Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1840-07-17
A TALE OF TRUTH.


One pleasant evening in the month OF
June, 10 the year IL, n MN was observed
entering the borders Of wood near the
Hudson river, his appearance was that Ola
person above the common rank The 10.
habilants ola country village would have
dignihed him with the name OF Squire, and |
from his manner have pronounced him
proud but those more accustomed to socie.
~, would inform you there was something
like military air about him. His horse
painted as If i had been hard pushed for
some miles yen from the owners ircquem
stops TO caress the patient animal, he could
not be charged with want Of humanity, but
seemed 10 be aciuated BY some urgent ne.
cessi,y. The riders forsakng good road
for bye.pa,h leading through the woods
indicated desire TO avoid the gaze Of other
travellers. He hid not left the honse where
he inquired the direction Of the above men.
toned path, more than two hours before the
quielude ofthe place was broken by the
noise Of distant thunder He was soon alter
obliged TO dismount, travelling becoming
dangerous, as darkness concealed surround.
ing objects, except where the lightning ter.
rife fash afforded momen,afy view of his
situation. A peal Of louder and longer du
r,ion thar any ofihe preceding. which now
burst over his head seeming as il il would
rend the woods asunder was quickly follow
ed by heavy fall OF rain. which penetrated
the clothing of the stranger. ere he could OBJ
tain the shelter OF large oak, which stood
at little distance.
Almost exhausted with the labors Of the
day. he was about making such dispositions
of the saddle and his own coat. as would en-
able him to pass the night with what com
fort circumstances would admit when hr
espied ightglimmering through the trees
Animated with the hope Of better lodgings.
he det.rmined 10 proceed. The way, which
was steep became attended with more obs,a-
cles the further he advanced the soil being
composed OF clay. which the rain had rem
dered so soft that his feet slipped every step
By the utmost perseverance this difficulty
was finally overcome without any accident
and he had the pleasure OF finding himself in
front Of a decen, looking dwelling house.
The watch dog began barking. which
brought the owner OF the mansion 10 lht
door
Who is there! said he.
"A friend who has los, his way and is in
search Of shelter, was the reply.
ever my house will afford you shall have
with welcome
Il must first provide for the weary COM
panon of my journey remarked the Other
But the farmer undertook the task. and al
ter conducting the new conner INTO the room
where his wife was seated, he led the horse
to well stored barn. and there provided for
him mos, bountifuly. On rejoining The
traveller he observed, that's noble animal
OF yours, Sir.
Yes, and am sorry to be obliged 10 mis-
use him so as 10 make il necessary TO give
YOU SO much trouble with the care OF hun
but | have ye, TO thank you for your kind
ness to both OF u.s.
Il did no more than my duty. sir, and
therefore am entitled 10 no thanks. But Su
SAN added he turning TO the hostess with y
half rrproachful look, why have you no
given the gentleman something TO eat 2
Fear had prevented the good woman from
exercising her well known benesoience fo
a robbery had been committed by lawlesi
band ofdepredators bat few days before. II
The neighborhood, and as report stated tina
The rutiians were all well dressed, her inag
innlion suggested that this man might b.
one Of them.
All her husbands retnonstrance, she nov
readily engaged in preparing plentiful re
past During the meal there was much IN
icrestiny conversation among the three A
soon as the worthy countryman percclve
that his guest had satisfied his appetite he IN
formed him that il was now the hour !
which the family usually performed thel
evening devolions. inviting him al the sam
time TO be present The invitation was az
cep,rd 10 these words
1T would afford me the greatcst pleasur
10 commune with my .heavenlypreserver a
Ter the vents Of the day, such exercises pr
pare us for the repose which we seek
sleep
The host now reached his bible from Ii
shelf, and after reading chapter and sin.
ing. concluded wiih fervent prayer-the
lighting pine knot conducted the person }
had entertained to his chamber wishing hi
a good nights rest. and retired to the a
joining apartment.
John whispered the woman, that is
good gentleman and not one OF the robbie
as supposed
Yes. Snsan.' said he, 4 like him be,t
for thinking of his God than for all his klr
inquiries afieronr welfare. | wish our I
ter had been from the army. II it was on
10 hear this man talk l am sure Washn
ton himsef could not say more for his cou
Try. nor give better history ofthe hardship
endured by our brave soldiers
.Who Lnnus now inn nj rad tho ,vif. ii