Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-04-09


ally known fact, that houses in perspectiUe,
like great men and women afar off, only
show their best points to the observer and
conceal their dark appendagcs. The cloud,
which was fearfully black, now reached
the zenith of the big eye of Heaven, and
loud peals of thunder rang forth and echoed
from earth 10 sky and from sky to earth.-
Hans, with an eye to preserving the valua-
bles in his knapsack, accelerated his hith
erto hasty strides into a slow run, and in
few minutes he was at the inclosure where
in stood the handsome white-washed build
ing. Another moment, and sans cerenao-
ME, he had opened the little wicket gate
and was hastily advancing up gravel-paved
promenade, fringed on either side with beds
of roses and leading up to neat little two
storied portico, looking out upon the public
highway which wound like huge serpent
away among the far off blue hazcd pine for
ests. 1t was perhaps the finest house Hans
had ever seen in his life, and his heart mo-
mcntarily futtered as he thought of pre-
senting himself before such fine people,
such unapproachahles as the occupants of
so fine house evidently must be. For
our hero who had never before been out of
sight of his fathers humble abode, had no
great prediction to being in the company
of aristocrats. However, he determined on
the present occasion, at least, to act on the
I.cares for nobody--and nobody -cares-for
L principle; and especially on SO extraor-
dinary an occasion as the present was, of
thrusting himself on the hospitality of the
aristocralical occupants. The big rain drops
had jast begun to fall as Hans bounded up
the portico steps and advanced to the front
door. He banged aud thumped at it most
obstreporously for some time, but without
an answer He renewed his signal to the
inmates, but no answer He knocked and
; raped and doubled raped and banged
again and again, with the same result, to
) the no small impatienee of Hans, who was
about coming TO the resolution to enter the
house without ceremony and at all risks
The fear of the elements renders man
braver. At length slow heavy footsteps
were heard within-the bolt slid back in
the lock-the door swung backwards, and
, an old gentleman made his appearance.
He was plainly, quite plainly dressed, and
wore a grave, dignihed, benevolent, benig-
nant and philanthropic Hans
: was pleased at lis disappointment. The
d, old man held newspaper in one hand and
u pair of huge, round-eyed steel spectacles
: in the other. He eyed Hans boyish fea
y lures keenly and appeared astounded at the
u huge hump on his back.
r r Good evening, SIR said Hans, making
oi his best bow.
IL Good evening, sir,-will you not wall
~ in ? said the man of the house, with diff
le e Guilty repressiDg a smile, at the nondescrip
u appearance of the hump-backcd, one.eye
W stranger.
Thank you-with all my heart, | Wi
u SIR responded Hans not noticing the gooc
III humored smile which almost invisibl
IA IA curlod the old gentleman's under lip.
sc Bad weather. fine shower we have tn
IL evening, SIR said Hans, with rustic sin
u, plicity, giving vent to his cogitations on tt
py state of the weather.
:, Fine shower, indeed, my young friert
vi :, | hope you were not unfortunate enoug
ne ne to be caught in it?' responded the landlor
no glancing at Hans unwettcd exterior.
At At mo, sir, [ was .tortunate enough to reaC
" ID this splendid mansion before the rain beg;
io, to fall answered Hans.
~ 'Let me take charge of your knapsac
III sir-be seated, sir-make yourself at HON
Du .% sir said the cid gentleman suddenly, as
.no .no recollecting himself.
'N0 & VOW you are kind man from yo
:. looks ! said Hans internally, as the Q
'l., gentleman disappeared within with
ou III knapsack.
al A moment after, he returned, and Sc;
=. ~ ed himself near Hans, and seemed dispos
~ ~ to enter into conversation.
'eo' The thunder, methinks, is ercessi
vi, this evening. don't think | ever hea
81 such terrific erplosions,' said the old g
Ia demou, giving hitch to his chair.
..eH Yes, sir answered the young dcbuta
wy very prccessive-very terrific preclosion
's:0 s. You are a native of these parts, ?
us LIS sumo? 2 said the landlord inquiringly.
'u.u 'n You are right, sir, responded Hal
nc l was bred and born not more than Il
lss, ty miles from here
anu You have the advantage of me l belle
Oh | don't know you,' ventured the inquisl
lted landlord.
Keep MY name is Hans Van Hunker, sir,
Yard of old Reginald Van Hunker, near Harlo'
ville,' said Hans, pleased rather than mi
,ino at the boldness Of the landlord.
r;aSS oh yes, yes, yes! calculated the
ter with an air of astonishment. Yes,
lane knew your father perfectly we'll. Oh!
im- Rig;nalj Van Hnnker-I went to school v
med him, long, long ago-many were the ha
leas- hours we spent ogether-Riginald
10 10 saved me from drowning once an act
loud which | shall never forget him-and
no. possible behold the son Of my old frier
-" Yes, sir, it is true,' answered Hans,
'oiln own eye beaming with hopes of success
lutes securing situation
lslng hope, however, added the old gel
black man, observing Hans youthful aspect
Ill ND hope you have not abscOaded from your
4 erY pardon me-I mean well
ooob. Oh NO sir ! cried Hans, his one eye e
49, ing with something like resentment, not
:, o'1' of the kind, sir it was my fathers
look that / should start out to seek my fortul
lrney the great world and while / speak of i
speed | will show you a paper or two which /
DAVIS in my pocket and so saying, Hans
lane from the pocket of his homemade ves
Lii, certificate of the parson and Squire
'ua'Iy handed it to the old gentleman.
- ~ lie eagerly unfolded. read q few line
.uu'y then looked at his visitor in surprise.
reten- ever, he said nothing and continued tC
cR he the certificate with o serious air and