Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1850-09-27
MISCELLANY.
From tle Boston Oliee BRANCH ]
THE PEDLAR AND HIS DOG.
AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

il
Some years ago travelled through Dor,
ton of Michigan | wort on foot Of rode,
| best suited my purpose carried rich
silks and jewelry, for those disposed to buy.
My only companion during my journey, was
large dog of the Newfoundland breed -
Lion was fit to be the king of all his species
He was good natured, quiet, and there was
something almost human in his eyes He
/ attended to his own business, and never
/ quarrelled like ours of slow degree" He
| would bear an insult from worthless pup
pies, with philosophy worthy of emulation.
/ And never knew him, save on few occa-
sions, resent the undue liberties of puppies
of larger growth. When his bile. however,
was thoroughly aroused, he made such of
tenders terrible warming to evil doersn
When | travelled be trotted along by nv
/ side and when | stopped TO trade, be seated
himself near me. aud watched all my move
ments with business-like expression. 1t.
annoyed him little, sometimes, to see my
customers drag the goods from my pack,
and handle them with such freedom, which
annoyance he expressed by low growl,
while He followed every piece with his eyes,
I to see that they were not appropriated with
out proper compensation, and with my full
consent
He really took strong dislike to those
who were disposed to find fault with every,
thing. and my price in particular Il believe
he knewSeyery article | carried, and the val.
ue attached to them Be this as it may,
he seemed satisfied when was, and wagged
his tail when | made a good trade. Ii e was
an excellent watch dog and there was no.
danger of anything con6ded to his care be-
ing taken away found him very useful
and cotnpanioIlable in my travels
Conyeyances We're scarce and uncertain
shss T sHs stssP qRgsd Ise &c foot from
society anything but good, roboerles we're
freouently perpetrated upon these lonely
roads. and there were many, no DOUBT, 10
whom the rich stuff | carried would pc
sufficient temptation tecommlt murder
This idea frequently occurred to me IN
travelling through the wild woods o. the
| Nest But old Lion was by my side ready
4 to die Id lily defence, and proud 70 snare ny
/ wanderipgs | always went armed An
4 excellent brace of pistols, steel-barreiied,
+ and.loaded with bail, were never from my
noeket. save long enough to see that they
we're ii order, and At night lay beneath my
inflow. / felt quite safe with these aud
/ lion. who was the companion Of my nights
as well as days He always laid himself
down between my bed and the doorswith his
face towards the latter No one could enter
without attracting the attention OF Lion.
w. o. al Il the summer of ls40, found
s,rsaIf rs 4 small Observation-Disclosures ga Tue
border Of 4 small lake, anxious 10 i ~
ward tothe next one, which was about 2 mliei
distant No Conveyance could be ebtAii lt !,
till the next day, 50 ! set cut on 10. :
was near night, and | walked forward orisA
" / was not long in discovering t'ias ~
exnedition would Be BY no means an agree
The road-if road it could be called-wa
very BAD. and passed through the mos
gloomy forest in thar part OF tue country
Tbe night. too, crept on apace, and pfohli'
"a 10 be darker than common but Lilo
trstted along by my side | was q smai
usltar and was4confdent was getting eve
The ground fast. SO didn't mind II mucn'
The darkness was upon ME before | va
oware Of II. 1t seemed to me that | Ia
already walked eight miles, but could Sc
~ s;gns Of 4 settlement. This surprise
me little. for | was used to travelling, an
. knew my ability to calculate distances -
I kept up good heart and went on nntli
was quite certain had mistaken ny va
.. or been misinformed in regard to the 81
;. lance. concluded it would be best 70 Ke'
the road that was in until reached son
habitatipn.
In short time was glad ] had ma
this resolution, for I saw light gllmmer !
from cabin. approachedTit as soon
i, possible. III was rather above the medlu
size. Thought | might be accommodat
there very we'll. II had the appearance
being very comfortable within. | KNOCK
for admission, The door was opened py
j. man
Now am not person to believe IN P
sentiments, misgirings and all that sort
thing, but / certainly saw something IN q
mans eountenance that did not like,
moment set my eyes upon him In g.
voice he asked my business told him
believed had lost my way, and was uni
the necessity Of asking accommodations
After hesitating moment be asked me
enter A tall female was seated in the I
ner near large rock Ere place. She SCI
~ ed busy watching piece Of meat hiss
over the FIRE, It struck me that hae
shA seen more apathetic looking countena
than hers. She hardly noticed my en-
ery She might b forty years old; Her face
:; remarkably long, and vrinklsd to dec
to excite curiosity. Her nose vas sh
no. and skinny, As was indeed her whole fac
!. The head gear was wholly indescriba
and from beneath II, grey hairs were yisi
: Her entire dress was quaint, and snn
gson. anything had seen. could hardly
my eyes Of her. She IS well as the 2
: glanced eagerly 1t my pack as laid i az
The latter was . coarse looking person, wi