The Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1854-1855, 1855-05-31
THE UNKNOWN GUEST.


One pleasant evening in the month of June,
IN the year IL, a man was observed enter
inc the borders Of a wood, near the Hudson
River, his appearance that Of person above
the common rank The inhabitants of a
country village would have dignitied him with
the title of squire and from his manners
pronounced him proud; but those more ac-
customed to 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 caress the patient animal. he
could not be charged with want Of humanity
but seemed 10 be actuated by some urgent ne
cessity The rider forsaking a good road for
bye path leading through, the woods. indi-
Gated desire TO avoid the gaze of other
travellers He had not left the house where
be inquired the direction of the above men
toned path, before the quietude Of the place
was broken by the noise of distant thunder
He was soon after obliged to dismount, travel
ling becoming dangerous as darkness conceal
ed surrounding objects. except when the light
ming flash afforded him momentary view of
his situation. A peal louder and of longer
duration than AIRY of the preceding. which
now burst over his head. seeming as if it
would rend the woods assunder, was quickly
followed BY heavy fall of rain that penetra-
led the clothes of the stranger ere he could
obtain the shelter of a large oak " hich stood
at a little distance.
Almost exhausted with the labors of the
day. he was about making such disposition of
the saddle and his oyea-coat. as would enable
hlm 10 pass the night with what comfort cir
cumstances would admit, when he eSpied
light ghmmering through the trees Anims-
ted with the hope of better lodgings. he de
termIned TO proceed. The way. which was
steep. became attended with more obstacles
the farther he advanced. the soil being com
posed of clay. which the rain had rendered
SO soft that his feet slipped At every step. By
the utmost perseverance, this difficulty was
finally overcome without any accident, aud
he had the pleasure of finding himself in front
Of a decent looking farm house. The watch
dog began barking, which brought the own
er rot the mansion 70 the door.
Who is there" said he
"A friend who has lost his wav, and is in
search ot a place Of shelter" was the answer.
Come n. SIR aided tho speaker "aud
Whatever nv house will afford, you shall have
with welcome.
Il must provide for the wesry companion
Of my journey" remarked the other.
Batthe farmer undertook the task and after
his wife was ed he led The horse to a we'll
stored barn and here provided ior him most
oouuaully. On reioining the traveller, he
observed. That is noble animal Of yours,
sir"
Yes, was the reply, land l am sorry
hAi was obliged TO misuse him so as TO
haAe Il necessary TO give you SO much trouble
win the care of him; but | have TO thank
tea Tor Your kindness 10 both of us
i did no more than my duty. SIR" said
'ae entertainer, "sud therefore an, entitled TO
DO thanks, But Susan" added he turnip,
70 The hostess. with a half reproachful LOOK
why have YOU nc; given the gentleman
something to eat?''
Fear had prevented the good woman from,
exercising well-known beneyolence; for
robbery had been committed by a lawless
oand OF depredstors, but few weeks before,
IN that neighborhood. and as a report stated
.ha' the ruffians were all well dressed, her
IMAGINATION suggested that this msn might be
one Of them
AZ her husbands remonstrance, she now
readily Engaged in repairing her error. BY
PREPARING splendid repast- During the
SO" mere was much interesting conversation
-1-ohs The three. As soon as the worthy
soaa'fN man perceived that his guest had sat
.saea ms appetite. he informed him that il was
sss a,e hour at which the family usually per
eu 'heir devotions. inviting him al the
Ae uhie 10 be present The invitation was
Aesepted IN these words.
!. ~ would afford me the greatest pleasure
- soommune with my Heavenly Preseryer.
es he events of the day; such exercises
deep" "N''n We seek IN