Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-03-23


would not oppose her marriage. The sit
uation of the lovers was most prosperous,
and honest Toby waited for nothing to fix
the wedding day, save the back rents due
from his farms, intending TO set apart that
income to defray the expenses Of the &C.
casion. With this view, he left for his
country seat, few miles from London, in
order 10 arrange his affairs. He was alb
sent from home but single day, and re-
turning at night on horseback, he porceiv.
ed, little in advance, a horseman who
blocked up the road. He stopped for q
moment. uncertain whether to proceed or
turn back. While in this predicamcnt,
the stranger advanced toward him. 1t was
too late to think of escaping, and putting
the best possible face upon the affair, he
started his horse again. AS he approach
ed the troublesome stranger, he perceived
that he was masked, an unpleasant augu-
ry of what was soon confirmed, The un-
known drew pistol, and pointing II to the
traveller, demanded his purse The Qua
ker was not coward, but calm in charac-
Ter, unoffensve in religion, and unable,
being unarmed, TO resist an armed man;
with The greatest GOODNESS he drow from
his pocket his purse, containing IL gulneas.
The highwavman took it, counted out the
money, and let the Quaker pass, who be-
lieving himself cleared, Quickened his pace
to a tr0t. But the highwaymnn, seeing
how little resistance had been ofle ed, and
hoping for more booty, soon rejoined hon
est Toby. aud again blocked up the way,
and pointing his pistol, cried out "Your
watchw
The Quaker, although surprised, did
not show it in the least, and coolly taking
out his watch, and noticing the time, placed
the Jewel in the hand Of the thief, saying
"Now | pray you let me 60 home, for
my daughter will feel uneasy at my alb
scncc."
"Onc moment" replied the masked ca
Waller, growing more hardened by his con-
tinucd docility; "sNear that you have no
no other sum-"
81 never swear" replied The Qu1kcr.
"Well, affirm then, that you have about
you no more money, and upon the word
OF a highwayman, who will not resort to
violence toward man who yields with so
much grace, will no further modest you. "
Toby reflected moment, and shook his
head. "Whoever thou art" said he, grave
ly, "you have noticed that am Quaker
who would not conceal the truth, although
at the risk of my life. In my saddIc.bags
have the sum of two hundred pounds ster-
ling"
1.-TWO hundred pounds sterling!, cried
the highwayman, whose eyes gllstenco
through his mask. :.
"If Won are good, if you arc human,
replied the Quaker, "you will not take this
money; my daughter is about being mar
ried. and this sum is necessary for the &C.
casion: it would be long time before
could get together similar sum; the dear
Child loves her intended, and it would be
exceedingly cruel to deny their union
You have heart, perhaps you have loved
YOU would not, cannot do so wicked an ac'
ton"
oWhat has your daughter, her lover, oil
their marriage to do with me! Fewe'
words and more promptness; give me 'h'
moncyn go
Toby, signing, raised the saddle-hags
tool, ont heavy sack and handed 1t slow
" to the masked man, then attempted Il
gallon off. g.,
"Iold on, my Quaker friend" said tn
other. Selling the bride. "Tho momen
of YOUR arrival you will denounce me t
the magistrate; that is usual, and hav
, nothing to say. but must, at least, be hey
ond pursuit tonight. Ny is teebl
f enough, and what is more, she S fatlgulet
/ YOUR horse, on the contrary, appears vIg'
r rous. for the weight of the sack did not Ell
: cumbe him; dismount, and give me vol
d horse you may take mine, II you wish
S 1t was too late TO think OF resisting, an
d although the increasing demands were
# nature to heat the bile OF the most patIcl
c man, good Toby dsmounted. and with r
e signation accepted the sorry jade that W;
y lett in exchange. Had | known this,
l. contented himself with thinking. | shou
n have ran away when | first met the rasci
IS and certainly he never would have owe
taken me with this coarser. -.
le Meanwhile, the masked man, thanklr
III him ironically for his comPlalsance' our
Of ing his rowels, disappeared ,.,o
A. Before arriving in London, the Piuhue
r. ed traveller had time to reflect upon MS D
e. uation, and upon the disappointment
X the poor young folks, who loved each ON 81
a. so much, and whose happiness would
-1-aa
rs postponed The sum taken RON :.l Hill ,,,o ="
- irrevocably lost; there was nei!her me, ne;
s. to find or recognize tho audacions 'ni'
Of nevertheless, as though struck by a sud-
ut idea, he stopped short. H.,
n. "Yos," cried he, 81 may succeed by t
~. moons fthis man resides in Lond,
10 norh,rs shall be able to find him. llei