se back. The dogs were called off, and he heard a voice exclaim
ride up. A very handsome picket fence surrounded the house, and upon
arriving at the gate he was met by a fine looking old English
gentleman, who invited him to dismount and have his horse stabled.
Thanking him for his kindness, he at once dismounted, and taking the
extended hand of the old gentleman, said: "Sir, I am a benighted
traveller, and a stranger in this section, and have sought your
kindness for shelter for the night." "You are heartily welcome," said
the old gentleman. "Strangers, if gentlemen, are always welcome
visitors to my house. So without any further ceremony walk in and rest
yourself, for I imagine that you have been in your saddle for several
hours and must feel quite fatigued." "I have been riding since early
morning and was surprised to find the country so thinly settled. This
is the first place that I have seen at which I could venture to stop."
"Very true," he replied, "but you will, as you advance, find the
country more thickly settled." We walked into the house and were met
in the hall by a very fine looking and matronly old lady. Giving his
name as Godfrey, the old gentleman grasped his had and said: "Col.
Godfrey, this is indeed a pleasure. Let me introduce you to my wife,
Mrs. Ridley." "Ridley did you say?" "The same." "This is indeed most
fortunate." "Say no more, Col. Godfrey; walk into the sitting room.
You will find a cheerful fire, and as the air is a little chilly, a
seat by the fire will cause you to feel more comfortable. Make
yourself perfectly at home. You will excuse me for a short time while
I give some directions to my head man, when I will rejoin you." "You
are very excusable, Col. Ridley," replied Col. Godfrey, "I do not wish
you to let my appearance interfere in the least with your business
arrangements." The Colonel was not long away, and on re-entering the
room remarked to Col. Godfrey: "This unexpected meeting is very
mysterious to me, and the more so because my wife remarked but a very
short time ago that some stranger was coming; that she knew it from
the incessant crowing of the chickens and the fierce howl of the
hounds. I shall always hereafter believe in such signs. But Colonel,
our supper is quite ready. You will be shown to a room where you may
arrange your toilet." Having performed this duty he was met in the
hall by Col. Ridley, who said: "Colonel, it has been the custom at my
house since my earliest