The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1840-11-13
"But what pray I"

''But what pray -
"Why, Cow Boys are as thick as blackberries,
band olwenty, robbed two men yesterday, and
only Monday last there was a man murdered out
right"
The man stopped at the window and unused
anxiously. "Baker," observed he at last, 81 have
been told that you are honest, and am paymas-
ter IN the army, and have with me several thous-
and dollars. To go through the forest you speak
Of, as am now, where an act of consumate folly
IAN you rig me with poor horse, and a country
mans dress with wig and Quaker hat !"
eyes, Major, | have the very things. If you'll
come this way, I'll show YOU
In few minuets Maj, Burton returned having I'M
dergone complete metamOrphoss A broad
brimmed beaver, drab coat and homeSpun breeches,
had superseded his military equipage, every trace
of which had disappeared, and his soldier like bear
ing had given place to the demure and quiet de-
pertinent of the honest home made Quaker, Albeit
his bold eye flashed occasionally from under the
broad brim ofhis upper integument, and sadly bel
led the sad suffering disposition which it became
him to assume The money was deposited in sad
die bags which were thrown across the saddle, and
Maj. Burton mounted.
"Good morning, Baker," said Burton, "take
good care fmy beast"
81 will, shouted the worthy landlord, and luck
be with you"
The Major rode on in silence, and this COM
muncd with himsslf Thus is indeed Il virtue nee
essary to be compelled to ride this sorry jade. 1t
was transformation with a vengeance, and no one
would then have recognized but the honest Qua
kerr
lie then proceeded into the forest about mile
and was turning short angle in the road when he
was commanded in stenorian voice TO ''sand ~
But two men were near him and these two were
yiIlainous looking beings as one would wish to look
upon-Squalid wretchcdness was depicted upon
every feature, and in Il voice rendered hollow by
misery they demanded his money,
"Alas my friends" said our worthy Quaker,
81 have but little, which | will bestow upon thee
if thou demand it. But friend (lo the one who
had his hand upon the bridle) release my beast,
aud fear not that | shall attempt to escape thee.
Why dosi thou pursue this course, running both
body aud that immortal part which dieh nol' |
would tina, We cleave unto some honest calling
and if ye will mbrue thy hands in the blood of thy
fellow men, join in the force ofyour country and
"l.ook,' shouted one of them, 'you Internal hyp-
ocrilc, stop your Iingo-giye up your money aud
stop your preaching
The Quaker iumbled first in one pocket and then
in the other, and producing some change, he han
ded in out to them in silence. They eyed the
palrysum with looks IN which shame and wrath
struggled for mastery
"rlrcc fps and four coppers hcgonc = and be-
slowing two or three kicks upon the old horse,
which merely started him into goIlop, they dash
ed through the tangled waste Of underwood, and
were soon beyond the ken of the honest Quaker,
alias Maj. Burnton, of the continental army. lie
sobered his animal into patient ,rol more becom-
ing his garb, and 'whisng as - went for want
Of thought, he entered ,li6 city in safety, ami
with his comrads in arms had many hearty laugh
on his adventure with the Cor Boys.