Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1855-11-28
Oh family Cirtle.
The Unknown Guest.

would have digniied.. him the title OF
asouire," and from his manners pro-
nonlnced him, pSoud; but those more ac-
cnstoniecv,, to.s Society would inform you1
that there was something like military
air about him.
His horse painted as if he had been
hard pushed for some miles; yet from the
owners frequent stops to caress the pa
tient animal, he could not be charged with
the want Of humanity, but seemed to be
actuated by some urgent necessity. The
rider forsaking a good road for path
leading through the woods indicated o
desire to avoid the gaze of other travel
ers.
He had not left the house where he in
quired the direction of the above mention
ed path more than two hours, before the
quietude of the place was broken by the
noise of distant thunder. He was soon
after obliged to dismount, travelling be-
coming more dangerous, as darkness con-
cealed surrounding objects, except when
the lightning flashes afforded him mo-
mentary view of his situation. A peal
louder and of longer duration than any
Of the preceding which now burst over
his head, seemed as if it would rend the
woods asunder, and was quickly followed
by fall of rain that penetrated the
clothes of the stranger, ere he could OBJ
tain the shelter Of large oak which stood
at little distance.
Almost exhausted with the labors Of
the day, he was about making such dis
position of the saddle and overcoat as
would enable him to pass the night with
what circumstance would admit, when he
spied light glimmering through the
trees. Animated with the hope of better
lodgings he determined to proceed.
The way, which was steep, became at
tended with more obstacles as he advan-
ced; the soil being composed of clay,
which the rain had rendered so soft that
his feet slipped at every step. By the ut
most perseverance this difficulty was final
ly overcome without any accident, and he
had the pleasure of finding himself in
front of decent looking farm house
The watch dog commenced barking,
which brought the owner to the door.
:" Who is there ?"
9" A friend who has lost his way, and is
in search of place of SHELTER" was the
answer.
Come in, SIR" added the speaker, and
whatsoever my house will afford, you
shall have with welcome"
6 must provide for the weary COM
panion of my journey" remarked the
stranger.
But the farmer undertook the task, and
after conducting the new conner into a
room where his wife was seated, he led
the horse to well stored barn, and there
provided for him most bountefully.
On rejoining the traveller, he observed:
/" that's noble animal of yours, sir ?"
Yes" was the reply, and | am sor-
ry that / was obliged to misuse him so as
to make it necessary to give you so much
trouble with the care of him; but | have
to thank you for your kindness to both of
us"
81 did no more than my duty, SIR
said the entertainer :" and therefore am
entitled to no thanks. But Susan" ad-
ded he, turning to the hostess. with half
reproachful look, why have you not
given the gentleman something to eat 2"
Fear had prevented the good woman from
exercising a we'll known benevolence, for
a robbery had been committed by law
less band of depredators but few weeks
before in that neighborhood, and as re-
port stated that the ruffians were all well
dressed, her imagination suggested that
this man might be one of them.
At her husbands remonstrance, she now
readily engaged in repairing her error,
by preparing a splendid repast. During
the meal there was much interesting con-
versation among the three.
AS soon as the worthy countryman per-
ceived that his guest had satisfied his APP
petite, he informed him that it was now
the hour at which the family usually per-
formed their devotions, inviting him at
the same time to be present.
The invitation was accepted in these
words: at will afford me the greatest
pleasure to commune with my Heavenly
Preserver after the events of the day;
such exercises prepare us for the repose
we seek in Sleep"
The host now read chapter, and sing
ing, concluded the whole with a fervent
and lighting a pine-knot, conduc-
ted the person he had entertained to his
chamber, wishing him a good nights
rest. and retired to an adjoining apart
ment.
john" whispered the woman, that is
a good gentleman, and not one Of the
as supposed"
Eyes, Susan" said he, II like him
better for thinking of his God, than all
his kind inquiries about our welfare. /
wish our Peter had been home from the
army, if it was only to hear the good man
talk; | am sure Washington himself could
not say more for his country, nor give a
better history of the hardships endured
by our brave soldiers"
Who knows now. inquired the wife.
" but it may be himself. after all, my dear !?
For they say he does travel just so, all
alone sometimes" Hark what's that !?
The sound of voice came from the
chamber of their guest, who was now en-
gagged in his private religious Worship
After thanking the Creator for his many
mercies, and asking blessing on the in
mates of the house. he continued
And now, almighty Father, if it be
thy holy will that we shall obtain place
and name among the nations Of the earth,
grant that we may be enabled to show
our gratitude for thy goodness, by our