Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1855-04-19
TIE UNKNOWN GUEST.
A RrMls,snNcE IN THE LIFE OF wAsHSCroS.

One pleasant evening in the month of June
in the year L., man was observed enter
ing the horders of wood, neaI the Hudson
river, his appearance that of person above
the common rank. The inhabitants of q
country village would have dignlfed him with
the title of f"squre," and from his manners
pronounced him proud; but those more accus-
toned to his society, would inform you that
there was something like military air about
him.
His horse painted as if it had been hard
pushed for some miles; yet from the owners
frequent stops to catess the patient animal, lie
could not be charged with the want of human
ity, but seemed to be actu ated by some ur-
gent necessity. The rider forsaking good
road for by path leading through the woods
in icaed desire 10 avoid the gaze OF other
travellers.
He had not left the house where he inquir-
ed the direction of the above mentioned path
more than two hours, befUre the quletude OF
the place was broken by the noise of distant
thunder. He was soon after Obliged to dis
mount, travelling becoming dangerous, as
darkness concealed surrounding objects, except
when the tightening flash afforded him mo-
mentary view Of his situation.
A peal Of louder and longer duration than
any of the.preceding, which now burst over
his head, seeming as if would rend the woods
assunder, was quickly followed by heavy
fall of rain, that penetrated the clothes OF the
strangerere he could obtain the shelter Of a
large oak which stood at q little distance.
Almost exhausted with the labors of the day
he was about making such disposition of the
saddle and his overcoat as would enable him
10 mass the night with what comfort circum-
stances would admit, when he eSpied light
lglimmering through the trees. Animated with
the hope Of better lodgings, he determined 10
proceed.
The way, which was steep, became attend =
ed with more obstacles the farther he advan- =
ced, the soil being composed Of clay which
the rain had rendered so soft that his fee,
slipped at every step. By the utmost perSe
veiance, this difficulty was finally overcome
without any accident,and he had the pleasure
of finding himself in front OF decent looking
farm house. The watch dog began barking,
which brought the owner 10 the door.
"Who is there 2" said he.
ga friend who has lost his way and is in
search Of place of SHELTER" wns ;he answer
"Come in SIR" addei the speaker, "and
whateve. my house will afford you shall have
with welcome"
al must provide for the weary companion o
my Journey" remarked the other.
But the farmer undertook the task, and af
ter conducting the new conner into room
where his wife was seated, he led the horse
to we'll stored barn, and there provided fo
him most bountifully.
On reioinng the traveller, he observed:
"That is noble animal Of yours, sir"
eyes" was the reply. "and | am sorrytha
was OBLIGED to misuse him so as 10 make
) necessary TO give YOU so much trouble will
the care of him; but have 10 thank you 70
your indnesS to both oluS."
al did no more than my duty, sir" said thu
/ entertainer, "and therefore, am entitled 10 NJ
D thanks. But Susan" added he, turning to tn
r hostess, with half reproachful look, "wh
( have you not given the gentleman Somethin
: 10 eat I"
d Fear had prevented the good woman fror
S exercising we'll known benevolence; for
robbery had been committed by lawles
;, band of depredators but few weeks befor
$ in'that neighborhood, and as report stated tina
). the ruffians were all well dressed, her imag
r ination suggested that this man might be on
o Of them.
AT her husbands remonstrance, she no.
e readily engaged in repairing her error, by pre-
J. pairing splendid repast. During the mes
e there was much interesting conversatio
among the three.
!, As soon as the worthy countryman perceiN
IS ed that his guest had satisfied his appetite,
Informed him that ii was now the hour