The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1840-07-14
wi i 9 G ella ma q O au 9.
A !TALE-OF TRUTH.

ders of wood near the Hudson river, his aR.
pearance was that of person above the com.
mon rank. The Inhabitants of country vii.
lage would have dgnfied BIN with the name
of Squire, and from his manner have pronoun-
ced him proud; but those more accustomed to
society, would inform you there was something
like military air about HIM. His horse painted
as If it had been hard pushed for some miles,
vet from the owners frequent stops to caress the
natient animal he could not be charged with
want of humanity, but seemed to he actIated
by some urgent necessity. The riders foTsak.
ing n good road for n by path leading through
the woods, indicated desire 10 avoid the gaze
of other travellers.--He had not left the
house where he inquired the direction of the a
hove mentioned path, more than two hours,
before the quiettide Of the place was broken 10y
the noise of distant thunder. He was ,af
ter obliged to tiismount, travelling becoming
dangerous rs darkness concealed surrounding
objects, except where the lighning's terrific
flash afforded momentary view of his siua.
ton. peal louder and of longer duration than
any of the preceding, which now burst over
his head seeming as if it would rend the woods
asunder, was quickly followedb by heavy fall
OF rain, which penetrated the clothing of the
stranger ere he could obtain the shelter Of
large oak which stood mt little distance.
Almos, exhausted with the labors of The day
he was about making such dispositions of the
saddle and his own coat, as would enable him
TO pass the night with what comfort circum-
stances would. admit, when he espied light
glimn,ering through the trees. Animated with
the hope of better lodgings, he determined to
proceed. The way which was steep become
attended with more obstacles the further he al.
vanced, the soil being composed of clay, which
the rain had rendered so soft that he slipped ev'
cry step. BY the utmost perseverance this
difficulty was finally overcome without any ac.
cident, and he had the pleasure of finding him
self in front of a decent looking farm house.
The watch dog began barking, which brought
the owner Of the mansion to the door.
sWho is there?' said he.
"A friend who has lost his way and is III
search Of SHELTER was the reply.
Come in added the first speaker, 'and what
ever my house will afford you shall have with
welcome
q must first provide for The weary compan
ion of my Journey remarked the company.
But the farmer undertook the task, and after
Conducting the new conner into the room where
his wife was seated, he led the horse 10 well
stored barn, md there provided tor him most
bountifully. On reioining !he traveller, he obs
served that's a noble animal OF yours, sir.
yes was the reply, sand l am sorry to he
obliged TO misuse him so MS 10 make it necessary
to give you muck trouble with tie care of him;
but have yet to thank you for your Kindness to
both of u.s.
Il did no more than my duty, sir said the en-
tertaner, and therefore ann entitled to no thanks
Bot Susan added he turning TO the Hostess,
with hall reproachful look, why have you not
given the gentleman something to eat?
Fear had prevented the good woman from. ex
ercising her well known benevolence; for II rob
bery had been committed by n awless band OF
depredators but few days before, in the neigh
borhood, end as report stated the rufians were
all well dressed, her imagination suggested that
this man might be one of them.
At her husbands remonstrance, she now rea'
Oily engaged in repairing her error, by preparing
n plentiful repast. During the meal there was
yn,,c h mn cOuVerSatiOn among the three.
AS soon as the worthy c0uniryman perceived
that his guest had satisfied his appetite, he in.
formed him that it was now the hour which the
family usually performed their evening devo'
TONS inviting him at the same time to be pres
ent. The invitation wos accepted in these
words. -7,
1T would afford me the greatest pleasure to
commune with my heavenly preserver after The
events Of the day, such exercises prepare us Tor
the repose which we seek in sleep. .
The host now reached his bible, from the
shelf and after reading chapter and singing,
concluded the whole with fervent prayer
then lighting pine knot conducted the person
he had entertained to his chamber, wishing HIM
n good nights rest, and retired to the adjoining
apartment. o., si obs q ysts ttl-l
John whispered the woman, that is good
gentleman and not one Of the highwayman, as
supposed !, M. .,., ,,o,,o. e.,
thinking ofhis God, than for a II his kind inqui.
ries after our welfare. l 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
history OF the hardsbps endured by our 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 all alone, sometimes.
Hark! what's that? .4
The sound Of n voice came from the chamber
Of the guest, who was now engaged in his pri'
waite religious worship. After thanking the
Creator for his many rnercies and asking bles
sing on the inhabitants of the house; he contln
ued 'and now, Almighty Father, if it is thy holy
will, that we shall obtain place and name a.
mong the nations Of the earth, grant that we
may be enabled to show our gratitude Tor tiny
goodness, by our endeavors to obey thee. Bless
us with wisdom in our councils, success in bat