Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-01-29
WHOLE NUMBER 60.

The youth who nov came up TO the group was
apparently Iwsnty-one years Of age, Uf slender
/ form, fair and delicate complexion, with the air
Of one accustomed to good society. il was evil
dent at glance that be was not Injured 10 the
hardshps Of frontier life, or labor Of any kind.
+ But his dress bore a strong contrast with his ap-
pearance and manners. He wore hunting shirt
/ of the coarsesl linsy-woolsey, a common straw
haI, and a pair Of deerskin moccasins. large
pack completed his equipment.
/ Every one gazed with curiosity on the n W COM
er. InIheireagerness 10 learn who he was, whence
he came, and what was his business, the horse
swap was left unhnished the rifle was laid aside and
even the busy Iin-cup had temporary respite.
/ The young man approached squire Crosby,
whom even stranger could distinguish as the
principal parsonage among them, and anxiousy
enqulred for a house where he could be accommo-
dated; saying that he was extremely i'll and lrlI
all the symptoms Of an approaching fever.
Crosby eyes him keenly and sJspiciously for d
moment without utterlng word. knaycs and
swlndcrs had been recently abroad, and the Ian
gusge Of the youth betrayed that he was "a van
kec," name al that time associalediu the minds
Of the Ignorant with every thing that is base.-
Mistaking the silence and hesitation Of Crosby,
for fear Of his inability 10 pay, the stranger smi-
led and said, Il am not without money!" and put
ting his hand into his pocket to give occu!ar proof
Of the assertion, he was horrorslruck 10 lind that
his pocket book was gone. 1t contained every
cent Of his money, besides papers Of great value
10 him.
Without fauhing-wilhout even q single let
ter or paper 10 attest that his character was hon
orable-in u strange land, and sickness rapidly
coming upon him-lhese feelings nearly drove
him 10 despair. The squire, who prided himself
on his sagacity in detecting villains now found
/ the use Of his tongue. WiIhaloud and sneering
/ laugh he said, Stranger you are barking up the
wrong tree, if you think TO cotch me with that
arr yankee trick Of your'n." He proceeded in
that inhuman strain, seconded by nearly every
one present, for the "squarr" was powerful, and
/ few dared tOdisplease The youth felt keen
ly his desolate condition, and casting his eve a.
round over the group, IN tone Of deep and des-
pairing anxiety, enquired, lis there none who
will receive me!" "Yes, will" cried man a.
mong the crowd yes, poor sick stranger, will
shelter you." Then, in lower lone he added,
81 know not whether you are deserving, but
know you are fellow being, and in sickness and
want, and for the sake Of Him who died for the
guilty, if not for your own sake, will be kind
to you, poor young stranger"
| The man who stepped forth and prohered a
home TO the youth in the hour of suffering, was
Simon Davis an elderly man, who resided near
Crosby, to whom the latter was deadly enemy.
Uncle Simon, as he was called never retaliated,
and bore the many prosecutions of his vindicliye
enemy, without complaint. His family consist.
ed Of himself and daughter his only child, an
afectionate girl of seventeen.
The youth heard the offer Of Mr.. Davis, but
heard no more, for overcome BY his feelings, and
extreme illness, he fell insensibIe 10 the edrIh.-
lie was conveyed TO the house Of his beneiactor,
and physician called. Long was the struggle
between life and death. Though unconscious,
he called on his mother and sister 10 aid him.
When the youth was laid upon her bed, aud she
heard him calling torhissster Lucy Davis wept,
and said to him, ''poor sick young man, your Sis
ter is far distant, and cannot hear you, but will
be to you a sister" Well did this dark eyed
maiden keep her promise.
Atength the crisis of his disorder arrived the
day which was to decide the question Of life and
death. Lucy bent over him with intense ankle
ty, watching every expression of his features,
hardly daring to breathe, so fearful was she of
waking him from the only sound sleep which he
had enjoyed for nine long days and nights. Al
length he awoke and gazed up into the face Of
Lucy Davis, and family enquted "where am l!''
There was intelligence in that look. Youth and
good constitution had Obtained the mastery
Lucy felt that he was spared, and bursting into a
flood OF grateful tears, rushed out of the room.
1t was two weeks more before he could sit up,
even for ashort time. He had already acquaint
ed them with his name and residence, bun they
had no curiosity TO learn any thing further, and
forbade his giving HISTORY until he became stron-
ger. His name was Charles Wilson, and his pa
ternal home, Boston. few days afterwards,
when Mr.. Davis was absent from home, and Ld-
cy engaged about her household affairs, Wilson
saw at the head of his bed his pack, and recol-
lecting something thar he wanted, opened it,
The first thing he saw was the identical pocket
book whose loss had excited so many bitter re-
grets. He rocollected having placed it there the
morning before he reached Grants Prairie, but
IN the confusion Of the moment that circumstance
was forgotten. He examined and found every
thing as he left it.
This discovery restored. .ihmI to health; but he
resolved, at present, TO confne the secret 10 his
own bosom. 1t was gratifying 10 him to witness
the entire confidence they reposed in the honor
and integrity of stranger, and the pleasure with
which they bestowed tavors on one whom they
supposed could make no return but thanks.
Night came, and Mr.. Davis did not return
Lucy passed sleepess night. In the morning
she watched, hour after hour, for his coming, and
when sunset approached and he was still absent,
terrified at his long and unusual say she was set,
ting out to procure neghbor TO go in search Of
him when he hove in sight. She ran 70 meet
him, and was besIowing upon him a thousand ex.
pressions of affection, when his haggard woe-be.
gone countenance startled her.
He uttered not word, and went into the house
and seated himself in silence. 1t was in vain
that Lucy attempted TO cheer him. After long
pause during which powerful struggle was 60,
ing on in his feelings, he arose, took his daugh-