The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-03-14
MARCUS WATSON. Printer.
Misftllanaans.
HOW THE RENT WAS PAID.

only wished to do some business in England,
but they also had a desire TO travel some
Besides the three owners, had four passen-
gers in the cabin. The passage from New
York to England on that occasion was the
most severe and stormy ever made. Ihayc
experienced heavier storms, but never such
continued cold weather. The old ship was
on a strain the whole Of the time, and tho
run her into the Avon without loosing a
life or an important spar, yet she had ne
ceivcd much damage. Her mainmast was
sprung, her ruddcr damaged, her timber
strained, sNd'for the last week the pumps
had to be kept going all the time, owners,
passengers, officers and all, doing their share
of work at the brakes.
As soon as we could get the cargo out,
the ship was hauled into the dock for re-
pairs, and we found, upon examination,
that itwould be week before she could fit
for sA. apd ifshe had all the repairs which
she absolutely needed, il would take nearer
two weeks. 4 contract was made for the
job, and one Of the owners agreed to stay by
and superintend the work. This left me at
liberty, and began to look around for some
place to visit. had heard much of Sails
bury Plain. The famous Stonehenge were
there, and so were there other relics Of Ro-
man and British antiquities. Accordingly
to Salisbury Plain resolved go. When
went on board the ship to make arrange
ments with the owner who had remained
there, found one of the passengers just
leaving His name was Nathan Lecman.
He was young man, not more than thirty
years Of age, and | supposed HIM, from his
features and idoum to be an Englishman.
told him was going to Salisbury, and he
informed me that he was going the same
way.
Leeman had been intending to take the
s,aee D-vis--, and from thence to take some
Of the cross coaches; but had resolved to
take horse and travel where, and how and
when pleased, and he liked the plan 80
well that he went Immediately and bought
him good saddle and horse. II was about
the middle of the forenoon when we set out,
and found that Lceman intended TO visit
the curiosities with me and then keep on
towards London, by the way Of Andoyer
and Chertsey, he having sent his baggage
on ahead to Salisbury by the great mail
route, which ran many miles out Of the way.
found my companion cxcclleat company,
and on the way he told me passages from
his own life. He was born in England, but
this was the first time he had been in the
kingdom since he was fourteen years old,
and was lei to infer that at that time he
ran away from his parents. During the
last six years of his residence in the United
States he had been engaged in Western land
speculations, and he was now independently
rich.
We took dinner at Bradford, a large man.
uiacturing town, six miles southeast of Bath
and rs soon Us our horses were rested we sci
out again. Towards the middle Of the after.
noon the sky began to grow overcast, and
we had promise ofa storm. BY five O'Clock
the great black clouds were piled up in
heavy masses, and il began to thunder. A,
Warminister we had taken the direct road
for Amesbury, distance Of fourteen miles,
and when this storm had como close upor
US we were about half way between the tive
places. | was in no pa. tieular hurry; and
Us l had no desire to get wet, | propOsct
that we should stop at the first place W,
came TO. In few moments more we cam,
to a point where a small cross road turneC
OF to the right, and where guideboarC
said it was five miles to Deptford Inn.
proposed that We should turn into thi
by-way and make for Dcptford Inn as ias
rs possible, and my companion readily con
sentod. We had gone a. mile when the grea
drops Of rain began to fall but as gooC
fortune would have it, we espied small
neat cottage, not more than a furlons ahead
through clump Of populars. We mad
for this place, and reached il before we 90
wet. There was good-sized harm on tn
promises, and long sheep-shcd connected !
with the house. Beneath this shed we drov
and just as we alighted, an old man cam
out. We told him that we had got caugh
in storm, and asked If he could accommC
date US ior the night. lie told Us that W
should have the best his humble place eoul
afjrd, and that If we would put up wit
that VIC should be welcome.
As soon rs the horses were taken caro- ol
we followed the old man into the house.
). lie was grcyhead man, certainly ON III
down hill side Of threescorc, and his forr
was bent by hard work. His eountenanc
was naturally kind and benevolent, bu
there were other marks upon his brow tha
thosc Of old age. The moment saw him
knew he had seen much suffering. II WI
neat room to which we were led, livin
room, but yet FREQ from dirt clutter. A
old woman was just building u fire for SUI
per, and as we entered she rose from hc
work.
"Some travellers, wife, caught inashOv
er," said the old man.
"Surely, gentlemen, you're welcome,
tho woman said in n tone so mild and FRI
that knew she spoke only the feelings Q
her soul. "Is't poor fare we can give, bu