American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-12-11
Il II T. w A Y + A II f r 3
a THRILLING TALE.
Bv Robert Hamilton

From the first peep OF dawn, ! had been
wandering on the banEs of the Cara, little
streamlet in Cornwall, in pursuit Of my favoritc
amusement, angling, and was only compelled
TO renqush it, from the sky being left without
a cloud, and summer sun pouring almost
vertically his rays upon the waters, rendering
their speckled tenants cautious to i fault, and
myself anguid and listIess. therefore resolv-
ed for a fow hours, to seek shelter at the near
est habtation, which, fortunately, at no
great distance, presented itself in the charge
Of miller.
The scene was one of peculiar beauty, par
taking Of a mixture of the sylvan and rugged
features of nature, such only as are TO be
found in EMERY England" and more cspe-
cially i'll the counties of Cornwall and Devon
shire.
On gentle activity, not far from the cot
tage, stood the mill; one Of those picturesque
objects, almost Indigenous, Of may be permit
ted the expression to this part Of the country,
with its white sails, and rough conicaI body,
grown gray in the service OF generations, as
we'll as from the ravages Of time and tempest.
The Cara, which swept swiftly round the
base of the acclvity, after shooting in direct
line for a fuw yards, like line Of molten sill
yer, passed under a little bridge, (if rude stone
arch may be so po.npuousy designated y and
Of deep and yerdant valley.
As reached this spot, my notice was at
tracted to group of sun-browncd urchins, re-
posing on tho soft greensward OF the bank OF
the streamlGt. Their habiliments were those of
children of poverty; while their whole wealth,
apparently, consisted of little canine COM
panion, that lay cozily couched between boy
and girl. To the opposite hank, one of the
party had crossed. bluff, and ruddy looking
lad who stretched at his full length upon fine
messy turf with his head over the stream, was,
in the palm of his hand greedily conveying the
cool and sparkling waters to his lips, with re-
lish that never did bacchanallan enjoy in the
richest draught drained from the ripest vine
that ever bloomed beneath ltalla's sky.
My person being observed by him, he utter
ed shout to his companions, which was re-
sponded to by short bark, and surly grow ,
from their friend the terrier, AT the same
time, the Youngest of the party, a rosy checked
and smiling gill, about seven years of age,
came timorousy towards me, and dropping a
courtesy, in a bashful manner solicited MY
charity.
Drawing from my pocket small piece OF
silver, held it up to her view. Her deep
blue eyes sparkled with delight and again
courtesying, she extended hor tiny hand in the
hope that would drop within its palm the CO.
veted treasure; but was anxious to make her
acquaintance little farther, and still retaining
the coin in my possession, said, ''what isyour
name, my darIing'"
"Patty, good gentleman she replied in a
soft and slvery voice.
"And the other little folks, are they your
friends2" continued.
ooh, no sir" she answered smilingly, "they
are only my brothers and sisters"
''Indeed?" | exclaimed.
: 'sOh, yes sir! Here. Ned, George, Mary
shouted the little beauty, and waving her bon
net for them to approach, they did so, in {
meek and respectful manner, that at once be
tokened that they were not the tutored offspring
of the mendicant.
"And whittier are you iournoying, my pretty
ones2"
Little Patty looked enquiringly at her siste
Mary, the eldes: Of the party, whose face be
came deeply crimsoned, and her eyes fillet
with te airs. Twice she essayed TO speak, bu
utterance failed her, and her answer only tount
its passage in deep drawn sigh.
kindly took her hand, and in words OF en-
eourageuient, repeated my question. The poo
girl by degrees mastered her grief, and in 1
melancholy voice, replied
''Alas, SIR" il is difficult to tell"
''Where is your home, my pretty one'"
continued.
"The world, sir-the wide and heartles
world, sir" was her reply-and she turne
aside and wept bitterly.
The grief Of the girl gave great pain to tn
others, who now chung closely around her, an
by their artless endearments, and atfectonat
words, endeavored to soothe and share he
grief; even tile little dog showed feeling il
the scene, and whincd, and leaped about til
sorrowing wayfarers.
"Weep not, my poor grl--dry up your tear
take comfort-confide in me-perhaps ma
be able to alleviate, if not entirely relieve you
sorrows;" cheeriully replied.
"Heaven bless you, sir; it is not tor myself
weep, but for those you see around me, an
she clasped the latter TO her breast, GOVERN
her rosy and innocent face with kisses, cit
for these, SIR" she continued, "that sorrow
lam young, it is certain, but of age and stren1gt
sufficient to earn subsistence; but they, Io
bless them are helpless, with cold world DC
fore them, and no parent, no friend TO guar
and guide their footsteps"
"You are orphans, them" hesltatngly II
CURED"
"Alas! yes sir"
Sand how long have you been deprived (
YOU parents, my good gIl?'
"Poor mother died about year since, an
three weeks ago | received Intelligence of iali
er's death"
"And where did he deg
an France, sir, on the plains Of Waterloo.