Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1869-09-01

windoW or chimney, and n roof about ST,
feet high in the center of the room. A
pipe was filed with villainous tobacco, anC
soon the atmosphere of the little den wa.
worthy of Germany itself. All assured
me that | was the first European who haC
ever been in their village, and my pres
ence seemed to put them all into the bes
possible humor, but when | tried to preach
to them in a conversational way, they at
once showed signs of fight. Here in this
remote hamlet, completely isolated from
the rest of the world, | found ignorant
half-barbarous men, whom the very
mention of Christianity put on the defen.
slve in moment. 1t is now understood
everywhere throughout this great empire
that new religion has invaded the land
and that it is religion which never
makes either peace or truce with opposing
faiths. The people fear and hate it, but
like the Indian in his forest, they know
that their doom is written. They may
contend earnestly for their errors, but they
are already convinced that their race and
country will yet become Christian.
After short halt we set out again
taking a fresh guide with us, and having
clambered over rocks and through bushes
for about two miles further, reached the
bridge and crossed over. 1t was raining
steadily, with no signs of abating. Before
me was a long ascent of five miles, and
beyond the summit sixteen miles must be
passed before [ could reach the comforta-
bic room which brother Monsell and his
/ excellent wife had prepared for me. [
closed my umbrella and handed it to a
native, wrapped my blanket more tightly
round my shoulders, pulled my hat down
over my eyes, mounted my pony, and
started up the mountain.
There is only one thing more wearisome
and monotonous than climbing a hill five
miles, and that is to descend the hill.
had already had the descent, and was in no
mood for enjoying the ascent. The rain
kept on my shoulders began TO feel damp,
and oon the dampness spread and cold
drops of water began 10 ooze through my
clothing, until gradually | was thoroughly
wet and chilled. A big pheasant stood
erect by the roadside with the water
dripping from his tail, but he seemed to
know from my looks that was in no mood
to harm him Near the top of the
mountain some children were squatted
under large umbrella made of leaves,
and were singing merrily, while watching
flock of goats and sheep grazing around
them. 1t made me feel happy and
cheerful TO see them so happy in the rain,
and | rode on thinking what charming
Christians those children would make
when taught to sing of Jesus. The summit
was reached at last, and on passing over it
| was greeted by cold blast from snow
storm about two miles distant. One mile
more and | reached a stone house without
doors, windows, or floor, and full of
smoke, coolies, and feas Among the
coolies were eight men for me, and they
made haste to give me a large overcoat
which had been sent for me, and small
basket which | was exceedingly glad to
4aa- l 80. 49,. ~ BsO ia 'iio5voI"vr,
took out 4 bottle of cold tea, some bread
ssst t-urrt-r, c5ft chicken, ,NIpricot Jam, saiJ,
pepper, &c, and then noticed that there
was something at the bottom protected by
4 few cross sticks. One native said it
was butter, another thought it must be
potatoes, while a third assured me that it
was something too good to be put with the
other things l hastily drew out the
hidden dish, and found delicious pump
kin-pie.
The reader Is probably losing patience.
What does he care to know that poor
missionary once found pumpkin-pie in a
basket? Why write such stuff? |
write it simply because the sight of that
pie touched very tender spot in my heart
In this land of exile it is the most simple
mementoes of home which touch our hearts
most tenderly. If the reader has no men,
ories of his mother or her cupboard, then
ask his pardon but if he has ever been n
boy, and felt rich and happy when his
mother gave him access to her cakes and
pies, he will understand now and why it
was that forgot all about the smoke, and
coolies, and cold, and rain, as | crouched
down over the fire, and, with glad heart,
ate my pumpkin-pie.
left my pony here and took 4 seat in
kind of boat-shaped sack, fastened under
pole, and carried by two coolies. Eight
men were on hands, taking turns two by
two. | offered them FIVE cents each, extra
pay, if they would 20 fast, and they set off
in high glee. The first eight miles were
finished in an hour and half, but the
rain beat in their faces, and as night came
on their pace was gradually slackened, un-
til at last they were creeping along slow
enough. Darkness settled down around
us ; so that nothing could be seen save the
shining of the water in the narrow path
before US. All at once one of the men
carrying me lost his foothold, and fell with
the pole across his neck. Two or three
men instantly seized me, so that there was
no danger, but as | came down with my
feet sticking out over precipice about a
thousand feet in depth, L had no desire to
travel further in that way, so, leaving the
coolies and taking my dog with me, |
hurried on alone.
1t was late at night when | approached
the mission-house. There was still
light in one room, and l knew that kind
friends were waiting for me. My head
was aching violently 4; l was wet, and
cold, and hungry, and very tired, and
never was resting-place more welcome to
me than the one which l was approaching.
My call was instantly answered by voice
from within, the door was thrown open,
the bright light flashed in my eyes, fire
was burning on the hearth, a tea-kettle
was singing beside it, the little group of
friends were at the door to greet me, and
in a moment |. knew and felt the full
meaning of the words, rest and home.