Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1916-02-04


to secure your services as a guide;
| am told YOU know this country"
"Sartin' We can, gentlemen. Pm
yer man. Amt much dom on our
clearin n I'd jest like tramp with
ye. Tell me when ye're ready and
I'll be on han, as the mitten said"
Arrangements were made that
Hunter John should meet them in
three days at Tumbling Falls pre-
pared for an outing of some two
weeks in the woods, and the woods
man, bidding them a goodbye,
gentlemen" disappeared in the for
est, carrying the skin of the bear.
What that fellow does not know
of the woods" said the judge. is
hardly worth knowing for practical
purposes. He is true Green Noun
taineer, and as honest and trusty as
he is alert and fertile in all the re-
sources of woodcraft. His name is
John Hunter, but he is known all
over this region as Hunter John
Il can we'll understand, said Mr..
hardwood, the kind of men the
Green Mountain boys were. This
wild, rugged country is the region
where heroes are indigenous. That
sturdy specimen is type of men
such as achieved the independence
of your little state and brought her
into the Union as one of the fret
born-the very first born to free
dom, surely"
by the way" said the judge, as
the horses picked their way along
! the rough trail between rocks and
around great logs, there is to be an
address this evening in the church by
Alvan Stewart. He is making the
yearly visit to his sisters, and we
have gained his consent to speak to
our people on the subject nearest
his heart, the evil of slavery. He
will be at our house when we re-
turn"
Il shall be glad to see and hear
him again." said hardwood. i first
heard him at the meeting of the
New York State Anti-Slavery Soci-
ETY. in October, 1886. | heard him
again at Albany last April. He held
US all enchanted by his eloquence
and power. | told him then of my
intended visit, and he referred me
to YOU for information"
Il am glad he did So" said the
judge.
Had it not been for my acquain.
lance with him and our conversation
at that time, we should not now be
enjoying your hospitality and this
most delightful time" said Bard
wood.
The visitors, hardwood and Mark.
tree, were now in the full enjoy
ment of their vacation. They had
utterly banished from their minds
the cares of their extensive business
They forgot enterprises of great
pith and gave themselves up to the
pleasures of the hour, drinking in
the mountain air and feasting their
eyes on scenes entirely rural. 1t was
growing> dusk as they arrived at
Maplewood. The supper was ready
and they had appetites to do it jus
tice. AIvan Stewart had arrived g
few minutes before, and expressed
great satisfaction at greeting Mr.
hardwood, whom he knew. All, my
companion knights he said, clasp
ing the hands of Mr.. hardwood, il
that deep and thrilling voice, 1T il
good 10 be here; good to NEE
where we can take off our heav!
armor and repose and refresh
There is hard fighting ahead. w
must meet a mighty host in dead,
conflict; but we shall have mightie
arms and shall deal mightier stroke
for the little rest and repose W
may here take in this castle of lib
erty, the good state of Vermont"
After the bounteous supper wa
5 served, all repaired to the church
: olraody crowded in new. aisle an,