The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1845-01-17

well-dressei parsonage in rude and
udces against the victims of misfortune
or intemperance, who wore the gayb of
poverty, which is cherished by nobler an
imaIs, who boast the attribute Of reason.
In truth, Dose, although a faithful dog,
was a real aristocrat in his principles.
The traveller, from his appearance, mo-
we'd in the humblest rank of life, and Bose
evidently intended TO give him a recep-
ton corresponding with his shabby APP
pearance, and was advancing towards him
in surly manner, and with trucalani
look, when Deacon Willis, who well
knew the pecularilies of his dog, told his
son James to go out and protect the stran-
ger from violence. lie seems TO be
sailor, too said he 'and on day like
this, we should not refuse the rites of hos
plalitv to the humblest being that passes
along the road. On Thanksgiving day.
no individual, rich or poor, sailor or lands
man, should want for a plentiful meal.
Ask him in, my son, continued the noble
hearted farmer, and let the poor way larer
take a seat at our board
The stranger entered the parlor, and
room was made for him at the table. But
his appearance and manner were strange,
and he seemed as if he was but il-dispos-
ed to require his host for the hospitality
he enjoyed. He did not even raise his
dlapidaled hat from his head-and to the
kind enquiries which were made Of him.
he scarcely deigned any reply-but as if
overcome by fatigue or agitated by con-
tending emotions, he threw himself into
the heares, char and covered his brow
with his hands.
The wondering group witnessed his
conduct in silence. Come now, my
good man. at length exclaimed Mrs.
Willis in a kind, molherIy tone, Il dare
say you are tired and hungry-take a seat
at the table, and make yourself at home.
We like saIors-and would gladly do
you good turn for the sake of one who
has long been absent. Don't cry Mary
you should learn to restrain your feelings
Jast then old Bose, who, when the sal
lor first came in sight, was disposed to
regard him as an enemy, appeared 10 have
overcome his combalive pr0pensiles, and
much to the surprise of the children,
seemed suddenly to have conceived the
most lively attachment to the poor stray
ler.' lie wagged his tail with unwonted
energy, absolutely danced around him,
whlned forth his Joy in the most express
sIve manner, and continued the pantom-
ime by jumping into his lap and attempt
ing 10 lick his face
The stranger hardly attempted to re-
pulse the aflecionate animal--but gently
PatIing his head, addressed him with the
endearing epthet of Poor Bose adding,
'you have not forgotten me.
He then raised his hand from his fore
head-removed his hat, and brushed away
the long and matted locks which partly
concealed his features. Hi voice SEEM
ed TO have touched chord in the bosoms
OF the persons present, which had long
ceased to vibrate. The eyes of Deacon
Willis and his wife were turned upon him
in eager expectation. Mary Wordsworth
staried-the rose on her cheek gave place
to the 'ily-and her deep seated and pure
love proved more quick-sighted than even
parental affection. She gazed upon him
with a look in which JOY and surprise
were blended-and met his glance which
beamed with tenderness and raplure-ex-
pressing the irulton of earthly enjoyment.
Her maidenly reserve was conquered BY
her surprise and JOY at beholding before
her, dear one whom she had long
monrned as forever lost. 1T is my cous-
in Edward ! said she, and she threw her.
self into his arms.
The scene that followed may be mag
med, but cannot be observation-disclosures shall
| attempt it. There was no longer any
alloy in the enjoyment OF that happy fam
ily-and Deacon Willis, albeit, always
noted Tor his plety never offered up a
Thanksgiving prayer with greater ierven-
cy and sincerity than on that occasion.
After dinner was over, Edward had a long
tale to tell, 10 which his auditors listened
with breathes attention, Of the perls and
sufierings he had experienced during the
previous three years. The vessel on
which he had sailed for South America
had been suspected Of carrying on con-
iraband trade, and the crew were all con
demned TO the mines for life. Edward.
with two of his companions, at the immi-
nent risk of his life, succeeded in eiTectng
his escape, and, had worked his passage
home in vessel bound for Providence.
| Misfortune still pursued him the vessel