The weekly Anglo-African. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1859-1861, 1860-03-10
THE PEDDLER'S STORY.
BY wANDERER.

During a journey through the West, l
stopped one night at an inn, where met
peddler. After having refreshed myself,
| sauntered into the barroom, as the ped
dler began to narrate the following accord
ing to his own assertion) true story:
Not many years since, he began, [ was
travelling through portion of this country.
| wanted to reach border village, and for
that purpose determined to travel through
L large forest, that being the shortestroute.
Accordingly, one morning started for my
destination. About noon | reached the
woods Some believed the place was in
tested by robbers, but as | had heard of no
acts to warrant this opinion, deemed the
passage safe, and therefore, though my
package was valuable, carried no weapons.
had been travelling through the woods
for some time. 1t commenced raining,
and in few minutes had increased to such
an extent as to compel me to seek shelter
under tree. There | remained for up
wards of an hour, during which time the
storm continued undated Not wishing
to remain longer in that situation l deter
mined to travel on, and seek for some house
or inn where | could obtain shelter. Ac-
cordingly, shouldered my baggage and
started forth had gone but few rods
ere | was thoroughly wet. My baggage
was in leathern valise, and was thus pro-
tected rom the rain. Night came on be-
fore | could find habitation. | had gone
too far to return; :he only alternative,
therefore, was to push forward; for, despite
all my efforts, failed to discover the sign
of a house. | was about despairing of
success, when turn in the road revealed
to me a faint light, which seemed at some
distance At first deemed it some Occu-
lar illusion, but on approaching nearer, dis
covered my suspicious were unFounded, for
the light proceeded from rude log hut.
When | arrived before it, hesitated about
entering, but the violence of the storm
speedily overcame all scruples, and KNOCK
ed loudly for admission. After some little
delay, / heard noise resembling the draw
ing Of bolts, and moment after the door
opened, huge, ugly looking fellow thrust
his head out and demanded what wanted.
"Shelter for the night" ! replied. This
the fellow seemed at first unwilling to
grant, but when he saw my valise his oun-
tenance Frightened, and he babe me enter,
while | inquired if there was any room.
He then told me to follow him. He led
me into a room where three men were Sit
ting around a table, playing cards. This
trio, like my guide, were evil-looking fell
lows, and began to wish had never seen
the hut, but as l could not help myself. l
determined to make the best of it. On my
entrance the game stopped. While placing
nv valise on the floor, saw them exchang-
ing omnous glances. Walking up to the
table, said:
Gentlemen, don't let me interrupt your
game, for | will depart, if [ intrude."
"0h, we're glad to see you, amt we
boys 2" one of them answered, at which
the "boys" replied with loud and prolonged
laughter. They then babe me to be seat
ed, and proceeded with the game. | pre-
tended to be greatly interested in the play,
but, in reality, was meditating upon my
unenviable situation. What could | do 7
That was among scoundrels was uncom-
fortably evident. Every few minutes one
of them would cast furtive glance at my
baggage; / thought, however, if | could
get to my room, might there mature some
plan. Accordingly, | gave few yawns,
began to rub my eyes, and exhibited other
signs of drowsiness. | then inquired if
they would show me to my room, as /
wished TO retire. The same fellow who
had admitted me said he would see if there
was fit apartment, and signaling one of
the men to follow, he turned up pair of
rickety steps. Affer some FIVE minutes
absence, he returned, but this time he was
alone. When the men inquired for the