The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-09-11

/ II had been supposed that all the mem
bes Of the party had been present at tn,
exploration, but now more narrowl,
scrutinizing the group, one was fount
missing.
'Ho. Here! Ho"
The voice was clear and joyous, and
was recognized Immediately.
1T is Jim Strong cried John Brown.
What can it meant Does any one sec
his torch!
All ran eagerly in the direction Of the
voice, and soon a light was seen glim-
ming, like faint halo, through the wet
woods. Ia.
'EIo. lIo! lio"
Exultant and still more cxultant, that
voice rose on the night mir. Every heart
was beating its fastest. Every pulse
bounded high with hope.
Ny children,' cried the father thrill
ingly, leading the excited race.
1t seemed but minute till they rcach-
= ,hsir. COMPANION. Standing on an
old MI DS-.ved his torch to
guide them, appro"ahed.
They're here, alive and we'll, hurrah :
As he spoke, the father had parted the
under growth, and lcaping the fallen tree,
found himself in small glade. Before
him were his children, lovingly cntwincd
in each others arms, and just aroused
from sleep.
Their heads only were raised. Their
little ewes were distcndcd with WONDER
mixed with alright.
Thank Cod cried the father, falling
on his knees and clasping them in his
arms, then bursting into convulsivc weep
ing.
The little ones, recognizing their faith
er, had simultaneously sprung to his
breast where they lay sobbing for joy,
and clasping him tighter and tighter.
The ncigcbors stood at II respectful
distance awed by the scene: and there
was not a dry eye in the whole compa-
ny.
At last the passion Of the fathers JOY
moderated. lie remembered the almighty
hand which had restored his childrcn.-
flushing the sobs OF his little ones. aud,
looking up rcvcrently,
Let us pray
All uncovered, and there in the dim
forest, the father holding each little one
by hand, poured fourth his soul in u
thanksgiving which none present forgot
to their dying day. ltwas eloquent with
a gratitude such as only those who have
been delivered from deep tribulation can
realize.
When the prayer was over, strong
arms pressed the wet little ones to warm
sheltcring bosoms. Maggie would not
leave her father nor would nc consent TO
part with her: indeed he looked regret
fully on Lucy as John Brown lifted her
evidently longing TO carry her also. At
first Lucy insisted on walking, but she
found almost tho first step that this was
impossible, so stiff was she with cold. So
she consented to be carried, laying her
head on Johns broad shoulder with
thankful smile, and putting her arm
around his neck lovingly as if she had
been his own child.
Before they set out, however, Lucy
had to tell how the became lost She
described how they had knclt down dur
Ing the height OF the storm and how they
fell asleep in each others arms, after they
had said their prayers to each other
Maggie she said, touchingly, often ask
cd for mother, | watched for a long time
after she was asleep, and tried to keep
awake, but couldn't, ] don't suppose;
for the first knew was being walked
by the noise and light, and seeing faith
err
jim Strong also had to tell his story.
Il had n sort OF feeling he said, that
I'd Just 90 q little further this way Il
s'posc il was the Lord that sent me-
for even the toughest acknowledged the
hand of Providence in that hour, 'and
bless me, as got into this ere opening,
the fust thing saw was the children ~
ing asleep in each others arms, just like
the Babies in the Wood /
Fatigue was now forgotten. The road
back to the village was soon traver'ed,
for each man seemed to tread air. Long
before the joyful procession had reached
the door OF the Cars, crowd OF women
around it was discerncd, for one had been
on the watch for hours, and at the sight
of the torches she had summoned the
rest. The cheering shouts OF the men
announcing, while they were yet distant,
that they returned with the children, the
mother now frantic with JOY came rush.
ing down the street to meet them anu
catching first one child and then anotli-
or from the arms that bore them with
kisses and embraces.
But what words can paint all that fol-
lowed! The dcllrious JOY OF the mother
the crowding Of the females around the
recovered dear ones, the tears OF all, the
almost lystcrical congratulation. 1t rc-
quircd the intcrposition Of some OF the
more thoughtful, TO have the innocent
sufferers relieved Of their wet garments,
placed in warm beds, and allowed to
seek sleep, so necessary for their health.
aud demanded so impcrativcly by their
fatigue.
From that day Mrs. Cars character
has greatly changed. Nor has shc been
heard even in her most irritable moment,
70 vent her feelings on her children
She looks on them as providentially re-
stored after they had been taken from
her as judgment. ;,
But is il not written, even Of the birds
Of the air, .your heavenly Father feedcth
,hcm--arc We not better than theyT
OuR TrLxoRArnic SYnn. From calcu.
h,ions made by t,e New York Hensld, u
appears that Of overland and submarine tel
q e.raphs there arc completed and in progress