Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-06-26
A TALE OF TRUTH.

crime.
A TALE OF TRUTH.
One pleasant evening in the month Of June
in the year II, a man was observed enter
ing the borders of wood near the Hudson
river, his appearance was that OF person
above the common rank. The Inhabitants
of country village would have dignfed
HIM with the name of Squire, anu from his
manner have pronounced him pIoud; but
those more accustomed TO society, would
inform you there was something like a
military air about him. His horse painted
as if it had been hard pushed for scmc miles,
yet from the owners frequent stop, 10 carcss
the patient animal he could not be charged
with want of humanity, but seemed to be
actuated by some urgent necessity. The
riders forsaking good road for by-path
leading through the woods, indicated a de-
sire to avoid the gaze of other travellers
He had not left the house where he inquired
the direction of the above mentioned path
moro than two hours, before the quetude of
the place was broken by the noise of distant
thunder. He was soon after obligated to
dismount, travelling bacoming dangerous, as
darkness concealed surrounding objects, eX-
cept where the lightning's terrific flash allor-
ded momentary view of his situation. A
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
assunder, was quickly followed by heavy
fall of rain, which penetrated the clothing of
the stranger, ere he could obtain 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 n ght with what comfort
circumstances would admit, when he espicd
a light glmmering through the trees. Ami
mated with the hope of better lodgings, he
determined to proceed. The way which
was steep became attended with more OBJ
stacles the further he advanced, the soil being
composed of clay, which the rain had rem
dercd so soft that his feet slipped every step.
By the uttcrmost perseverance this difficulty
was finally overcome without any accident,
and he had the pleasure of finding himself in
front Of decent looking farmhouse. The
watch dog began barking, which brought the
owner of the mansion to the door.
'Who is there 2 said he.
a friend who has lost his way and is in
search of SHELTER was the reply.
Come in added the first speaker, 'and
whatever my house will afford you shall
have with welcome
Il must first provide for the weary COM
panion ofmy 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 well stored barn, and there provided for
him most bountilully. On reoining the
traveller, he observed, that's a noble animal
Of yours, SIR
YES was the reply, 'and l am sorry to be
obliged to misuse him SO as to make it ne
ccssary to give you much trouble with the
care of him; but have yet to hank yol
for your kindness to both of us
Il did no more than my duty, si',' said the
entertainer, 'and therefore ann entitled to nc
thanks. But Susan added he urning tc
= the hostess, with a Tablespoonful look
!, why have you not given the gentleman some.
thing to eat!
Fear had prevented the good woman from
Exercising her wel!-known bcnevolcnce: fn
a robbery had been committed by lawleS
| Vi q iSW p'ioiSt
: the neighDorhood, and as report stated TIM
c ruilians were all well-dressed, her magma
ton suggested that this man might be one o
c them.
= At her husbands rcmonstrance, she nov
: readily engaged in repairing her error, b,
: preparing plentiful rcpast. During tn
meal there was much interesting conversation
+ among the three. AS soon as the worth
G countryman perceived that his guest ha
o satisfied his appetite, he informed him tina
If it was now the hour which the family usual
d performed their evening devotions, invitin
G him at the same time to be present. Tn
1t invitation was accepted in these words.
: lit would afford me the greatest plcasur
o to commune with my heavenly prcserver
l. after the events of the day, such exercise
d prepare us for the repose which we seek
IS sleep
e The host now reached his bible from I'll
S. shelf, and after reading chapter and sing
10 ing, concluded the whole with tervel
20 prayer--tlen lighting pine knot conducte
ID the person he had entertained to his chan
. Der, wishing him good nights rest, and re
J. tired to the adjoining apartment.
i, john whispered the woman, shat IS
good gentleman and not one of the hghwa,
al man, as ! supposed
IS yes, Susan said he, Il like him bctt,
re for thinking of his God, than for all his kin
as inquiries after our welfare. wish our Pct'
had been from the army, if it was only
lie hear this man talk ; am sure Washingto
is himself could not say more for his countr.
SC nor give better history Of the hardshiPs o.
~ dured by our bravo soldiers