The dogs, following the scent, made directly up to the door of the cottage, which was now shut against them. Honestus was at a loss to conceive how horsemen could reach that place; and they, on their side, were no less surprised at finding a cultivated spot and a habitation, where, they imagined, no human being would exist; but the sight of two such young children greatly perplexed their imaginations.
Both parties continued looking at each other for some minutes, without attempting to ask a question; but in the midst of this profound silence, all on a sudden, the two children cried out together, as it were with one voice, “My dear papa! my papa! my papa!” In a moment, one of the gentlemen leaped from his horse, and catching the two children in his arms, bedewed their cheeks with his tears, but was incapable of uttering a word.
Though Honestus was by no means pleased with having his retreat discovered, yet he could not but be happy on finding the sweet children in the arms of their parent, for such he doubted not but he was. He desired them to sit down on the body of a tree, which he had felled and placed near the entrance of his cottage.
Mr Simpson, (for such was the name of the father of the two children) being a little recovered from the first emotions, which so unexpected a discovery had raised in his bosom, begged Honestus to inform him, by what means his dear children came under his protection? Honestus told him all he knew of the business, which could be nothing more than what has been already related. Mr Simpson took him by the hand, pressed it tenderly between his, and returned him a thousand thanks; but this shall not be all (said he), for I will make you happy.”
See how they are all conversing together.
“It is now a twelvemonth and four days (continued Mr Simpson) since I missed my dear babes. All my inquiries after them were ineffectual. On the third day after I was informed, that my brother lay at the point of death, and wished to speak with me immediately. As I tenderly loved him, I flew to him with all imaginable speed, when he almost turned me into stone with the following confession.
“You see here an unworthy brother, whom heaven will soon justly punish with an untimely death.—But, ah! what will be my punishment hereafter? Forgetful of the ties of blood, I resolved on enjoying your estate at your death, which I could not while your children were living. I carried them clandestinely into the forest of Englewood, where they now undoubtedly lie dead. On quitting the wood, my horse stumbled, threw me, and gave me a mortal bruise. I cannot hope for your forgiveness; and what shall I say for myself, when I shall meet your children before our Maker, which must be the case in a few moments!”
“Here his voice failed him, he gave a dreadful sigh, and expired. Judge what must be the state of my mind at this moment? I flew from the monster, and hastened to Carlisle, where a company of cavalry were in quarters. The commanding officer ordered his men immediately to mount, and penetrate every part of the forest; but they returned unsuccessful, and I gave myself up to despair.
“I formed hunting parties, with no other view, than that I might perhaps one day discover the melancholy sight of their remains; but how great is the bounty of heaven to me this day, in restoring them alive to my arms! Come, my dear friend, you shall have the pleasure of presenting them to their disconsolate mother.”