Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-11-03
From a London paper.l
PRESFWCE Or MIND.

PRFSE.MCE Or MIND.
After receiving his rents, Lora c.
was In the i,uoit of retiring wiki his
steward to his study ; and there, after
settling his accounts, OF depositine the
money in his strong box till the aext
day, when the steward was sent with
it TO the bank. This man had lived
with the Lords father AMI was SO be-
loved by the family, that they placed
implicit confidence in his integrity and
worth. Fer some time his Lcrdshis
had, upon inspecting the Bankers
book, and upoa reference to his private
account, found that the sum they cred
tied him was always short of that he
seat. This being continued, led to Sc
we're Investigations but no result that
came out satisfied him how the de6cien-
cy could happen. Some OF the servants
came under his djspleaaure, au1 they
EeGs at various periods dismissed.
On one particular rent day he placed
ave -Ih~''>y d;Haroat rao--,- LII
having Tor his coahdant the old steward
vino, of course. joined with his lord in
regretting his late losses. On the same
night, the house maid went to this room
to see that the shutters were safe; and
recollecting that she had to clean it out
very early, she thought il not worth
while to go to bed. but determined to
lay herself down and sleep on the sofa.
She did so, and put ont the candle.
When half asleep, she was awakened
by a noise at the door, aud she was lust
going to start up and ring the bell,
thinking twas thieves, when it slowly
opened, and in walked the old steward.
lie looked cautiously round and hest
tated; but. seeing no object, went to
the escrutoire where his lord had lock-
ed his rents up-after opening the lock
he took out what he pleased-auG then
re-locked the drawer, was going out,
when the reflection of the candle up
on the servants clothes caught his eye !
lie started but-sbe might be asleep,
and bis transgressions not witnessed.
To be assured of this, he went to the
sofa. and flashed the candle back and
forwards before her eyes. The girl lay
still. He put his hand into his pocket,
drew out clasp knife and opened it
He flashed if before her eyes. The
girl lay still. He then put it to her
throat--drew it across and across il
till she could feel the edge almost cut
her. She was now aware that silence
could alone save her life /; for did she
move, he would Of course murder her
She had presence of mind to lie still as
death. Satisfied after this terrible trial
Al that she must be fast asleep, he closed
the knife, and walked out Of the room.
The frighted girl waited till she heard
his footsteps die away, and then she
roshed up TO the chamber of her lord,
and awakening him, she detailed the
whole Of the scene. begging his Lord
ship to satisfy himself of the truth
She had no sooner told her story than
she tainted Lord c. hardly credited
her; but he arose, leaving Lady C. to
take care of the girl, and, after rousiug
up his valet and other servants, proceed.
ed to search for the steward.
His apartments being in a different
wing ofthe house, they looked all about,
and than cautiously made thcic way to
his room. One of the men climbed up
10. the window, and saw the old man
counting money. He descended and
told this; and then they rushed into
the room, and before the villain could
hide his prize, they had him prisoner.
His Lordship identified the bank notes
found upon him, and he was, after a
severe examination, sent 10 prison.
Afraid of being executed, and dread.
ing to face his injured Lord ahd various
other gentleman who had placed conf.
dence in him, he put an end to his life
pIJrg cutting his own throat not before
haUft letter detailing the sums he
could I0ined, and where his master
lied by hibem. Justice being frus-
bninc pade m avovr