Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1856-03-08
Srlrtt Galc.
From Dicke Household words
a COUSIN IN NEED.

On dreary autumn day, more than hun
dred years ngo, heavy travelling carriage was
slowly numbering along the muddy rond from
Potsdnm to Berlin. Within it WAS one per-
son only. who took no heed of the slowness
of the travelling; but leaning back in cor
ner, vas arranging multiplicity of papers
contained in q small portfolio and making
notes in pocket book Since he wns dressed
in plain dark military uniform it was fair to
suppose that this gentleman belonged to the
Prussian army. but to which grade Of it no.
body could determine. as al, tokens of rank
had been avoided. A dreary November
evening was closing in. and though the rain
had for n time ceased yet dark masses of
clouds flying through the sky gave warning
that a "weeping darkness was at hand. The
road grew heavier and heavier, at least so it
Should have seemed to foot traveller who
WAS ploughing his way through its mire and
SO doubtless it did seem TO the carriage hor-
ses, who nj last flOundered along so slowly
that the pedestrian whom they had overtaken
kept easily by the side OF the coach. though
at Il respectful distance. certainly, after the
first bucketful of mud that it splashed over
him. The gentleman inside the coach, when
he could see no longer, shut up his portfolio
and returned the pocket book to its place in
the breast lining of his coat. lie then reused
hmSelf to look ont Of the window, and jndge,
from the mud and darkness, how far it might
be TO Berlin. For the first time he perceived
that muddy young man WAS walking at a
little distance from his horses. Though more
than reasonably travel-stained, he trudgcd
on as II his limbs were strong and his heart
! light. Through the drizZlc and the darkness
! oil that could be seen Of his face was sensible
! and good tempered. He had Just finished a
! pipe as he attracted the travellers attention
and was in the act of shaking out the ashes
and replacing the pipe in wallet slung over
| his back, when he heard himself addressed in
! the manner following, and in rather an au.
| thoritve toGe of voice:
"llel.Oi young man, whittier are you bound
this stormy looking night ?"
That is more than / can tell you, not be-
| ing at home in this part of the world. My
wish is to reach Berlin but If find rest
| ing place before ! get there, to that an
! bound, for am a-weary."
81 should think you must have two hours
! walk before you" was the unsatisfactory re-
mark that followed.
The young man made no reply, and after 9
short pause the stranger said
it pleases you to rest on the step Of my
carriage for a few minutes you are welcome
so to do, Herr. What's your name ?"
My name is Heinrich Meyer" replied the
young man, zone of those who wisely never
refuse the small benefit because the larger
one is not to be obtained" lie thankful,
accepted the not very clean place allotted tC
| him.
From inside the window the next question
put to Heinrich was
What are you going to Berlin for p
ITO hunt for some cousins" was the an
| swer.
And pray who may they be 2" asked thu
| unknown.
We'll, to tell you the truth have not al
idea who they are, or where to look for them
Indeed il is more than doubtful whether
have so much as an acquaintance in Berlin
much less a relation"
The-questioner who should have been al
American colonel. looked amused and aston
ished as he suggested
Surely there must be some other motv
for your going to Berlin. or what could hay
put this idea into your head 2"
Why" replied Heinrich, IL have just be
come a clergyman. without the smales
chance Of getting any thing to do in my ow
neighborhood. have no relative to help NE
aud not quite money enough to find me il
! necessaries."
But" said the Prussian, what on cart
las this to do with COUSINS in Berlin r