Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1850-08-30

Near the close Of the day, the 25h of Sep
tember, 1888, young man was sitting on the
deck OF noble steamer descending the Nj .ssis-
sippi, and then not far distant from New Or
leans.
The motion Of the boat was gracefully bird
like, aud its speed such as wings only mich,
S EN- capable of comforting. The skv was
all gold and purple, and The broad face of the
great river, flushed with the evening lieht, like
an immense iris betwixt its shores. Proud
men and beautiful women came forth 10 feast
their eyes on the scene, and fond mothers
brought out their babes and held them IN 10
look at the burning heaven and bright earth OF
GCd. Many, however, gazcd on the remark
able features of that Young man, and silently
conversed with his high white forehead.
Indeed his appearance had been a subject Of
general curiosity during the whole voyage
from Cincinnati. This could not be caused by
his dress, suit Of plain black, unadorned save
bv single ornament-the small cross of gold
worn as a breast pin. Nor did his demeanor
evlnce the taintest wish to attract observation.
or even the consciousness that he gained il.
lie kept aloof from the jewellers in the bar
room. The rich wine poured into his glass at
dinner by oilicious walters, sparkled not to his
lips; and lie never once glanced at the card
sells after the cloth is removed. lie remained
for the most part OF the time seated on the up
per deck, as you may have Just beheld him. his
white brow leaning forward on his two hands,
and serenely bright blue eyes fixed upon the
face OF the great river, his sad yet beautiful mo.
dest features veied with an expression of up-
iathomable thought.
Gradually the gold and purple grew paler in
ar and IN CLASSY waters, and was replaced by
soft slvered hues, intermingled with violet, fast
fading in the eternal azure. The bell runr for
supper; and the passengers had one Of their
usual foot races TO decide who should first rca cb
the board. But the young man did not go. He
however slightly changed his position as the
last person disappeared down the stairs. lie
let his hands drop on his knees, and elevated
his head so as to sweep the fullest range of vi
sion. Witnessing this movement, one would
say lhat his previously inclined attitude had
been assumed on purpose to avoid the scrutiny
OF praying strangers. BE this as it may, he
continued 10 gaze upwards on the celestial
words, with look of deep dreamy revery, hour
after hour, when most Of the travellers had re-
tired to their berhs
Thus absorbed in that sea which has neither
shore nor botiom-the sea Of silent thought
the young man did not for time perceive that
even taken seat Lehind him. This was an
old man almost completely shrouded in sable
gown and hood, which left nothing distinguish
able save his dark luminous eyes, sharp Gre.
can nose and long, silver-white beard stream.
ing low as his girdle.
The youth suddenly awoke from his medita-
tIon, as bony finger touched his shoulders
ana saw with start OF surprise the pair of dark
radiant orbs gazing into his own with a ming.
led expression OF sadness and pity.
trust you will pardon my intrusion for the
sake of ITS purpose said the old man in weak
voice OF the most touching pathos, and sweety
mourniul as the Chime of bells.
The youth bowed in wonderless astonish
ment.
The old man continued i have noted youl
corduct from the momen, your feet toucho,
this vessel, and have cont acted a strong feel