The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1851-09-17
Il EAF ~.
THE MASQUERADE.

About sunset of the same day. and at some
twenty miles distance from P, the scene Of
the last incidents, a two horse buggy might have
been seen, driving slowly along the road, bear
ing trunks behind, and having the general dusty
appea ance about the vehicle, and that tired air
about the horses, that betoken jpurneyers who
have been long upon the road.
The driver the only occupant Of the carriage,
was rather ng.looking man, about whose
appearance there was sort of ease and famili-
arity with his position, as though he had been
accustomed all his life to travel in his own car
rage, and all novelty of the thing were long
since worn off One would scarce have needed
second glance TO decide that he was man Of
the world, but for a rather unusual and very
prepossessing air of frankness and truth abou,
his face and manner, which (sorry am to say
iD is generally attributable rather to an igno-
rance than to a knowledge of our species.
The traveller seemed 10 think his days jour
neg long enough for his horses, if not for hun
self, and he had, for the last half hour, been
watching the road in search of an inn. No such
promised accommodation appeared in sight, so
hailing lad who, sitting llslessly at the road
side, seemed resting himself, he inquired if
there we're public house near.
Receiving answer, he turned to look more
nearly at the boy, as he drove toward him, and
saw with astonishnent that he was weeping vio-
lently. He seemed senderly made youth Of
thirteen or fourteen, well dressed, though his
clothes were road-soiled and dusty. His face
was shaded by his straw hat, and covered by his
hands.
The traveller had repeated his inquiry before
noticing these particulars, and touched instant
ly by the appearance of suffering, he descended
to offer assistance. AS he approached, the
youth started to his fcet.--the action displaced
and II foil off rIf.I, ma aS of da rE
hair, far too long tor the sex he assumed, fell
also and covered his shoulders to the waist.
A deep blush burned on the features Of the
discovered girl torone moment, and then, clasp
ing her hands, she exclaimed earnestly
"Oh, know it must seem strange that |
should be in such place and in such Ain
such a dress but indeed, sir, l have done
.....i,.s ......s. i..k Ai..l S..d iiaoraL.,
and like gentlenan,-l am sure you won't
injure me,only will you take me to my aunt's
house 1t is only about two miles from here.
| started to walk there, but | ain not used to
walk 80 far, aud | am perfectly exhausted.
DON refuse me, sir, she added, the travel
er seemed to hesitate -" don't refuse me I've
waited an hour here for some to pass that |
would not be afraid of, and | am sure may
trust to you; and she looked up into his face
with an expression on hers that made his heart
beat louder and faster than it had for many Il
day.
His apparent hesitation was indeed not from
reluctance, but from the natural awk wardness
OF feeling to bachelor in such circums tances.
"My poor child" said he, at length, with a
look OF pity at the beautiful and pleading face
turned up towards hiss" I'm afraid YOU are
doing wrong to trust anybody you don't know
but let me help you INTO my buggy, aud wei
get to your aunt's as quickly as possible. No
h,n harm 1
"Ol, thank you, thank you :" said she eager
", {" knew | might trust you. But you will
have to turn back pursued she, as they got
into the carriage together" as far a. the nt XII
cross road, neatly mile fiou here, and then
Mrs Es.Iil lives about mile from this road
As the buggy was turned and pursued tac
road indicated BY the fair stranger, an unac-
silence came that man Of the |
world, usually So fluent and even brilliant III
aides society Was h vcxed at his Journey
ielay, or was he imagining the possible cause for
hs singular masquerade, or was he guarding |
li,selt, by silence and reserve, against new
ceiling that became gradually stronger and
spit. of his ctforis to the contrary,
whenever he thought of that fascinating face.
With its trustiul expression, turned pleading
y toward him. lie could control his tongue,
'ut he could not, for the HE of him, prevent his
yes from stealing glanccs, monentarlly, 10
ward his companion.
After some five minutes of silence that was
efficiently awkward to both she said
81 ought to have answered your question
etorc now there is no public house within
i've or six miles of here. My aunt will BE-
lappy to have you stay at Der house for the
light, and, she hesi,ated-"l myself desire
ou should, because feel it due to myself that
gu should have explained to you the singular
under which you found me.
ont feel able to do it now, nor do | knew in
act how much ought to tell; but you shall
e satisfied, sir, that you have not been impos-
d upon"
Our traveller made some common place re.
ly, which he felt could have little or no mean
~, for he became sensible, about that time, of
NO very contradictory feelings,-irst, perfect
that he had not been imposed upon,
nd, secondly most earnest desire to have this v
rOyed 10 him.
Amid Tie silence that ensued, the remainder e
the distance was passed, and as they came in n
ght Of handsome mansion. whcss pasapher- q
lila $50 to speak) Of outhouses and conveni.1-
lces-which there was just daylight enough " J,
It to see-bespoke at once the wealth and the q
,te Of the owner, the faiY mas1,ieY pointed it Al