The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1846-01-10

accustomed hour OF dinner, before the al
sembed company we're nvIed into the pal
or topartake Of The good cheer which had
beenso bountiluly provided, And as tie har
lpy company stood around the table, wait.
ling Cor their host TO ask the Divine blcssin.
upon the meal that was placed before then
a shade fitted across the good mans brow
for his eldest son, noble boy absent
] Among tie joyful faces which surrounded
him, Edwards was not seen. He had ef
his home, 10 embrace sea-faring life ant
the wsnderer had not returned. There wa,
Igood reason 10 believe that he was no loug
Ter IN the land of the living-and although
they still srove to cherish hopes In escl
Others bosoms, many and bitter were ,ht
tears of affection, which had embalmed his
memory.
My poor, dear boy!' exclaimed Mrs
|WilIis-'Ah, | much fear we shall never
zee his smiling face again
Mary WsdsworIh siid nothing-but a
leaI started into her eye-and any casual
ob,erver wonld have seen at once that Ed
ward willis was dearer 10 her than cousin
or friend-and that she cherished hi,
memory in the very depths Of her heart.
Just then old Bose, the house dog, wa,
heard 10 make some angry remonslrances lt
passing traveller, which attracted auen.
tiOn inasmuch as it was by no means an
ordinary occurrence, for Bose was a wei
nurtured brute, and seldom accosted well
dressed parsonage in rude and angry man
ner, but entertained prejudces against lh'
victims Of misfortune or inlemp e:ance, VIII,
wore the galb Of poverty, which is cherish
ed by nobIer animals; who boast the sur
5ntes of reason. ln truth, Bosy, although
a faithful dog, was real ais,ocralic in hi
Iprnciples. The traveller, from his appear
ance, moved in the humbles, rank of life
and Bose evidently intend,d 10 give him
reception corresponding with his shabb'
appearance, and was advancing toward hin
in a surly manner, and with truculen
look, when Deacon Willis, who well knew
the pecuiarlies Of his dog, told his soI
James to go out and protect the strange
from violence. He seems 10 be a sailor
too said he, 'and ou day like this, W.
should not refuse the rites of hospitality t.
he humblest being that passes along ,hD
road. On Thanksgiving day, no ndivdu.
Al Iich or poor sailor or Iandsmsn, shoulc
wan! for plentiful meal. Ask him in; M
SON continued the noble hearted farmer
'and let the poor way-fayer take a seat
our board
The stranger. entered the parIor, an
room was made for him at the table. Bu'
his appearance and manner were strange
and he seemed as il he was i'll disposed tc
teqnite his host for the hospitality he
enjoyed. He did not even raise his delipis
daled hat from his head, and to the kind
eniieaies which were made of him, he
scarcely deigned any rery; out as if over
come by fatigue, or agilated by conlendine
emotions, he threw himself into the near
est chair and covered his brow with his
hands.
The wondering group Witnessed his con
duct in silence. Go ne now my good man
Il length exclaimed; Mrs. Willis, in kind
molbehy tone, / dare say you are tired aud
hungry take a seat at the table; and make
Yourself at home. We like sailors land
would gladly do you good turu for one
that is absent. Don't cry Mary-you
should learn 10 oresrain our leelingsN
Jnsl then old Bose who when the sailor
came iu sight; was disposed 10 regard him
as an enemy appeared TO have overcome his
oomba'aIve proponsiiie5 and much to the
surprise of the children seemed suddenly
10 have conceived the most lively attach
men 10 the poor sIrarger. lie waggeJ his
tail with unwonted energy absolutely dane
ed about him; whined forth his Joy in the
most expressive manner and continued tht
pstomine by jamping into his lap and al
tempting to lick his face.
The stranger hardly attempted to repulse
The affectopale animal-bul gently pat,ing
his head, addressed him with the. endearing
epithet of Poor Bose, adding won hav,