American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1851-1863, 1861-07-06
THE MIDNIGHT GUEST;
Or,
Reward Of Hospitality.

"Oh. It's blessed thing to give the stranger food
and shelter, when far be wanders from his friends
and home.-CoRNELIA.
The night was dark and tempestuous, and
1.-THE wind howled mournfully amid the branch
les of the forest trees murky clouds rolled
upward in huge and threatening masses, OBJ
securing the light of the pale moon, and
hiding the star gems that illumined her
path; hoarse peals of thunder shook the
wanted heavens, and lurid flashes of light
ming darted like meteors down the sides OF
the inky clouds. Slowly the rain drops be-
Igan to fall, pattering heavily down on the
dry leaves in the forest, and warning the
belated to seek hasty shelter. The deer
quickly ran to their coverts; the fercer ami
mails sought refuge in their dens and caves ;
while the Storm King, in his chariot, went
Icareering swiftly by on the wings of the
Ishrieking gale.
/ A young gentleman, mounted on spirit
led horse, was pursuing his way along the
forest road, in the gloom. He had thrown
his bride rein loose on the neck of the sa-
lgacious animal; and the gallant beast now
free from all restraint, pricked up bis ears,
and went onward at rapid trot
4 Onward, Firefiyn exclaimed the horse
man, as he drew his slosched hat down ON
his brows. FREELY neighed shrilly, and in
creased his speed as though he understood
his masters words.
: "A light! lightp exclaimed the youth as
le neared the outskirts of the forest; and
int few minutes more he drew up in front
! of a small inn. He sprang lightly to the
, ground, and raped loudly on the door for
adnittance.
) A voice from within inquired, who's
therep
"A traveller, who is lost in the Storm re-
J piled the youth.
The lplts were drawn back, and the door
cautiously opened by young lady Of un-
common bsauty.
: Heavens what night! Where is your
father, Mssz'
have nofather; am an orphan, STRIP
well, there is some person here who can
put away my horse and feed him, is there
Inot2'
NO, sir-I am all alone; but am so glad
; you have come
Then I'll put my horse in the stable my
SELF Have you iantern2'
Yes, SIR
The most beautiful girl ever saw solil-
oquized the young han as he came out of
f the stable, after having made Firefy com
, Portable for the night. 'Glad because Pve
! r -lat - l. ~
J There's some mystery lere, l think. Per-
, haps Pm in for an adventure
The young girl was sitting by the fire-side
, as he entered; but during bis absence she
|, had placed food on the table, and bowl of
sweet milk. The traveller smiled as he sat
|; down before the viands, and began to eat.
! The storm began to rage fiercely without
you said you was glad I had Gomez re-
marked the traveller as he drew back from
the table. Pray tell me whyp
you are gentleman, sir. / know it by
5 your language and appearance tegan the
, maiden, in tremulous voice. Dc not in
: terrupt me, and L will tell you why made
that strange remark.
, My father was rich merchant, and
was an only chiid-he died about two
months ago. and before his death he appoint
ed his brother my guardian. As soon as
c my father was laid in the grave, my uncle
sold our old homestead and made me accom-
pany him to this lonely place, and since /
have been here have been compelled to de
all kinds of drudgery; and once my uncle
(. struck me a violent blow,
J The cowardly wretch exclaimed the
stranger.
Il did not resist in any manner, for ht
threatened to kill me. l did not mind hi,
abuse as much as the insults have received
from notorious ruffian and horse stealer
called Blinky Ben, who lives far away
among the mountains. My uncle brought
him here, and he says must marry him
II thought my only chance of escape from
!. La fate SO horrible would be to run away
, intended to start this very night in tn,
storm, and wander, cared not where
Last night rstole carefully down stairs whel
they thought was asleep, and listened t
I their conversation when they knew it not
e that door that opens into the hall was onl,
!, half closed, and 1 listened to their words
: for they had both been drinking freely, ant
they spoke loud. My uncle offered Blink.
!, Ben one thousand dollars to carry me of
He agreed to do so, and tonight he is comin
after me. My uncle started out to NEE
him about half m hour before you arrived
and they would have heen here ere this
the storm had not prevented them Oh
sir, am poor friendless orphan she ex
claimed, clasping her hands and kneeling be
fore him, can you, will you, aid me d
not let them take me away and murder me
!. will you 2
Ralph Manners was brave youth, and hi
Irtssolution was soon taken-he would hay
faced death in any form for the beautiful an
helpless girl before him.
Rise, young LADY, he said, kindly, I hay