The post. [volume] (Middleburg, Snyder County, Pa.) 1864-1883, 1877-02-15
The Unknown Guest.

nan was observed entering the bor-
ers of q wood, near tho Hudson
ivcr, lis appearance that of a per-
on above tho common rank. The
Inhabitants of n country village
Fould have dignilied him with tho
tile Of squire, and, from his nanne
denounced him proud but those
hore accustomed to society, would
niorm you, there was something
ike military air about him. His
horse painted. rs il it Ind been hard
pushed for some miles, yet, from the
bSners frequent stops to caress the
batien. animal, he could not be
harged with want Of humanity ;
but seemed to be actuated by some
rgont necessity. The riders fJr-
aking good road for q by-patb
eading through the woods, indicat-
ID desire to avoid the gaze ol
ther travellers. He hal not left
he house where he inquired the di j.
|ection Of the above mentioned path,
,ore than two hours, b,fore the
luietude of the place was broken by
no noise of distant thunder. lie
vas soon after obliged to dism punt
travelling becoming dangerous. as
imkness concealed surrounding OBJ
ects, except when the liyhtuins's
lash afforded him q momentary view
bf his situation A peal, louder,
md Of a longer duration than any OF
he preceding, which now burst
bver his head, seeming as if it would
kend tho woods assunder, was quickly
followed by a heavy fail OF rain
which penetrated the clothing o! the
ttranger ere he could obtain the
shelter of II large oak, which stooI
ht q little distance.
Almost exhausted with the labors
pf the day, he was about m sainy
sach disposition Of tho saddle aud
his own coat, as would enable him
10 pass the night with what comfort
circumstances would admit, when h,
|espied light glimmerius throusl
tho trees. Animated with the hop,
OF better 10 lgings, he determined to
proceed. The way, which was some
what steep, became attended with
more obstacles the farther he al
vanced the soil being composed OF
clay which the rain had rendered SC
soft that his feet slipp,i at every
step. By the utmost p perseverance,
this difficulty WAS finally ovcrcom
without any acci ieut. and he had
the pleasure Of fading himself i,
front of u dsc,n looking fara
house The watch do,s began bark
Ing, which brought the owner of th,
mansion 10 the dor.
"Who is there p sail he.
"A friend who has lost his way
and is in search of a place Of shel
ter was the answer.
"Come in, SIR added the frs'
speaker, "anl VIII .tever my honse
will afford, you shall have, with vel,
come"
Il must provid, for my wear,
companion Of my journey" remar';'
ed the other
But the farmer undertook the
task, and after conducting the new.
conner into room were his wife WI.
seated, he led the horse to q we'll
stored barn, and there provided for
him most bountifully. On rejoining
the traveller. he observed, "rhlt is .
noble animal Of yours, sir"
"Yes, was the reply, an an
sorry that I was obliged to misus,
him SO. as to make it necessary t.
give you so much trouble with tn.
care Of him but 1 have yet to thanh
you for your kin luess to both oI
u.s."
~ did no more than my dnty. sir,
said the entertainer, and, therefore
am entitled to 10 thanks. But Sn-
san, added he. turning to the hos.
toss, with half reproachful look
why have you not given tho gentle
man something to eat Z
Fec bad prevented the good wo
man from exercising he well-knowu
benevolence for q robbery hiG
been committed by a lawless band
Of depredators, but a few days be-
fore, in that neighborhood. and as
report stated that the rnlfia,s wer,
all well dressed, her imagination
suggested that this man might be
one Of them.
At her husbands remonstrance
she now readily engaged in repair,
ing her error, by preparing plentiful
repast.-Duriug the meal, there was
ach interesting conversation
among the three. AS soon as th,
worthy contrynan perceived that
his guest had satisfied his appetite
he informed him, that it was now th'
hour at which the family usually
performed their evening dsvotions,
inviting him at the ssms tina to ba
present. The invitation was accept.
cd in these words.
.lt would afford mo the greatest
pleasure to commune with my
heavenly Preserver, after the events
Of the day /; such exercises prepare
ms for the repose which we seek in
Sleep"
The host now reached the Bible
from the shelf. aud after reading 4
chapter aud singing, concluded th,
whole with q fervent prayer, then
ightinga pine knot, conducted the
narnon ha had antartAinad 10 LII,