The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-09-10
RANDOM SKETCHES.
a Revolutionary Tale.

One pleasant evening in the month ofJunc,
n man was observed entering the borders of a
wood near the Hudson river his appearance
was that of a person above the common rank.
The inhabitants Of a country village would
have dignifed him by the name Of Squire,
and from his manner would have pronounced
him proud but those more accustomed to So
ciety would inform you that there was some
thing like q military air about him. His
horse painted as if it had been pushed for
some miles, yet from the owners frequent
stops to carress the patient animal, he could
not be charged with the want OF humanity,
but seemed to be actulted by some urgent
necessity. The rider, torsaking good road
for path leading through the woods, indica-
ted q desire to avoid the gaze Of other tray
oilers. He had not left the house where he
inquired the direction Of the above mention
ed path more than two hours, before the quie-
tudc of the place was disturbed by the noise
Of thunder. He was soon after obliged to dis
mount, travelling having become dangerous,
as darkness concealed the surrounding OBJ
Jects, except when the lightning's terrific flash
afforded mOmcntary view Of his situation.
4 peal louder and Of longer duration than
any previously heard, which now burst over
his head, seemed as if it would rend the woods
asunder, was quickly followed by a heavy
fall OF rain, which penetrated the clothing Of
the stranger, ere he could gain the shelter Of
a large oak, which stood at little distance.
Almost exhausted with the labors of the
day, he was about making such disposition Of
the saddle and his own coat, as would enable
him to pass the night with what comfort cir
cumstances would permit, when he cspicd u
light glimmering through the trees. Anima-
ted with the hope of better lodgings, he de-
termined to proceed The way, which was
Steep became attended with more obstacles
as he advanced, the soil being composed of
clay, which the rain had rendered so soft that
his feet slipped every step. BY the utmost
care this difficulty was finally overcome with
out any accident, and he found himsefn front
of decent looking farm house. The watch
dog began barking, which brought the owner
of the mansion to the door,
"Who is there 2" said he
A friend who has lost his way, and is in
search Of SHELTER" was the reply.
Come in" added the speaker, " and what
ever my house will afford, you shall have with
welcome"
~ must provide for the companion of my
Journey" remarked he.
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 bountifully. On rejoining the trav-
ellcr, he observed, " That's noble animal of
yours, sir
eyes" was the reply, "and am sorry to
misuse him, so as to make Unnecessary to give
much trouble with the care Of him; but /
have yet to thank you for your kindness to
both of u.s.
"Idid no more than my duty, sir" said the
entertainer, and therefore am entitled to no
thanks. But Susan, added he, turning to the
hostess with half reproachtul look "why
have you not got Che gentleman something to
eat? 2"
Fear had prevented the GOOD woman from
exercising her well known benevoencc, for
a robbery had been committed by lawlcss
band Of dcprcdators but few days before
in the ncighborhood, and a report stated that
the rulans we're well dressed, her imagina-
ton suggested that this man might be one of
them.
At her husbands remonstrancc, she was
readily engaged in repairing her error by
preparing a plentiful rcpast During the
meal there was much interesting conversation
between the three AS soon as the worthy
countryman perceived that his guest had sat
isfed his appetite, he informed him that it
was now the hour at which the family usual
" performed their evening devotions, invi-
ting him to be present. The invitation was
accepted in these words:
at would afford me the greatest pleasure
to commune with my Heavenly Prcscryer.--
After the events of the day such exercise
prepares us for the rcposc which we seek in
sleep"
The host now reached his bible from the
shelf, and after reading a chapter and singing,
concluded the whole with fervent prayer, |
then lighting pine knot, conducted the per-
son he had entertained to his chamber, wish |
ing him good nights rest, and retired to an
adjoining apartment. ,
"John" whispered the woman " that is
good gentleman, and not one Of the highway
men, as I supposed
" Yes, Susan said he, ~ like him better
for thinking of his God, than for all his in
quiries after our welfare. | wish our Peter !
had been from the army to hear this man
talk | am sure Washington himself could
not say more for his countryj nor give bet
ter history of the hardships endured by our
brave soldiers" -
WHO knows now ipquired the wife,
G.but it may be himself, after all, my dear;
for they say he travels so, all alone, some
times. Hank what's that?"
The sound of voice came from the cham
Der of the guest who was now engaged in his
private religious worship, After thanking
the Creator for his many mcrcics, aud asking
a blessing on the inhabitants Of the house, he