The Iowa patriot. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1839-1839, 1839-08-15

not whether you are deserving, but I
know that youare a fellow being, and
10 sickness and in want. and for the
guilty, if not your own sake will / be
kin ~ to you poor young strangers.
The man who stepped forth and
protfered home to the youth in the
Eaour Of suffering, was Simon Davis,
an elderly lyman who resided near Cros-
by, and to whom the latter was a
deadly enemy. Uncle Simon as he
was called, never retaliated, and bore
the many prosecutions Of his vindic-
tive neighhor, without complaint. His
family consisted Of himself and daugh-
ter, his only child, an affectionate Girl
OF seventeen.
The youth heard the offer of Mr..
Davis, but heard no more, overcome
BY bis feelings and extreme illness, he
iell insensible to the earth. He was
conveyed to the house of his benefac-
tor, and a physician called.-I.ong was
the struggle between life and death.
Though unconscious, he chilled upon his
mother and sister almost incessantlv,
to aid him. When the youth was laid
upon the bed and she heard him call
ing for his sister, Lucy Davis wept
and said to him, poor sick young man.
your sister is far distant ana cannot
hear You, but | will be to you sister,
Well did this dark eyed maiden keep
her promise.-Day and night did she
watch over him, except during the
short intervals when she yielded her
post at his bed side to her father.
At length the crisis Of his disorder
the day that was to decide
the question of life or death. Lucy
bent over him with intense anxiety,
watching every expression of his fea-
lures, hardly daring to breathe, so
fearful was she of waking him from
the only sound sleep he had enjoyed
for nine long days and nights. At
length he awoke and gazed up into
the face Of Lucy Davis, and family
inquired, 'where am L? There was
in that look. Youth and
a good constitution had obtained the
mastery. Lucy felt that he was spared
and bursting into a flood Of irrepress-
ible, grateful tears, rushed out of the
room.
1t was two weeks more before he
could sit up, even for a short time; he
had already acquainted them with his
name and residence, but they had no
to learn any thing further,
and forbid him giving his story till he
became stronger. His name was
Charles Wilson, and paternal home
Boston.
A few days afterwards, when Mr..
Davis was absent from home and Lucy
engaged in her household affairs. Viii
son saw at the head Of the bed, his
pack and recollecting something he
wanted, opened it. The first thinghe
saw was the Identical pocket book
whose loss had excited so many bitter
regrets. He recollected having pla-
ced it there the morning before he
reached Brent's Prairie, but in the
confusion of the moment. that circum-
stance was forgotten. He examined
and found every thing as he left it.
This discovery nearly restored him
to health, but resolved at present to
confine the secret to his own bosom.
It was gratifying to him to witness the
entire confidence they reposed in the
honor and integrity Of a stranger. and
The pleasure with which they bestow-
I'd favors upon one whom they suppos-
I'd could make no return but thanks.
Night came and Mr.. Davis did not
return. Lucy passed a sleepless night.
In the morning she watched hour after
hour for his coming, and when sunset
approached, and he was still absent.
terrified at his long and unusual STAY.
she was setting out TO procure neigh
Dor to go in search Of him. when her
parent appeared in sight. She ram to
rect him, and was hestowing upon
lim thousand endearing expressions
Of affection, when his haggard, woe
BECOME countenance startled her.
He uttered not word, and went
in to his house and seated himself in
silence. 1t was in vain that Lucv4at-
to cheer him.-After a long
pause, during which powerful strug-
gle was gong on in his feelings, he
arose, took his daughter bv the hand
and led her into the room where Will
son was seated. You shall know all,
said he. | am ruined; am a beggar.,
In few days | must quit this house;
this farm which / have so highly i'm
proved and thought my own. He
to state that a few days be-
lore. Crosby, in a. moment Of ungov-
erned malice tainted him with being
q begggar, and told him that he was
now in his power and would trample
Inn under his feet. When Mr. Davis
smiled at what he regarded only as an
threat. Crosby to cnnv;non