Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1861-05-28
Fom the New York Weekly
THE MIDNIGHT GUEST;
or
THE REWARD OF HOSPITALITY.

ny l. AUGUSTUS JONES.
''Oh ts blessed thing to give the stranger food aud
shelter when far he wanders from his friends home"
CARSElfA.
The night was dark and tempesiuous, and the
wind hOWled mourntully amid the branches of
the forest trees murky clouds rolled upward in
huge and threatening masses, obscuring the light
of the pale moon, aud hiding the star-gems that
ilumined her path hoarse pcals of thunder
shock the vauted heavens; and lurid flashes OF
lightning darted like meteors down the sides of
the inky clouds. Slowly the rain drops began
to fall, pattering heavily down on the dry leaves
in the forest aud warning the belated travelled
to seek hasty shelter. The door quickly ran TO
their Coverts the feroer animals sought refuge
n their dens and caves, while the torm-Klng
in his chariot, went careeripg swiftly by on the
wings Of the shrleking gale.
young gentleman, mounted on a spirited
horse, was pursuing his way along the forest
road, in the gloom He had thrown his bride
rein loose on the neck Of the sagnoious animal I;
and the gallant beast now free from all restraint
prieked up its ears, and went onward at u rapid
trot
Onward, Fireay onward ? exclaimed the
horsemau, as he drew his slouched hat down on
his broWs. Fireay neighed shrilly, and increas-
ed his speed as though he understood his mas
ter's words.
"A light light exclaimed the youth as
he neared the outskirts of the forest; and in
few minutes more he drew up in front of q small
inn. He sprung lightly to the ground, and
raped loudly on the door for admittance.
A voice from within required, Who's there p
"A traveller, who is lost in the storm, replied
the youth
The bolts we're drawn back, and the door eau
tiously opened by young girl of uncommon
beauty.
HE veus, what nigh Where is your father,
Missi'
Il have no father. l am an orphan, sir
We'll, there is some person here who can put
away my horse, and feed him is there notP
NO, sir am all alone; bat am SO glad you
have come
Then I'll put my horse iu the stable myself.
Have you lantern 2
Yes, sir
THE most beautiful girl ever saw, sOlilo-
quised the young mau, as he came out Of tue
stable, after having made Firefy comfortable for
the night GLAD because I've come. l wonder
what she means by that ? There's some mystery
here, think Perhaps I'm in for an adventure
The young girl was sitting by the sre-side as he
entered; but during his absence she had placed
| food on the table, aud bowl OF sweet milk. The
traveller smiled as he sat down before the viands,
aud began to eat. The storm btgan to rage
hercely without.
You said you was glad had come, remarked
the traveller US he drow back from the table.
'PraS tell me why?
You arc q gentleman, sir know it by
language aud appearance began the maiden IL
| a tremulous voice DO not interrupt me, ant
| will tell you why made that strange remark.
my father was a rich merchant, and was al
ouly child-he died about two mouths ago; ant
efore his denth he appointed bis brother m,
guardian. As soon us my father was laid in tn
I tturla aOll old homestead. mn
made me accompany him 10 this lonely place
! and since have been hero have been compelled
TO do oil kinds Of drudgeryi and once my uncl'
struck me u violent blow
THE cowardly wretch. exclaimed the stranger
Il did not resist in any manner, for he threat
ened to kill me- did not mind his abuse as
much as tbs insults have received rom a no.
| torious rutfian and horse thief called Binky Ben
who lives fur away nmOug the mountains My
uncle brought HIM here and he says mus
marry him. | thought my only chance of escape
from a fate 80 horrible would be to run away
intended to start this very night in the storm,
and wander, cared not where Last night
stole carefully down stairs when they thought
was asleep; and listened to their conversation
when they knew it not-that door TINT opcni
INTO the hall was one half closed aud listened
10 their words, for they had both been drinking
,recly, and they spoke loud. My uncle ohere'
Rlinky Ben one thousand dollars to carly nj
Of. He agreed to do so, and tonight he is com
ma, after me My uncle started out to NEE
him. about half an hour before you arrived an'
they would heye been here ere this If the storm
had not prevented them. Oh, sir, am poo
friendless orphan she exclaimed, clasplug be
hands together and kneeling before him, Ca
YOU, will you aid me ? Do not let them tax
ne away and murder me, will you"
Ralph Manners was a brave youth, and hi
resolution was soon taken-he would have face
deatA in any form for the beautiful and helple'
girl before him.
.Rise, young lady he said, kindly. 4 has
faced danger 10 Mexico, ami will protect the
rom all harm, though n score Of ruihans stoo
in my path Retire to your chamber, and ie'
not will sit by the fire and await their comlp
: 'us better we should not be seen together.
,Oh. sir, will stay with YOU exclaim
d the maiden; 1 fear for your safety-let l
4 remainP
Nay, you had best retire
~ ARE you armed 2 inquired the girl.
well armed replied the youth It's neal
one o'clock. Good nightP
Good night, my brave young protector, 50
the girl, as she turned away Ne'ue VIM
II, will 90 to her chamber and pray
X. sFor Ralph Manners, added tue yonih' ~
ne blushing girl withdrew. -.,-,...1 ,
She's q perfect little fairy : e4elallneI !,
gentleman, as be drew from his pocket Two s'l, y,
an mounted revolvers, aud examined tnem