The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-04-18
lightning fash afforded him momenta-

| Nh"h "hJ VI tho hcSceuilS, WHICH nO"
burst over his head, seeming as if it would
rend the woods assunder, WAS quickly
followed by heavy fall of rain, that PEN
etrated the clothes Of the stranger ere lie
could obtain the shelter OF large oak
which stood at little dis s.ance.
Almost exhausted with the labors Of
the day, he was about making such dis
position "f the saddle and his overcoat as
would enable him to pass the night with
what comfort circumstances would admit,
when lie espied a light glmmering
through the trees. Animated with the
hope OF better lodgings, he determined to
proceed.
The way, which was steep, became at
tended with more oh b.tacles the farther he
advanced; the soil being composed of
clay, which the rain b sd rendered so soft
that his feet slipped at every step. By
the utmost perseverance, this difficulty
was finally overcome without any acei-
dent, and he had the pleasure OF finding
himself in front of decent looking farm
house. The watch dog began barking,
which brought the owner to the door.
"Who is therei" said he.
IA friend who has lost his way and in
search ofs place of shelter" was his an.
swer.
"Come in, sir" added the speaker,
land whatever my house will afford, you
shall have with welcome"
"l must provide for the weary com
panion Of my journey" remarked tho
other.
But the farmer undertook the task, and
after conducting the new conner in room
where his wife was seated, he led the
horse to we'll stored barn, and there pro-
Tlded Ior him most Lountifully.
On rejoining the traveller, lie oLserv.
ed.
That is noble animal Of yours,
sir"
"les," was the reply, "anI am sorry
that l WAS obliged TO misuse him SO rs lo
make it necessary to give you SO much
trouble with The care Of him; but have
to thank YOU for your Kindness to both o
U.s."
81 did no more than my duty, sir,
said the entertainer, "And therefore am
entitled to no thanks. But SUSAN" al
) dcd he, turning to tho hostess, with bal
reproachtul look, why have YOU not given
the gentleman something to ea,!"
Fear had prevented the good woman
from exercising II well known Dencvolencc
for robbery had been committed bv :
lawless band Ct deprcdalors but few
weeks before in that nerghborhood, anc
As report stated that tie rufiians were al
: we'll dressed, her imagination sugges,e<
that this man might be one Of them.
. At her husbands remons,rance. sL,
now readily engaged in repairing her cr
ror, 10y preparing asplendid repast. Dur
: ing the meal there was much Interesting
conversation among the three.
AS soon as the worthy countrymar
perceived that his guest had satisfied hi.
appetite, he informed him that it WAS now
the hour at which the family usually per
formed their devotions, inviting him at III,
same time 10 he present.
The invitation WAS accepted in these
words
at would afford me the greatest pleas
ure to commune with my Heavenly Pre-
server, after the event of the dav :.uch cx
erc'Ses prepare US for the repose which VI
seek in sleep"
The host now reached the Bible from
The shelf, and after reading a chapter
and singing, concluded the whole with ,
fervent prayer; then, lighting pine kno
conducted the person he had entertaine,
to his chamber, wishing him a gooc
nights rest, and retired TO an adjoining a
Partment.
"John," whispered the woman, "tha
Is n good gentleman, and not one Of tn,
highwaymen, as supposed"
Yes, SUSAN" said he; IL like him bet
ter for thinking of his God, than all hi
kind inquiries after our welfare. l wish
our Peter had been ct home from the mr.
my, II it was only to hear this good nsr
talk am sure Washington himsel
could not say more for lis country, no
give better history Of the hardsbips en-
dured by our brave soldiers"
WHO knows, now" inquired the wife
"but il may be himself, after all, my dear
for they say he does travel jus, so, all G
lone, sometimes"