The American. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1857, 1857-09-02

and her friends, loses his way Lights are seen
which
allure from far; but as he follows, aies;'
but when he retreats they pursue. These he
finds to be Wilo-the-wisps He advances in
great uncertainty, not knowing but he is moving
from the place he desires to approach.
AFTER having walked about a mile further he
saw something looming in the obscurity, which
on nearing it, proved to be a tree. His eyes by
this time were so accustomed to darkness that OBJ
jects which would be invisible to one going out
OF lighted room were discernible by him; and
he soon perceived that he was in a woodland
neighborhood. Other good prognostcs were at
hand; for shortly square mass met his sight.
"a house, II be swornn calculated he in de.
light. Pm not deceived this time. Cad, here's
the gate Now, shall rest against this till day
break, or waken the inmates, and so have chance
OF admission Necessity has no law. A storm
is coming on. ] am desperate. Here goes!
And finding the handle of bell he rang a long
and loud peal, waiting anxiously for the effect OF
his summons ,
" In short time lighted candle was seen at
one OF the windows which being opened man
thrust out his head and demanded who was at the
gate? .-
y, am traveller, and have lost my way re-
piled Elford.
&c Be of, then, and find it again responded
the man. -.
"'1 have tried to do so for many hours, and
can't succeed. Let me in, | beseech YOU
Let you in, indeed! echoed the man You
must think me fool Be of, l say, or III make
you
"'Why, returned Elford, do you take me for
thiefs' - -
"'To be sure do a.n.sH
Then my friend, for once you are mistaken.
| am gentleman ..
"' Twont do observed the man. Ifyou don't
tramp, III just see, by way of experiment, which
is the hardest-the bullets of my blunderbuss or
your head
Fire away and lose your ammunition, re.
joined Locke. This gate is hung to good square
piece OF masonry; and with that between you
and me you can't hit me, you know. Here
stay
"'Well, then, my fine fellow pursued the
other, I've another method Of sickening you Of
disturbing folks at this hour. The mastifr shall
be turned loose
al don't mind about that either, cody replied
Eford Il know trick or two about dogs. Set
the fercest you have at me, and come out with
lantern TO see fair play. If i don't make him run
yelping to his kennel in two minutes, give me q
taste with your blunderbuss. You'll then have
good aim
Nonsensep was the surly response
"'You see / am resolved continued Elford
80 pray do me the favor to tell your master, (if
indeed, you are not that worshpful persen him
self) that gentleman socits the protection
one Of his out houses for a few hours. I am sure
that is a modest request.
"'Go about your business, tell you, responded
the man, and don't alarm the family
81 won't 60 about my business, for except TO
gain shelter in these premises have no business
just at this moment; and ,ciH alarm the family
drenching rain is coming on. am so worn out
with fatigue that enough heat is not left in nv
frame to resist soaking. You would not, surely,
be 80 unchristian as to deny the shelter Of
loft or stable TO one under such circumstances
"The light disappeared, and Elsford knew not
what would ensue. He was determined, ncverthe.
less, not to give up his point. Shortly the man
came forward TO the iron gate, bearing lantern,
und armed with his blunderbuss.
Have you brought the dog@ inquired Elsford
IL so, l am quite ready #0
"'No,' replied the other. Il don't want any
more noise The family, hope, are still asleep
and las their servant) il is my duty to prevent
their being frightened. lam now come just TO sec
what you look like, and whether there's any moro
Of you
"Young Locke advanced close TO tho bars Of
the gate TO facilitate the mans scrutiny; and the
latter having thrown the light full on his face, said
gate was then noisely unlocked, the applicant ad.
mitted, and the fastenngs made good. 'I can't
take you into the house said the servant but
there's plenty of sweet straw in the stable-loft.
Follow me-
"The resting-place was soon gained. You're
good fellow; here's something for your trouble
said Elford, slipping half guinea into the servants
hands, who bidding him good night, descended
the ladder. Well ruminated Locke, this is a
better termination to my nights adventure than at
one time | had reason to expect Who would
think that Elford Locke, Cambridge collegan,
would ever rejoice in bed over a stable? Droll
enough. How it rains The roof here is weather
tight suppose. Rats and mice, and such small
deer Of course. But they won't wake me know.
What would sweet Edith think il she knew where
was going to sleep to night
Elford now lay down on the straw, composed
his wearied limbs, and murmuring the name Of bis
mistress, was luled into deep sleep by the plash-
ing of heavy rain on the tiles over his head In