The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-01-03

near The door give notice that here could be found
Entertainment for Wan and Beast II was a fvorite
resort for the inhabitants when the labors of the day
were closed. The post Office in part of the
building, and week the mail made its appear
ance on horseback, carefully protected by one who
feared not, in those troubulous times to follow
the bride path through the forest the nearest post
town some fifty or sixty miles distant. 1t was on one
of these important evenings when the worthy inn
keeper was in momentary expectation of the weekly
budget, that group had collected in the bar room
General Putnam was there, wondering with the rest
what would be the from Bonapartc 1t
was at the time when that man of blood was ason-
ishing the world with his prowess. Their attention
was suddenly attracted by the entrance of IL tired
way -farer who craved supper and lodging The
General laid down his pipe and his scru.
tinlzed the stranger There look of satisfaction
as he surveyed the expansive forehead, expressive,
deep blue eyes and mani form of the young be-
fore him. While supper preparing he seated
himself on the long bench outside of the door, but in
those early days the stranger was soon made well
come. 1t not long before he informed the group
that hearing much o(he West, he had come 10 seek
his fortune.
'Ths," said he, drawing half dollar from his
pocket, SIS the last piece of money have but sup
pose work is plenty. have health and strength
But what You willing do?' said the General.
ANY thing that is to be done, sir said the young
man. Il suppose there trees 10 be feiled, and
land to be cleared
'Yon the for u.s. was the quick reply
Come TO my house to and you shall be sup
Piled
Erwin for such was the name of the stranger thank
cd the General and promised To be there by sunrise
That night his sleep and his dreams like
his waking thoughts, flied with bright ancipa-
tons of fortune by his lnborious excrtions.
The next day found him don,cs,cated in the Cen
erals family. The primitive simplicity of the times
admitted all to the social board: OF course he
Martha Ellis often. At first her beauty and polished
manners surprised him, different from any thing
he expected TO meet at the West Ills
ward her partoo of Difference and respect than
that OF the Of the household. 1t quickly OBJ
served by Martha and in pride Of condcscenson,'
she treated him with more attention than she was
to give the hired men oil the household.
In the time Henry had purchased fine lot
on the banks of the Ohio and erecting a tasteful
cottage Notwth landing the bitter words Of his Sis
nuself he had invited our friend Anna to share his
hearth and heart.
A year flew by and brought some change TO Erwin.
! lie had become great fayoe among the enterpris
/ ing men of the place. No new building raised
! but his strong arm must aid, no land to be surveyed
! but his correct eye must place the line. But nolwith
standing his prospects of success he at times
melancholy and reserved. Many attributed it his
| love of books-lor it known that he the
greatest reader in the place. The Generals library
freely opened 10 him.
But there were deeper feelings at work in his heart
We have !d from his first Introduction to Martha
had had been fascinated by her beauty. The object
of ais admiration fully aware oil it. and what
mans heart is proof against the homage of her per-
sonal charms. Even the proud heiress was moved,
and her voice was lower, her eye wore softer ex-
preston whenever she spoke of Erwin Letter had
she showed more openly the proud heart that beat
| beneath this fair exterior.
! sIf she was not rich thought Erwin, Il might have
some feeble hope OF winning her, but il is too pre-
sumptuuus. I he rich beauty will never rondescend
to accept the hand Of the puor adveiurer'
| Such thoughts would often make him wish he had
never seen her. Then again the kindness and tamil
thrifty of Henry would reassure him, and he ventured
it indulge the hope that future day. if fortune
! favored he might be found worthy TO rich
prize lie toiled early and iute taking recreation
save that oil BOOKS lie frequently met Martha in
the libary, for she too reader, indeed pos
sessed intellect superior to most ladies ofthc place.
| 1t was pensant summer evening; Erwin had re-
tired 10 the bary, and iuteuty reading volume
| Of Shakespeare.
'What you reading now!' said Martha, as she
entered unseen by Erwin. She spoke in her biandest
tone for she hai come 10 request spne slight favor
lie uIanced flon his book 10 her face, and thnnght
| her more beauui than One wish, one hope
possessed his mind lie turned again TO tho book
| his eve fell on the following words;-'-l must con-
| fess my true love--therefoc pardon me-" lie read
them uloud, and added;
Think me not presu,nptuous to quote this ss the
! expression of my own heart Perhaps, Miss Ellis
and the voice Of tie strong irembled. perhaps
! ought 10 have crushed those feelings long since.
But like the collar star they have been 10 as hop