Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1873-06-28
GALES auh gkstekss.
THE HILLSIDE FLOWER.

j
seen emerging from narrow path that led
through the woods, upon an unirequeuted
road. As they seated themselves to rest
beneath an over-spreading elm, and raise
their coarse, broad -brimmed hats to wipe
the drops of perspiratiop from their brows,
we can see they are uuaccustomed to such
hard tramps, whilst the guns leaning
against the tree and the well-tiled game
bag by their side tell the story of their
wanderings.
Soon one, who had been for some time
whistlng, sang in loud, clear voice the
first stahza of "Tho Old Oaken Bucket"
and was commencing the second
"The moss-covcred bucket hailed as trca-
sure"
when he was interrupted by his companion,
with the words
Fred, do stop that 1t is hard enough
for fellow to be tired out, and choking.
without you tantalzing him.
We'll, it is too bad, Hal. But l say,
would you feel very badly to see one Of
those aforesaid buckets | am sure
should not .. ....... ..... ...
NO, Fred but that is view to which
distance lends added enchantment. There
ls not the least sign of habtation. To tell
the truth, think we have lost our bear
ings.'
Perhaps so. At any rate we must be
moving on, or night will overtake us.
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 road That appeared more Travelled.
Here they came to a stand still, not know
ing the best direction 90. On either side
were high hills, and up these they must
toll. They decided to turn to the left,
thinking it must lead to some village, il not
the one whence they set out in the morn
ing. Following the road for at lcas. en-
hour, over hills. aud through valleys, too
tatigued to enjoy the beautiful scenery, as
from the hill-tops they could catch glimpscs
of the distant ocean ; but not Il dwelling
was to be seen. Almost discouraged, they
toiled up another long hill, stopping often
TO take breath. If this was the only last
1T is hoping against hope. They gain the
summit and look around, expecting to see
the same uninhabited waste, what was their
astonishment to see snugly nestled III be-
meath, a small white cottage, with it nu-
merous out-b buildings, whilst near the door
stood, if not the identical well Of the song,
another similar.
With quickencd steps they hasten on.
Opening the small lattice work gate, up
the customary narrow path, they reach the
front door, where, in their cagerness, they
gave rap with the knockcr that must
have awakened the seven seepers, if that
was the place of their repnsc.
1t was answered by an elderly colored
woman, who started with surprise at see
{ la
asked:
Would you please give us drink Of
cold water =
Certainly she replied and went to
procure glass. Soon, rot woman, but
a beautiful maiden appeared ut the door.
she invited them to enter and rest. This
they were only too happy to comply with.
Opening door into Il room ut the right
of the entry, she uShered them into a small,
but handsomely furnished parlor. \ gen
tleman Of noble and commanding micn ap-
preached to greet the strangers. Extend
ing his hand most cordially, he invited
them to be seated The house and sur
roundings, 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 be-
ing in the nei2hborhood. Mr.. Clayton las
the host informed them was his name) en-
tered into an animated conversation, evil
IDENTIFY much pleased to hear SO directly
from their city home. Again the door was
opened. and the young lady came in, carry
ing, not silver salver with ice pitcher and
goblet-no, it was before their day; and
if not, we doubt if our rustic beauty
had even seen such articles. Upon the
small waiter in her hands was pitcher of
clear cold wafer, drawn, as her father
laughingly explained, from the northeast
corner of the well. Besides the china plates
and heavy glass tumblers, there was dish
of real country dOughnuts, that made the
eyes ct our tired hungry guests glisten with
pleasure.
Did you ever eat any of these cakes :?
We do not mean the tough, grcase-soakcd
articles called by that name but light,
tender balls, whose exterior is of IA delicate
brown, and in whose heart you will lind
cnsconced some favorite iell" t,o,, 60,
how it could hnvo got lheIe' lnI" ~"
know the enjoyment OF fre" "u" ''"''
when taste was added l" sISu"
-. :. catiy refreshed, with many
thanks, and leaving part Of the contents Of
their game bag behind, they badc adleu to
their entertainers, and started for Farmer
William, where they were boarding.
Leaving them for while, we viii give II
short sketch of Mr.. Clayton.
Born in the country, he had left it when
n lad to seek his fortune in the city. There
entering law Office rs boy, he had by hard
study and perseverance, fitted himself for
/ the practice Of that profession, and was
admitted to the bar. BY his strict intcgri-
| ty aud attention TO business, he had been
called to occupy many positions of trust
| aud honor Married late in life to one
whom he almost idolized, on his wiie's
/ death, which took place when Mary was
about five years old, he determined to give
up his busy life, and devote his time to The
| education of his daughter lie had come
| to G!euwoOd and purchased the retired
spot who're he is first introduced to Tho
reader. Mary,s old nurse remained will
them as hopsekcepcr. Mr.. Clayton occu
pied his time in cultivating his farm, ant
instructiug his child. He had been brought
from the city his large library, aud on hi
yearly visit TO the metropolis, added to th'
number of books. Mary was loving child
Her MUD of high order, eagerly dram
in the instructions of her father. Coult
YOU have watched them in their rides o
rambles, you would have deemed then
more like brother and sister; for with hl
daughter Mr.. Clayton made himselfa com