The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1877-01-09
The Unknown Guest.

hNB pleasanJf evening, In Uhe montn
~ OF June, In the year IT., man
was observed entering the borders Of a
wood, near the Hudson river, his ap-
pearance that Of person above the
common rank. The inhabitants Of
country village would have dignified
him with the title of squire, and, from
his smanner,pronounced him proud; but
those more accustomed to society, would
inform you, there was something like
military air about him. His horse pant
ed, as il 1t had been hard pushed for
some miles, yet, from the owners fire.
quent stops TO caress the patient animal,
he could not be charged with want of
humanity, but seemed to be actuated by
some urgent necessity. The riders for
saking good road for by path leading
through the woods, indicated desire to
avoid the gaze of other travellers. He
had not left the house where he inquir-
ed the direction of the above mentioned
path, more than two hours, before the
quietude of the place was broken by the
noise of distant thunder. He was soon
after obliged to dismount, travelling be-
coming dangerous, as darkness conceal
ed surrounding objects, except when the
lightning's flash afforded him inomen-
tary view of his situation. A peal,
| louder, and of longer duration than any
of the preceding, which now burst over
his head, seeming as If it would rend the
woods asunder, was quickly followed by
heavy fall of rain, which penetrated
the clothing of the stranger ere he could
obtain the shelter of large oak, which
stood at little distance.
| Almost exhausted with the labors of
the day, he was about making such dis
position of the saddle and his own coat,
as would enable him to pass the night
with what comfort circumstances would
admit, when he espied light glimmer-
ing through the trees. Animated with
the hope of better lodgings, he deter
mined to proceed, The way, which was
somewhat steep, became attended with
more obstacles the farther he advanced !;
the soil being composed of clay, which
the rain had rendered 30 soft that his feet
slipped at every step. BY the utmost
perseverance, this difficulty was finally
overcome without any accident, and he
had the pleasure Of finding himself in
front of decent looking farm house.
The watch dog began barking, which
brought the owner of the mansion to
| the door.
| "Who is there ?" said he.
| C A friend who has lost his way, and
is in search of place of shelter" was
| the answer.
"Come in, sir" added the first speak
er, and whatever my house will afford,
you shall have, with welcome
:" I must provide for my weary COM
panion of my journey" remarked the
| other
But the farmer undertook the task,
and after conducting the new conner
into room where his wife was seated,
he led the horse to well-storcd barn,
and there provided for him most bounti-
fully. On rejoining the traveller, he OBJ
served, That's noble animal of yours,
sir.n
Yes,' was the reply, "and L am
sorry that was obliged to misuse him
so, as to make it necessary to give you
| so much trouble with the care of him !;
but 1 have yet to thank you for kind
ness to both of us"
did no more than my duty, sir"
said the entertainer, Sand, therefore, am
entitled to no thanks. 'But Susan, )"
added he, turning to the hostess, with q
half reproachful look, g why have you
not given the gentleman something to
| eat 7"
Fear had prevented the good woman
from exercising her well-known benev-
olence; for robbery had been commit
ted by lawless band of depredators, but
few days before, in that neighborhood,
and as report stated that the ruffians
were all well dressed, her Imagination
suggested that this man might be one
of them.
At her husbands remonstrance, she
now readily engaged in repairing her
error, by preparing plentiful repast.-
During the meal, there was much in
teresting conversation among the three
AS soon as the worthy countryman per-
ceived that his guest had satisfied his ap-
petite, he informed him, that it was now
the hour at which the family usually
performed their evening devotions, in
viting him at the same time to be pres