Litchfield enquirer., 1855-03-22
WisceIiapy.
THE UNKNOWN GUEST.
A HxMisrscEscr or THE REVOLUTION

One ptedSdHt evening" III tbe moHau oA June, in the year IT,, man was observ- ed entering the borders of wood, near the Hudson River-his appearance that of person above the common rank. The in- Aabitants of country village would have dipnified him with the title of ''squire," and from his manners pronounced him proud ; hut those more accustomed to society would inform you that there was something like a military air about him. His horse panted as if il had been pushed for some miles yet, from the owners frequent stops to cafess ths patient animal, he could not be charged with want of humanity, hut seemed to be actua- ted by some urgent necessity. The rider forsaking good road for d hy-path leading through the woods, indicated desire to avoid the gaze of other travellers. He had not left the house where he inquired the di- rection of the aforementioned path, before the quictude of the place was broken by a noise of distant thunder. He was soon af- ter obliged to dismouat, travelling becoming dangerous as darkness concealed surround ing objects, except when the lightning flash afforded him momcntary view of kis sit uation. A peal louder and Of longer dura- tion than any of the preceding, which now burst over his head, seeming as if it would rend the woods asundcr, was quickly fol- lowed by heavy fall of rain that penctra- ted the clotl.es of the stranger ere hs could obtain the shelter of large oak which stood at little distance.
 Amos. exhausted with tho labors of the day, he was about making such disposition of the saddle and his overcoai as would en- able him to pass the nigh, with what com (. a nIt Ittrtt yrh ha espied light giimmering through the trees. Animated with the hope of better lodgings he determined to proceed. The way, which was steep, became attended with more ob- stacles the farther he advanced, the soil be- ing composed of clay, which the rain had rendered so soft that his feet slipped at ev- cry step By the utmost perseverance, this difficulty was finally overcome without any accident. and he had the pleasure of finding himself in iron, of decent looking farm- louse. The watchdog began barking. which brought the owner of the mansion to the door. @
 Who is there '" said he. a~ 5
 "A friend, who has lost his way, and in search oi place of shelter," was the answer.
 "Come in. sir" added the speaker, "and whatever my house will afford, you shall have. with welcome"
 al must provide for the weary compan- ion of my journey," remarked the conner.
 Bu, tho former undertook the task, and after conducting the new conner into room where his wife was seated, he led the horse so a well-stored barn, and there provided fol him most boun,ifuly. On rejoining tine traveller. he observed:
 "That is noble animal of yours, sir"
 "Yes," was the reply, "and lam sorry that was obliged to misuse him so as to make u necessary to give you so much trou- ble with the care of him buti have 10 thank you for your kindness to both of us."
 al did no more than my duty, sir" said the entertainer, l" and am therefore entitled to no thanks. But, Susan," ndded he, turn jag to the hostess with half reproachlul look. "why have you not given the gentle man something to eat v
 Fear had prevented the good woman from exercising well-known benevolence; foi . robbery had been committed by lawless band of depredators hut few weeks before in that neighborhood, and as report stated that they were all we'll dressed, her imagin. alton suggested that this man might be one of them.
 At her husbands remonstrance, she now readily engaged in repairing her error, by preparing splendid repast. During the meal, there was much interesting converse tion among the three.
 As soon as the worthy coun,ryman per eeiyed that his gues. had satisfied his appe lite, he infarme3 him that it was now ih, hour at which the family usually performed their davotions, inviting him at the sam' time to be present. The invitation was ac -eepsed in these words:
 .It would afford me the greatest pleasnr' , Ac commune wish my Heavenly Preserver .alter the events of the day; such exercises ptepare us for the repose which we seek Il sjeep."
 The host now reached the Bible from th' Bhelf, and after reading chapter and sing @ ing. concluded the whole with ferven prayer then, lighting pine knot, conduct cd the peFson he had entertained up to hi chamber. wishing him good nights res, and retired to an adjoining apartment
 "John." whispered the woman, " that i good gentleman, and net of the highway nkn~ n II nunnnaa1 V