Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1851-06-05
% opmIar TaIeS.
From the Pictorial Drawing Room Companion.
The Shepherd Of the Valley,
OR, THE DISCOVERED TREASURE.
BY MRS. L. s. GOODWIN,

The sunlight which had made glorious
the autumn day, had already hidden good
even to the valleys, and was slowly re-
firing up the verdant mountain sides, as
Hugh Won Hesse and his son Alaric led
down their aocks to the fold. A gentle
breeze came winging from the distant
waves, now Furnished to golden splen-
dor by the orb just sinking to their en-
brace, and alighted with welcome upon
the uncovered head Of that venerable man
parting and waiting backward the thin,
white locks which fell over his furrowed
brow.
But though the old mans brow was
fnrrowed and his scanty hair silvery, a
healthful ruddiness mantled his cheeks,
his strong, muscular frame was erect, and
his eye and step were scarcely less bright
and elastic than those of the youth by his
side. One sinewy hand grasped his shep-
herds crook, the other held broad brim
med hat Of straw, braided by the ever
busy fingers of the good dame who had
been the chief JOY of his life.
Cheerfully conversing, the father and
son went forward, followed closely by the
bleating flocks. Among the boughs of
the trees which here and there adorned
the slopes and crowned the SUBMITS of
the hills, wild birds were at vespers; while
dews came noiselessly down and miners
ed the grass, that ever and anon tempt
ed some fleecy one to linger behind its
companions, and add another morsel to
the days feasting. Then responding to
the we'll known voice of the aged shep-
herd as he turned with a suamoning
word, the laggard would hasten to Join
again the advancing herd. Thus they
wended along the homeward way.
So serene, SO lovely was all the scene,
so balny and genial the atmosphere, that
one might almost have mistaken the clo-
sing, for the beginning of the year. The
old man was happy. Peace and content
filed his heart, and reflected themselves
upon his benevolent face.
Why should he not be happy? The
anguish of going forth from under kind,
paternal roof 10 buffet with the waves of
fortune. of saying long, perhaps last
farewell TO all endearing things, the vain
yearning after childhood's distant home,
by separation made even dearer, he had
never known. But year on year lie had
viewed the same scenes, and walked the
same turf, upon which bis infant eyes had
looked, and his infant feet trodden. In
yorder cot in the vale, where his ances-
tors of three generations had lived and
died, he drew his first breath, there too,
he hoped and expected to draw his last.
He could take in at single glance,
what to him was the whole world--for
all that memory and hope held most dear
was bounded by that narrow circle. Time
had only strengthened his attachment to
his valley home, and he daily blessed the
bene6cent Being who had accorded to
HIM lot so pleasant. His days from
early morning to shadowy twilight. were
passed upon the mountain watching his
grazing flock; his nights within the cot-
tage walls, where contentment and piety
dwelt, and where unwavering affection il
lumined the scene.
Yet had the sunshine and peacefulnes:
of his existence been chequered by dark
ness and sorrow. Five times he had beer
made father, and as often been called
to lay the object Of his fondest hopes and
tenderest love in the dark grave. But
his last-born, his Alaric, the child of hIs
age, had been spared to be his solace, the
staff of his declining years, his second sell
when he should be no more-and the old
man was happy. ay, very happy. That
placid evening seemed to have a type OF
the evening Of his days. Thus brightly,
in an atmosphere Of tranquility would set
the sun Of his existence.
For some minutes before the sheep
cote was reached, the old man was lost
in delightful reyerie, and made no re.
Spouse to the following words of his son,
which fell on his ear, as meaningly tho
not unweIcome sounds. The flocks being
secured, the two entered the cottage,
where they were met by the wonted kind
greeting OF Dame Margery.
The day had been like an angels
SMILE" she said. "yet, betkink me.
this hath not shut back from your wear
mess and hunger So Joy ye are come
home, and now let US to the supper in
waiting, without delay"
Thus saying, she carried from the FIRE
the newly baked oaten cakes, and the
little family drew around the board on
which was spread their frugal. but wl,ole>
some repast. With clasped hands and
uplifted eyes, the old man besought a
blessing, and they then ate heartily Of
the light bread and sweet butter, and
drank Of the goats milk which filed to
the brim large wooden bowl.
The meal being over. Hugh removed
his stool beside the hearth, on which a
small fire was blazing; for though the
day had been like summer. there was
since nightfall chiliness in the atmos-
phere that reminded OF autumn. There,