The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-08-26
MARY CLAYTON.

vi
IN in August, two young men might
have been seen emerging from narrow
path that led through the woods upon an
unfrequented road. AS they seated them
selves to rest beneath an overspreading
elm, and raised their coarse, broad-brim-
med hats to wipe the drops of perspiration
from their brows, we can see they are un-
accustomed to such hard tramps, whilst
the guns leaning against a tree, and the
well-flled game-bag by their side, tell the
story of their wanderings.
Soon one, who had been for some time
whistling, sang in loud, clear voice, the
first stanza of "The Old Oaken Bucket"
and was commencing the second:
"The moss-covered bucket hailed as a treas
ure,
when he was interrupted by his compan-
ion, with the words .,
Fred, do stop that; it is hard enough
for fellow to be tired out, and choking,
without you tantalizing him."
"Well, it is too bad, Hal. But, say,
would you feel very badly to see one of
the aforesaid buckets? am sure 1 should
not"
No, Fred but that is a view to which
distance lends added enchantment. There
is not the least sign of a habitation. To
tell the truth, think we have lost our
bearings
"Perhaps so. At any rate we must be
moving on, or night will overtake U.S.
This is only lumber road, but it must
join the main road somewhere"
"Yes, provided we are going toward
that somewhere. We will hope for the
best.'
Plodding wearily on, they reached at
last a road that appeared more travelled.
Here they came to stand-still, not know
ing the best direction to 60. On either
side were high hills, and up these they
toll. AS they gain the summit and look
around, expecting to see the same unin-
habited waste, what was their astonishment
to see, snugly nestled in the valley beneath,
small white cottage, with its numerous
Outbuildings, whilst near the door stood,
if not the identical well of the song, anoth-
er similar.
With quickened steps they hasten up.
Opening the small lattice-work gate, up
the customary narrow path, they reach the
front door, where, in their eagerness they
gave rap with the knocker that must
have awakened the seven sleepers, if that
was the place of their repose.
II was answered by an elderly colored
woman, who started with surprise at see
ing strangers. Fred, raising his hat,
said
"Would you please give us drink of
cold water?' .it
Certainly" she replied, and went TO
procure a glass. Soon, not woman, but
beautiful maiden, appeared at the door.
She invited them 70 enter and rest. This
they were only too happy to comply with.
Opening door into the room at the
right of the entry, she ushered them into
a small, but handsomely furnished parlor.
A gentleman of noble and commanding
mien approached to greet the strangers.
Extending his hand most cordially, he in
vited them to be seated. The house and
surroundings, also the inhabitants, denoted
more refinement than is usually met in
such sparsely settled localities.
The young gentlemen introduced them
selves, and explained the object Of their
being in the neighborhood. Mr.. Clayton
las the host informed them was his name)
>entered into an animated conversation, evil
IDENTITY much pleased to hear SO directly
from their city home. Again the door
was opened, and the young lady came In,
carrying, not silver salyer with the ice