The Morning herald., 1876-10-25
The Hillside Flower.

Near the close of sultry afternoon il
August, two young men might have beer
seen emerging from narrow path that led
through the woods, upon an unfrequented
road. As they seated themselves to res,
beneath an over-spreading elm, and raise
their coarse, broad -brimmed hate to wipe
the drops Of perspiration from their brows,
we can see they are unaccustomed to- such
hard tramps, whilst the guns leaning
against the tree and the well-filled 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.coyered bucket 1 hailed as a
when he was interrupted by his companion,
with the words: 49,.
Erred, do stop that! 1t is hard enough
for fellow to be tired out, and choaking,
without your tantalizing him." ~
"Well, it is too bad, Hal. But l say,
would you feel very badly to see one Of
those aforesaid buckets? I am sure l
should not"
"No, Fred; but that is view to which
distance lends added enchantment. There
is not the least sign of habitation. To
tell the truth, I think we have lost our
bearings"
Perhaps 30. 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 some WHERE"
"Yes; provided we are going towards
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 to go. On either
side we're high hills, and up these they
must toll, They decided to turn to the
Ieft thinking it must lead to some village,
il not the one whence they set out in the
morning. Following this road for at least
IN hour, over hills, and through valleys,
200 tadgued too enjoy the beautiful scenery,
Is from the hill-tops they could could
fatch glimpses Of the distant ocean; but
Dot dwelling was to ne seen. Almost dis
Pouraged, they they toll up another long
Pill, stopping often to take breath. If this
Fas only the last!-it is ho,,ing against
ope. As they gain the summit and look
round, expecting to see the same unin-
pablted waste, what was their astonishment
: see snug y nestled in the valley beneath,
small! white cottage, with its numerous
sat'bulldings, whilst near the door stood;
not the identical we'll Of the song, anoth-
similar.
With quickened steps, ,ithey hasten on.
(penlng the small lattice-work gate. up
~ customary narrow path, they reach the
ont door, where, in their eagerness, they
ave rap with the knocker that must
ave awakened the "seven sleepers," if
y. :. was the place Of their repose.
II II was answered by an elderly colored
oman, who started with surprise at seeing
'esss!tIrangers. ss!I Fred, raising his hat, asked:
Pld dTSs,a "sts1,yy you please give us drink Of
certainly" she replied; and went to
peufe tee a glass. Soon, not the woman, but
usauhiul maiden appeared at the door.
~ ~. invited them to enter and rest. This
y were only too happy to comply with.
V.Penlng door into room at the right
'Ie entry, she ushered them into small,
sma anlsomely furnished parlor. A gen.
o. ~sn Of noble commanding mein ap-
sIeaed i. to greet the strangers. Extend
sna us hand most cordially, he invited
vn,! v,n 70 be seated. The house and sur.
u"ulngs also the inhabitants, denoted
,e ,,s refinement than is usually met in such
TTssely Ts settled localities.
,v0' ,ne young gentlemen introduced them
;", IN" and explained the object of their
81 e. ~ the neighborhood. Mr.. Clayton
to1as 'ue most informed them was his name)
.sa ;SoS., into an animated conversation,
NM neutly ~ much pleased to hear so directly
9 benod zen .1elr city home. Again the door was
w, and the young lady came in, carry
. Il H.. uo' a silver salver with ice pitcher and
n ptmno, ~. it was before their day; and if
NJ we We doubt if our rustic beauty had ever
j.. her suca Snnn articles. Upon the small waiter
n sier . dands was a pitcher of clear cold
p" s;ns,d d1tsswn, "a as her father laughingly ex.
" eli IloI rom the northeast corner Of the
" ,ss s tn'ss nesldes the china plates and heavy
N~0lerss there was . dish Of real