Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-12-14
MISCELLA ANY.
WISH 1 WERE HE!
Being three passages in the lie of Peter Polk.

DetHS WTee passages III me We 81 TeteT foh.
'--.ii.>Fsv he said Peter Polk, as he saw
the ola rich neighbor riding gaily by, while Pc.
ter was trudging on foot. Peter at this period was
ar, Of kind, willing, and obligiug disposition.
But Peter could scarcely look upon the superior
tSsknlOrts of those around him, without sometimes
signing that his own fortunes were so humble
Now thought Peter, how delightful it would
be for inc, instead of trudging three miles on loo,
to school, to ride pleasantly by on such nice pc
ney, should not be tired when got there, and
could learn Il great deal more With such
thoughts Peters head was filled as he irudged a
long. How he should love a dear little poney,
and how he could ride it, and thousand other
such childish iancies, until he got quite sad and
altogether dissatisfied with his lot.
'Oh how do wish were he exclaimed Pc
ter. At the same moment turning sudden cor
ner in the road, he discovered the young gentle
man quite dead. The poney had run away with
him, 1t had thrown him of, and ia falling he
had fractI ed his skull and produced instant death.
! Surveying this Fad spectacle, Peter seriously
thought that he was far better off as he was, and
trudged the remainder of his walk for that and
many another day without wishing for poney.
81 wish were he!' said Peter Polk, as at the
age of % he left his friend and old schOolmate,
Richard Jones.
They had both commenced business at the same
time, about three years previous TO this exclama-
I6tcT WOTkcu IdIu anu Suoy. IIt
had a toIerable share of custom, and this had en-.
abled him to furnish two rooms in exceedingly
comfortable style against the time he might find
Ia rib TO make his bones complete. But Richard had
far outstripped him. He had taken whole house.
81 furnished it splendidly. He was always flush Of
money, and il any party OF pleasure was propos-
ed, Richard would form one and spend his cash
freely, while if Peter went which was very rarely
he was compelled to be exceedingly economical
which made him appear very mean. Peter could
not make out how it was. Richard did not seem
10 have so much business as he had, and most I'm
questionabIy he was not hafso attentive.
It CHANGED that Peter had at time a large
cord Slete it, he proceeded to Richard, who advnn
ced him fifty dollars OIL his no,e He executed
he order, got paid, aud look up his hat TO pro
teed to Richard and pay him
What lucky fellow he is cried Peter, to be
nble thus to serve an old school fellow. Oh
wish we're he3
Just us he had uttered this exclamation police
pIicer entered and requested Peter to accompany
lin to the police Office, stating that he had war
ant for his apprehension Peter was thunder
truck. He had done no one wrong that he wal
ware Of In vain he asked upon what charge ht
vas arrested The officer was silent, and thus
hey proceeded together 10 the police. Peter un
erwent private examination as TO where he 60
EGO note which was proved 10 be n counterfeit
nd traced to him. Peter stated Of Richard Jones
is friend. lie was then more vigorously exainin
II as TO his connection with that individual, and
10 stated all no knew, how he had helped him
nd how he added, Il often wish were he.'
Young man. said the magistrate, ! believe
on. You shall now see the man whose situation
GU so much envy.
Peter was now conducted along galleries and
hiding staircases to an insulated building which
bnained long row of cells. Two doors secur'
one of these were unlocked, and Peter con-
onled its tenant-Richard Jones. Tie was one
n gang of lorgers, and confessed to lending the
encai hill to Peter which was traced 10 him. =
s,er, as he left the dreary abode OF crime, thank
God heartily tina, he was not Richard Jones
bd returned TO his humble tenement with mos
arlteit gratitude for all the blessings he possess
fvish were be,' exclaimed Peter two years
The last event. II seemed somehow or other
ht Psser's experience had gone for nought, and
could no4 get rid CT his wishings. Yel he had
fhaps more occasion 10 indulge in this wish