, 1841-03-06
MISCELLANEOUS
REVOLUTIONARY "REMINISCENCES.
A TALE OF TRUTH.

TALE OF TRUTH.
One pleasant evening in the month OF
June, in the year la man was observed
entering the borders of a wood near the
Hudson; his appearance was that of a person
above the common rank. The inhabitants
of the country would have d~ignifed him with
the name of Squire, and from his manner
have pronounced him proud; but those more
accustomed to society, would inform You
there was something like a military air about
him. His horse painted as if 1t had been
hard pushed for some miles, yet from the
owners frequent stops 10 careSs the patient
animal, he could not be charged with wan!
of humanity, but seemed TO be actualed by
some urgent necessitv. The riders iorsak-
ing a good road for a by-path leading through
the woods, indicated a desile to avoid the
gaze of other travellers. He had not left
the house where he enquired the direction
of the path. more than two hours, before the
uuietude of the place was broken by the
noise of distant thunder. He was soon al
ter obliged to disnounr. travelling became
dangerous. as darkness concealed surround
ing objects. except where the lIghnlngS ter
rife flash afforded a momentary view OF his
situation. 4 peal, louder and OF longer du-
ration than any of the proceeding, which
now burst over his head seeming as If II
would rcnd the woods assundcr, was quickly
followed bv Il heavy fall of rain. which pene-
trated the clothing of the stranger. ere he
could obtain the shelter of large oak which
stood at a little distance.
Almost exhausted with the labors of the
day, he was about making such disposition OF
the saddle and his over coat. as would emu
bic him TO pass the night with that comfort
circumstances would admit, when he espied
a light glimmering 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
stacIes the farther he advanced. the soil be-
ing composed ofclav. which the rain had
rendered so soft that his ieet slipped every
step. By the utmost perseverance, this diff
fcultv was finally overcome without any
accident. and he had the pleasure Of finding
himself 10 the front ~ - i"r"ut ln"kInT farm
house. The ut.ch d. began barking.
winch brought rl- owner of the mansion to
the door.
WHO is rhereI said he.
4 friend Nh" has lost his WV and Is in
search OF shelter, was the reply.
Come m added tie first speaker, 'and
what ever my house will afford. you shall
have with welcome.
4 must first provide for the weary com
panion of my Journey remarked the other.
But the farmer undertook the task, and af
ter 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 bountiful!y. On rejoining the trav-
eller, he observed, 'that's a noble animal of
yours, SIR.
Yes was the reply, sand | am sorry to be
obliged to misuse him, so as to make it nee
essary to give you so much trouble with the
care of him, but | have vet TO thank YOU for
your kindness to both of u.s.
Il did no more than my duty, sir, said the
entertainer, 'and therefore I'm entitled TO no
thanks.
But, Susan added he, turning to the
hostess, with a half reproachfu! look, swhy
have you not given the gentleman something
to eatr
Fear had prevented the good woman from
exercising her well known ~benevolence; for
a robbery had been committed bv a lawless
band of depredators a few DAYS before, in
the n%eighborhood, and as report stated that
the ~ruffiians were well dressed, her magma
ton suggested that this might be one of them.
At her husbands remonstrance. she now
readily engaged in repairing her error, BY
preparing a plentiful repast. During the
meal there was much interesting converse
lion among the three. As soon as the
worthy countryman perceived that his guest
had satisfied his appetite, he informed
him that 1t was now the hour at which the
family usually performed their evening de-
%votions, inviting him at the same time to be
present. The invitation was accepted in
these words;