Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1871-06-22
A MEMORABLE JOURNEY

seldom used except in . business way.
must ask the indulgence Of my readers i
l prove somewhat garrulnue.
Though late in the season, I resolved
to carry out long cherished plan thai
Of making hunting tour through the IA.
mous-and then not as we'll known-nortt
woods. II was with feeling of freedom
and excitement I at length set out on nv
journey. At Ogdensburg I met an old
class-mate going with party of hunter.
into the forest. and q cordial invitation to
accompany them was readily accepted.
/ found them genial. whole-souled fel-
lows, whose numerous adventures and
narrow escapes formed the subjec, of MANY
an hours entertainment, as we sat around
our camp-fres. the star-gemmed sky our
canopy. Iremained with them two weeks,
gaining new strength each day. A tri.
Hing matter of business in that place de-
cided me at once to start for Montreal -
After short stay there. / found it ueces-
sary to 60 on to Quebec.
! at once made myself and business
known to firm, with whom we were in
correspondence. anu was cordially receiy-
ed by the senior member. With true
Scotch hospitality he urged me to make
his house my home during my stay; and
when | declined. insisted on procuring
quarters for me with a widow who lodged
some of his friends. saying I would be
disappointed in the hotels, as they were
greatly inferior to those of the States.
This arrangement proved fortunate. for at
Mrs. McClouds formed the acquaintance
of young man who was going to set
tlement beyond. whittier could accompa-
ny him. and FROM that point. proceeding
fifty miles further west. reach a fur ira
ding station ! desired TO visit. As we
were about starting. an officer from the
garrison came to bid his friend gooi-by,
and advised me on leaving him to obtain
a guide. as the remainder of my journey
was through rough country, which he
though not 4 coward-wouh not care
to travel alone. His advice was not re-
gar,lcd, however. when I found. on reach
ing the settlement, that it was difficult TO
procure the services Of any one.
1t was cloudy bleak. November morn
ing whom set off, after receiving minute
instruction as 10 the course I should pur-
sue. | logged on without inciden. until
late III the afternoon. when gradually b i.
came aware of sound other than that of
the wind which had borne me constant
company. Was it the echo Of my horses
hoofs No. it was the tramp of another
animal, which soon became So distinct that
knew my solitary ride was soon to be in
terrupted. For some time the horseman
kept far behind me. until prompted BY
curiosity to see what my fellow traveller
was like. slackened my pace aud allowed
him to overtake me. lie also was well
mounted. His age seemed about thirty
five; his figure thick set and about the
medium size his hair sandy. and curling
closely TO his head his complexion was
fine, despite sun and wind; his nose well
formed, and his mouth handsome. Alto
gether his face was attractive, combining
with kindlincss.
As We rode on. side by side, and in
subsequent events. | found him to be a
man of general information. acquired in
actual contac: with the world.
4 dark and stormy night was gather
ing round. aud we were numb with cold {.
While deliberating whether it would not
be best TO light fire and remain where
We were for the night. far off light caught
my eye. Could there be a dwelling in
this wilderness At any rate we would
approach this light and ascertain. We
shortly discovered among the trees. low.
building. barn-like and forbid
ding IN its appearance. After some time
we succeeded in finding the door, at which
| Knocked loudly for admittance. An old
woman answered the summons, holding
dim, rush light, that did not improve her
repulsive appearance L. would be diff
cult t" describe the color of her eyes. un-
less their evil expression gave them a
grecnish hue. Her face might have been
good in youth. but was now wrinkled and
hideous. | told her our situation, offering
to pay well for a nights lodging. She
something in reply. and rsoticr-
ed to US to follow her. Cropping along a
narrow passage. we were admitted into
what seemed family room or kitchen
At the hearth, on which some damp log.
were smouldering. sat an old man. who
looked up on our entrance and addressed
Us in n foreign tongue
Ny companion turned TO the old wo-
man who let us in and said:
1--WE speak only English"
That's well cough" she answered in
a harsh voice. "I'll take care of YOU
Suppose you wan; something to eat. though
what can give You will hardly please
such fine gentlemen"
1--WE shall be thankful for food how
ever plain" said.
She left the room. returning with dried
venison. coarse bread. butter aud tao
glasses filed With wha, she called cordial
satisfied my appetite. tasted the drink.
ba. not liking it. left it standing. did
not see my companion drink his. though
his glass was empty when We lef, the Ia
bic. He seated himself on n bundle of
skins near the fire, while | endeavcred to
interest myself in late paper, though ra-
sueeessfully. for soon began tn nod
The man. who had been caring for our
horses. now cause in, and, making a sign
% the woman. she asked me IL I would
Ike to 20 10 bed. / said res, and that
my friend seemed dosing comfortable
where he s.sE She nsae no reply. bat
started for the door.
on leaving the room I glanced back