Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1916-01-21

we were carried several miles by
swift team, arriving in the early morn
before day-break at a large farm
house where we were cordially well
coined, and most comfortably cared
for. And so we were conducted on
in the night, from station to station.
At our first haven in Vermont, we
arrived just as the men folks were
beginning to stir at their milking.
We heard them whistling, and milk
pals jingling, robins singing, roost-
ers Growing and dog barking, as we
drove up to the barn. Our coming
occasioned great excitement and the
whole household was alert with glad
hospitality The householder came
trotting out, and gave US all a tight
handshake, saying: Well well !
This is load worth bringing Just
the kind of company we like to
greet in the early dawn Now
breathe in deep every one of ye:
this is Liberty's free air, and it will
put life in your blood Just IN
hitch your horses and help them
freely to that bin of oats and corn =
In the house the women folks
just showered kindness upon the re-
fugees; it fairly brought tears to
my eyes. At the breakfast table, one
old white-haired lady sal |, address
ing her husband, Benjamin,
don't these boys and this sister
make you think of Maria's? hers
are trife dark you know, exceptin'
their hair don't curl ups close.
Then looking upon them so benign
ly. she said: I hope you will use
your freedom in the service of our
all-merciful and common Master,
for only in His service is there per-
feet freedom
After breakfast there was family
prayer, in which a fervent petition
was offered up for the Fathers con-
tinual mercies, and guidance, and
blessing upon those He had COM
mitted that dav to their care.
I'VE were then all snugly slowed
away in downy beds, and at night
fall, with a Godspeed. were sped on
our way. Similar receptions were
given to US, all the way along. Ar
irving within a few miles of Canada,
| parted with my refugee friends,
they going on up into Canada. and |
to Wildwood, where put for these
woods, which remembered you de-
scribing so glowingly. And here
| am still, preserved by Gods grace!
| never venture far from these
woods; hug them close. Just re-
Gently | received a letter from my
sister, addressed under my assumed
name, who with her husband have
lately emigrated from Scotland. and
located in a place called Chicago,
away out west. She is very anxious
| should come out there, as she
thinks it is going to grow and be a
great place, and afford good opplr-
tuniLies for making a fortune. "
The hermit paused.
"Mirabilo dictu" exclaimed AL
van Stewart-"A career fraught
with great adventure and self sacri-
flee for those in darkness and bond
age. But come out of the woods I.
Don't hide in here any longer
Come with ME on my return home,
and | will help you to get to Chica-
go. You may be leaven there in the
abolition lump and help create anti
slavery sentiment in that center of
emigration. Cease not to cry out
against the Nations sin Lend
voice and hand to Humanity's cause
You are guilty of no crime in the
sight of Col in your efforts to de-
fend your two sailors from being
kidnapped off your boat; and you
know it was not until after one of
them had been killed and your life
; attempted, that the other sailor
!, fired the fatal shot. I'll come to
your rescue if you are ever arrested
that charge, end for running off
} slaves. Be of good cheer | have
got good news for you You re-
member your telling me about a
. legacy that fell to your wife when
she was a child, which she had been
robbed Off"
oh yes" answered tie hermit,
but | despaired long ago of its