Plymouth banner. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1852-1855, 1854-08-10
Growing more and more surprised and

sensitive at the inquiries OF the stranger as
thsy touched at every question nearer and
nelrer the great point of interest to his own
feelings. Ashley with visible emotion and
some hesitation. replied, There is a young
lady living with Mr. Martin in the char
acter of an adopted daughter; or .athor that
was the case when | left there about FIVE
weeks SINCE
Her name and age if you will sir7'
sThey call her May. and after their fam.
ily name: her age lacks some months Of
eighteen again replied Ashley in some
what constrained and half jealous tone and
manner. which the stranger seemed keenly
10 scru,inize.
And this Martin removed hither from the
borders Of New Hampshire where he ior-
merly resided?'
'He did.
The people there then told me correctly,
said the stranger in an under tone. appa-
rently communing with himself, but he
continued, again raising his voice to con.
questionable pitch, and turning to Ashley
but rs you appear so familiar with the
girls age, sc, you may also be able to tell
me something Of her character, and the
standing she maintains among your
'You would hardly ask these questions
about May Martin, sir, if you had seen
OF heard much of her. said Ashley, some
what reseniiully. Il could easily answer
them by merely reiteraling the unanimous
voice OF her neighbours; but before you
pursue your inquiries any farther. or al
least before you expect answers TO such
questions as you may be pleased TO put on
the subject, must beg Of you to tell me Of
your motives for so doing. Miss Martin
is valued friend Of mine, and is some
what critically situated in the family in
which she resides. and know not what use
may be made Of the information am i'm
parting 10 a sanger
"You will excuse my plainness. trust
SIR
The other turned full and searching
look on Ashley which was met by the
latter by one of equal scrutiny and some
thing of sternness and hauteur,
You are right. probably, young gen
teman.' rejoined the elder traveller. af-
ter they had pursued their way some rods
in constrained silence, the interest we
sometimes feel in particular ubject may
lead US TO forget the bounds which it is
prudent and proper we should circumscribe
our intercourse with strang's. but we will
drop the subject now, perhaps we may know
more of each other hereafter.
Without allowing Ashley much chance
TO puzzle himsslfin trying to make out
the character and objects Of his compan-
ion, or reflect on The remarks which had
fallen from his lips, the latter immedi-
ly direct ed rhe discourse to different SUBJ
jects and The conversation soon relsp sed
into its former tone of amicableness;
though Ashley sometimes thought he
could perceive an anxiety on the part OF
the other TO draw out his information, as
well as TO ascertain his view and principles
on the various points which there was
soms appearance Of having been started ior
the purpose.
1t was nearly five o'clock ia the after
noon before our travellers arrived at the
snug little village. which like most other
villages in Vermont, embosomed among
The rough hills and clustered round wa
ter-fall. servei Is the place Of business
and trode, miniature emporium il
fac, Harwood settlement and other parts
of the surrounding country to many mile:
extent. One glance suffered to tel Ashley
that something more than an or innry OF .
currance was afoot among the villagers
Here stood small clubs Of men engaged in
low and earnest conversation, their horse:
were being saddled and led out in haste
rs if some sudden expedition. while mum
bers were passing in and out the tavern
one room Of which as seen through the
open windows, appeared to be occupied BY
n dense crowd. Scarcely had Ashle,
reached the ground and thrown the rein,
OF his horse to waiter before shrewd Da
W, running to his side and exclaimins
in tones Of joyous exultation' % Mr.
Ashley is come, grasped with convulsivt
eagerness the hand of his old friend in bolf
of his, and burst into tears.
why my little friend David! is this yor
here-but cryingi How is this? and whn
isall This going on here? rashly asked Ash
ley in surprise.
God bless you Ashley!' cried Mundlt
now rushing out Of the house. the very
nan of all others on earth have beer
praying m1st to sael But come with m,
l have n story for your ear. and there
is not much time to be lost in the telling
as you will think yourself. presume wher
you have heard it, So saying and taking
theiarm Of our hero bewildered at VIVA
ne had heard and saw. led him inside, with
little David wiping his eyes. and still un
able to speak for his emotion, following
them close at their heels.
(coScLUsIoS NEXT WEEK.