tempest. On proceeding toward the house, they found that their way was
seriously obstructed by the fall of several trees that had been blown
down across it. With some difficulty, however, they succeeded in
reaching the house, where, although the hour was late, they found the
whole family up, and greatly alarmed by the violence of the hurricane.
Tom went in and found Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin in the parlor, to both of
whom he stated that a gentleman on horseback, who had lost his way,
requested shelter for the night.

"Certainly, Kennedy, certainly; why did you not bring the gentleman in?
Go and desire Tom Stinton to take his horse to the stable, and let him
be rubbed down and fed. In the meantime, bring the gentleman in."

"Sir," said Tom, going to the bottom of the hall door-steps, "will
you have the goodness to walk in; the masther and misthress are in the
parlor; for who could sleep on such a night as this?"

On entering he was received with the warmest and most cordial
hospitality.

"Sir," said Mr. Goodwin, "I speak in the name of myself and my wife
when I bid you heartily welcome to whatever my roof can afford you,
especially on such an awful night as this. Take a seat, sir; you must
want refreshments before you put off those wet clothes and betake
yourself to bed, after the dreadful severity of such a tempest."

"I have to apologize, sir, for this trouble," replied the stranger, "and
to thank you most sincerely for the kindness of the reception you and
your lady have given to an utter stranger."