Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1909-10-07

screen himself by the thickets.
which grew a short distance from
the waters edge, from detection by
those who might, perchance, be on
watch to observe his course. His
limbs were chilled, but by degrees,
exercise threw a glow over his frame,
and he soon found himself recover
ing his suppleness and power to en-
dure the toiisome walk by which he
labOred to reach the friendly shelter
indicated by Rob's hurried instruc-
tion in the hut. After what seemed
a progress OF at least twice the
space in which he was told he should
fad the dwelling OF Jarvis, he was,
at length. greeted with.the chesrful
sight of an humble homestead, seat
ed upon the plain. within a hundred
PAGES OF the tidemark. He walked
at once to the door and raped loud
ly, as a distressed man is apt to feel
it his right to do in q Christian
land.
/ pray you, good people, open
your door to me, be- said rise.
Master Jarvis, and admit a friend
in the name OF charity, entreat he
shelter of your roof.
In a moment the door was aiar,
and sleepy voice heard from with
in challenging the coner-
Who are you that knocks so late
and loud at this door ?"
"A friend, good master Jarvis"
Is il shipwreck ?" inquired the
master Of the house, as be opened
the door and admitted the wauderer.
Stand a moment, until get light.
Are you aione2"
Before an answer could be given
TO these queries. the questioner had
departed. and in few moments re-
turned with a candle, whose ray dis
closed to the Secretary q comfortable
family room, furnished according to
the primitive fashion OF a substanti-
al tiller OF the soil Of that era. IL
took but little time for Albert to re-
hearse the eventful story of the
night, and his narrative was an
swered with a kindness that gave
him assurance OF being now under
the protection OF a friend. The
good man of the house detained him
no longer than was requisite TO en-
able his dame 10 prepare couch,
TO which the Secretary, upon the
housewives summons eagerly re-
paired, and soon turned his suffer
iugs TO happy account, as. in self
fal nt Il. -.
dering thanks to God for the mercy
that had raised him up friend in
his extreTe need. be sank into sweet
oblivion Of his troubles.
AT the dawn of day, he rose re-
freshed and invigorated, and being
provided with horse by the hospi-
table facmer, staid only 10 express
his gratitude tc his host for the IA
vors be had received, and then with
as much expedition as he could COM
mand, pricked onward TO the town.
The rising sun Rilded the chin
tops of the dweliing OF the Rose
Croft, as the Secretary desc led
from the distant hill which gsNs him
a glimpse Of, what be deemed, that
happy homestead through the em.
bcwering trees The atmosphere
was instinct with q keen aud brac-
ing healthfuiness which impaired q
cheerful tone 10 the aspect Of the
scent and as he stood in his stir
rups and looked around him, il was
with a glad ness ne had never known
before ia his life, that be contem.
plated his near approach TO his
hn II Nn
only 10 reiit his d SOrdered dress,
ard then TO hia with quickest speed
TO the mistress uf his heart. TO
whom, with IA iapassiOned delight
natural 10 the romance OF his mind,
he hoped 20 tell his perilous and
startling adventure.
The roofs ald bowers OF the Rose
Croft sank from his view, as he has
tened on ward and he. at length,
found himself on the skirts of the
little city. There were ominous
gatherings OF burVhers in the street;
and the speakers shook their heads,
and seemed to the Secretary TO con
verse with mysterious gravity.
They have heard, he said 20
himself "of my mischance 10 losing
ny way. and are fancying that |
have encountered the Indians No
they see me riding here. yet no
one comes 70 greet me there are
other tdiDgs in the wind "
And with this conclusion, anxi-
Gus 20 know what had Occasioned
this early cOmmDtiOn ia tho little
mart Of news, be pressed forward
% the Proprietary mansion.
An hour before the arrival Of the
Secretary, Rob o. the Bowl. mount
ed on a sober paced horse, his
thighs graSping the saddle with
more security than one might ex-
pect from his diminished quantity
Of limb, MS treucher hanging by a
strap ike huge shield at his back,
entered the town. He had run thu
k@calfadOr into the little inlet Of
Mattapauy, just inside the Patuxent,
where ne eft her under the guns
Of the fort which the PrUpr etary
maintained at this post. and going
Immediately On shore, ne cOmmuni-
Gated to the commander o. the gar
risOn the circumstances which in
ducsd ms visit, requesting that the
brigaatine should De detained at
her present myOriLg until his