir
EYES," was the reply, land | am sor-
ry to be obliged to misuse him so as 10
make it necessary to give you much trou-
bic with the care Of him; but have YET
to thank youlor yourkindness to us BOTH"
81 did no more than my duty, sir"
said the entertainer, ''and therefore am
entitled to no thanks. But Susan" adj
ded he, turning to the hostess with a half
reproachful look, ''why have you not Civ
EN- the gentleman something to eat :"
Fear had prevented the good woman
from exercising her well known beneyo-
lence; for robbery had beed committed
by d lawless band of depredators but
few days before in the neighborhood, and
as report stated the ruflians were all well
dressed, her Imagination suggested that
this man might be one of them.
At her husbands remonstrance, she now
readily engaged in repairing her error, by
preparing plentiful repast. During the
meal there was much interesting CONVEX
sation among the three AS soon as the
worthy countryman perceived that his
guest had satisfied his appetite, he inform
ed him that it was now the hour at which
the family usually performed their even
ing devotlons, inviting him at the same
time to be present. The invitation was
accepted in these words
"lt would afford me the greatest plea
sure to commune with my heavenly Pre-
server after the events of the day, such
exercises prepare us for the repose which
we seek in Sleep
The host now reached his bible from
the shelf, and after reading a chapter and
singing, concluded the whole with fer.
vent prayer--then lighting a pine knot,
conducted the person he had entertained
to his chamber, wishing him good nights
rest, and retired to the adjoining apartment. Z
"John," whispered the woman, THAT is
a good gentleman and not one of the high
waymen, as | supposed"
"Yes, Susan said he, 81 like him
better for thinking of his God, than for all
his kind inquiries about our welfare.
wish our Peter had been from the army, {
if it was only to hear this man talk am |
sure Washington himself could not say {
more for his country, nor give better hi {
story of the hardships endured by our c
brave soldiers" |
"Who knows now" inquired the wife, +,
"but it may be he himself, after ALL my !
dear, for they do say he travels Just so all
alone sometimes. Hark what's that ?" i
The sound of voice came from the =
chamber of the guest, who was now en- :,
gagged in his private religious worship
After thanking the Creator for his many 7
merces, and asking blessing on the in
habltants of the house he continued, \
sand now, Almighty Father, if it is thy
holy will, that we shall obtain place and n
name among the nations Of the earth, grant -
that we may be enabled TO show our gra- n
litude for thy goodness, by our endeavours =