Page:Edgar Huntly, or The Sleep Walker.djvu/195

 beaten; I likewise noticed a cedar bucket, broken and old, lying on the margin. These tokens revived my drooping spirits, and I betook myself to this new track: it was intricate; but at length led up a steep, the summit of which was of better soil than that of which the flats consisted. A clover field and several apple trees, sure attendants of man, were now discovered: from this space I entered a corn-field; and at length, to my inexpressible joy, caught a glimpse of a house.

This dwelling was far different from that I had lately left: it was as small and as low, but its walls consisted of boards; a window of four panes admitted the light, and a chimney of brick, well burned, and neatly arranged, peeped over the roof: as I approached, I heard the voice of children and the hum of a spinning-wheel.

I cannot make thee conceive the delight which was afforded me by all these tokens. I now found myself indeed among beings like myself, and from whom hospitable entertainment might be confidently expected. I compassed the house, and made my appearance at the door.

A good woman, busy at her wheel, with two children playing on the ground before her, were the objects that now presented themselves. The uncouthness of my garb, my wild and weather-worn appearance, my fusee and tomahawk, could not but startle them. The woman stopped her wheel, and gazed as if a spectre had sprung into view.

I was somewhat aware of these consequences, and endeavoured to elude them, by assuming an air of supplication and humility. I told her that I was a traveller, who had unfortunately lost his way, and had rambled in this wild till nearly famished for want: I entreated her to give me some food; any thing, however scanty or coarse, would be acceptable.

After some pause she desired me, though not without some marks of fear, to walk in. She placed before me some brown bread and milk: she eyed me while I eagerly devoured this morsel; it was indeed more delicious than any I had ever tasted. At length she broke silence, and