Preble County Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1857-1859, 1858-05-27

ISuMueIS. AhiS yOuuSo ih"u JoAnSo iu
the noisy gaiety of the rest, but it could
easily be perceived, by keen observer,
that this levity was not natural-that he
was striving to Danish some trouble
(which continually preyed on his mind.
This suspicion would have been heigh-
tened by observing the fits7cfaabstrac-
ton lie occasionally indulged in during
the conversation. 1t was while in one of
these moods that young seaman, after
spinning a lively yarn, turned to our he
re, and asked him some questions in re-
lation to the matter, to which he gave
an indirect answer, and was only arous-
ed from his abstraction by the general
laugh that was raised against him.
why, Harry, what in the devils got
into you-you are not the same man at
all you used to be; here we are, so near
home but the nearer we approach the
saddcr you grow"
Il was not aware of anything of the
kind" said the man; laughing in his
turn and growing pale
Now, if you were in my place. con-
tinued he who had first spoken, 81
wouldn't be at all surprised; going
ashore where l don't know anybody,
and haven't got no home nor friends;
but you, whove got home-mother'
ST .ters and brothers-It looks strange to
see you down hearted. ..
Harry turned pale, started, and then
arose and abruptly left his associates
He walked forward as far as the wind
lass where he seated himself, and buried
his face in his hands. with u low groan.
! ~ Il, / ,.nnIl hon
ish these dark thoughts from my brain ,
he muttered, but no, the curse OF God
is upon me, and it will follow me to my
grave; to my grave, did l say? ha ha
YES. and still farther" lie paused Il
few moments, and then continued: My
native shores are near; every cursed Knot
brings me nearer and nearer to them
But. oh God how can meet the warm
greetings of my mother and sister, and
Mary, too? BY heavens shall go
mad
He arose from the windla<s, and
walking up TO the weather rail, barred
| his heated brow to the see breeze.
Two hours more passed away, when
| it struck eight bells. The watch was
called and came on deck, and Harry
turned and we t below to seek forget
fulness in sleep. But sleep visited not
his eyelids. aud when all the other oc
cupants of the furecastle had sunk into
refreshing slumber, he lay tossing III
his bunk. victim to the most dIstres-
sing thoughts.
Two DAYS after the above related in
cidents the Sea Horse came to anchor I'D
New Bedford. Harry Sanford went
ashore, and as soon as he Was paid oil,
he started with heavy heart tor his
home, which was situated in a little vii
lare in the central part of th2 State OF
Massachusetts,. He arrived in Worces-
ter and set out to perform the rest OF the
tourney OH foot. Towards dusk he ar
rived in sight of the village, with its
white cottages and church spires, nest
ling amidst the green foliage of the
trees. But his eyes frightened not at
the sight of his native village and as the
familiar scenes of boyhood met his gaze,
he felt his heart fail him, and he sat
down beneath the shade OF large Will
low tree, the better to prepare himself
for the expected meeting with his friends
He buried his face in his hands and
gave way to the most gloomy thoughts
Suddenly he heard the sounds of steps
approaching, and looking up perceived
thr'o an opening in the trees two maldens
4 sauntering arm in-arm towards the spot
where he was seated. Gliding behind
the tree in order to escape observation
he waited their approach. The two
) girls continued their walk, and Sanford
soon had an opportunity to examine
their countcnances. He started and al
exclamation broke from his lips. Ht
sprang from his hiding place and re
vealed himself to them. Sister, Mary
; do you not know me; it is l, Harry San
: ford. The young girls recolled Will
, surprise, but one soon recognized he
long absent brother and sprang into hi
arms. As soon as the first warm greet
ings were over, Ellen said, looking ul
4 in her brothers face and glancing a
l Mary with an arch smile
; Have you seen or heard anything o
William on the deep ? for if you have
i it would please Mary very much, t
hear something of her sailor knis
Mary blushei deeply, but Harr
turned deadly pale, and answered IN
husky voice
: uIndeed, I-I-I-I mean that
: was not aware that my brother had gon
= to sea-"
Really, that quite surprises me-
4 said his sister, "mothcr wrote to ye
y that he had gone; he sailed two month
!, after you had left, and we were all quit
!. sure that you would meet with him, a
= his ship was to go the same route a
= YOUR own. 1t seems then, that you di
e not get mothers lcttcr?''
o L" No; received but one letter fror
home since 1 have been gone, sal
g Harry, turning away his head to con
= ceaI the agitation Of his countenance
: and then, to change the subject, h
q turned to his sister, and pointing out a
/ old fashioned wooden building, said !:
= "The old homestead looks quite ma
! tural; hope we still live there. :,
. 20 yes, said his sister, with brigh
smile, "and we have planted the garde