Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-10-15
MIR SIMPSONS HOTSE-


mel Smith started from a Sou herr city upon
a pedestrian excursion Of about one hundred
miles He was not such Gerry old fellow,
either, he was about forty years older than
when he was born. This Mr. Smith Che was
not connected with the John Smith family in
the most remote degree) was a man of many
peculiaritles. If absolute stupidity did not
form prominent trait in his character, it was
Equality which very much resembed stupidi-
ty, and might easily be mistaken for it, by at
least one-haIf of the world He had manifest
ed singular abstraction, generally described
as absence OF mind, ami would frequently
roam about the streets an entire day without
recognizing one of his Numerous friends-ap-
parently without beng aware OF the nature Of
his movements This was Mr.. Smith.
We were saying that Mr. Smith started up
on a Journey on the ten tOed machine spo-
ken of in John Bull. After travelling a few
miles our pedestrian felt somewhat thirsty,
and called at small establishment which
looked as though it was about half tavern,
for drink
A good natured young fellow waited ubon
him-brought him brandy and water and in
addition, furnished him with bit of bread
and cheese. All this was decidedly welcome
and refreshing. When Mr. Smith had quench-
ed his thirst, and satisfied the slight craving
of appetite, he recommended his travels, and
as he lett the city toIerabiy early in the morn.
ing, he thought he might walk two or three
hours longer before he stopped for dinner.
His roai seemed to be very level, and was
skirted on one side by an uncommonIy high
fence. On he footed it for about three hours
longer, until a glance at the position Of the
sun satisfied him he had better secure his noon
day meal He called at small dwelling by
the road side, and the following dialogue en-
sued between him and boy standing in the
doorway -
who lives here, my son"
| Mr.. Sampson, sir
Do you keep a tavern "
why, sorer, and sorter Motive accom-
molate people sometimes'
Can get dinner here:'
| Yes, sr-walk in
Our traveller walked in, and in the course
of half an hour a nice comfortable dinner,
smoking hot, was set before him.
He ate, drank, paid his moderate bill, put
on his bat, took his walking stick, and pro-
Gee led upon his Journey
Before he renewed his labors, however, he
took the precauton to fill his pipe carefully
and then lit it. Fresh aud vigorous as ever
he then pushed ahead; but as the sun creep
down the horizon. Mr. Smith began to fee
some degree of WEAKNESS stealing over him
still he persevered till it was quite dark Find
ing himself opposite to small house by tb,
road side, he inquired of the youth seated up
on the Threshold
Who lives here, my son ?
Mr., Sampson, sir
Can get supper and lodging here to-night
by paying for ii
Certainly, sr-walk in
Mr.. Smith crossed the threshold laid asd
his hat and cane, drank cup of tea, and at
two or three slices of toast, read four chapter
in Fox's Book of Martyrs, which he foun
upon the 1nantIepiece, and went to bed Whel
he awoke in the morning, the sun was JUS
showing its broad red disc above the tree tops
He found the breakfast upon the table waitin
for him. He finished the morning meal, an
commenced his travels the second day On
l thing simply attracted his observation-tb
road was exceedingly uniform-but the fac
excited no surprise. At noon he called at
snug little house, and asked lad who wa
gazing out of window -
. Who lives here, my son 2
s Mr. Sampson. sir
: Our traveller paused moment reflected
and seemed to be coming over some name c
Circumstance in his mind at last ne sad =
$ Are there many of the name OF Sampso
a on this road, my son ?
. "A good many said the boy.
: Il thought so. Can you give me Dime
> here, my son ?
IS Certainly, sir-walk in =,
e Mr.. Smith stepped in, swallowed ms S,. III
i ner, and once more took to the road "he