The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-01-01
THE UNKNOWN GUEST.

One pleasant evening in the month of
June, in the year IT,, man was OBJ
served entering the borders of wood,
near the Hudson river, his appearance
that of a person above the common rank.
The inhabitants of country village
would have dignitled him with the title
of esquire" and from his manners pro-
nounced him proud but those more &C
customed to society, would inform YOU,
that there was something like military
air about him. His horse painted as if it
had been hard pushed for some miles;
yet, from frequent stops to caress the
patient animal, he could not be charged
with want of humanity. The rider for
sakiug good road for bye path lead
ing through the woods, indicated desire
to avoid the gaze Of other travellers. He
had not left the house where he inquired
the direction of the above mentioned path,
before the quietude of the place was
broken by the noise Of distant thunder.
He was soon after obliged to dismount,
travelling becoming dangerous as dark
ness concealed surrounding objects, ex-
cept when the lighting flash afforded him
a momcntory 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 that penetrated
the clothes of the stranger ere he could
obtain the shelter of a large oak which
stood at a little distance.
Almost exhausted with the labors of
the day, he was about making such dis
position of the saddle and his overcoat, as
would enable him to pass the night with
what comfort circumstances would admit
when he espied light glimmering
throug IA the trees. Animated with the
hope OF better lodgings, he determined to
proceed. The way, which was steep, be-
came attended with more obstacles the
further he advanced, the soil being COM
posed of clay, which the rain had render
ed soft so 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 look
ing farmhouse. The watchdog began
barking, which brought the owner of the
mansion to the door.
| "WnO is tnereE SAD he.
"a friend who has lost his way, an Il in
search of a place Of SHELTER was the
! answer.
'Come in, sir" added the speaker, land
whatever my house will afford, you shall
have with welcome" ..
Il must provide for the weary compan-
ion eft my Journey" remarked the other.
But t.! e farmer undertook the task, and
after conducting the newcomer into a
room where his wife was seated, he led
the horse to a well-stored barn, and
there provided for him most bountifully
On rejoining the traveller, he observed,
That is noble animal of yours, SIR"
Yes" was the reply, "and am sorry
that was OBJ iged to misuse him so as to
make it necessary to give you 50 much
trouble with the care of him; but I have
to thank you for your kindness to both OF
u.s.
81 did no more than my duty, sir"
said the entertainer, land therefore am
entitled to no thanks. But Susan" added
he, turning to the hostess. with half re-
proachful look, why have you not given
the gentleman something to eat!"
Fear had prevented the good woman
from exercising a well-known benevo-
lence; for robbery had been committed
by a lawless band of depredators, but a
few weeks before, in that neighborhood,
and report stated that they were all
we'll dressed, her imagination suggested
that this man might be one of them.
At her husbands remonstrance, she
now readily engaged in repairing the er-
ror, by preparing splendid repast
During the meal there was much inter-
esting conversation among the three AS
soon as the worthy countryman perceived
that his guest had satisfied his appetite,
he informed him that it was now the hour
at which the family usually performed
their devotions, inviting him at the same
time to be present. The invitation was
accepted in these words: s
sit would afford me the greatest pleas
ure to commune with nay Heavenly Pre-
sewer, after the events of the day; such
exercises prepare US for the repose which
We seek in Sleep" ..s5..
The host now reached the Bible from
!! the shelf, and after reading chapter and
singing, concluded the whole with fer
vent prayer; then, lighting pine knot
conducted the person he had entertained
to his chamber, wishing him good
, nights rest, and retired to an adjoining
apartment.
J "John," whispered the woman, ''that i.