Iowa territorial gazette and advertiser. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa Territory [Iowa]) 1840-1846, 1844-01-27
The Quaker and the Highway.
e. st. man,

The Quaker and the Highway.
amaesas man.
Toby Simpton, pattern 10 Quaker,. jnhab,t.
60 neat little house in London, beautified by
,ne presence OF bis daughter Mary. Ste, scarce
y seventeen, beautiful blonde with blue ewes.
aud possessing Is much wisdom Is beauty, was
sought alter hy all the young men Of her fathers
Those Of the neighborhood tried
IN vain to win smile. Mary was not 4 CO.
quetts, and so far from turning te account the ef
tect produced ny her charms, she felt so much
annoyed BY it, that she could hardly treat, with
civliity her many admirels--one only excepted
edward Weresford, a young artist, who wa,
intimate with the family.
simple occurrence was the cause Of this in.
amacy. Premature death had taken away the
wiie Of the Quaker still in her youth and b;au,y,
and he, wishing TO Perpetuate the memory oil one
80 dear TO him, he called painter to her death.
bed. 1t was there that Edward first met the II.
nlcted daughter-there between the tears Of one,
ana the sacred employment OF the other, stG0 up
serious attachment The year passed since
that event, had only served to strengthen the
bond formed under such circumstances, and the
young man had already veatured 10 declare his
hopes and desires.
Toby had no reason for opposing the inclina-
hons OF the young people. Without beng rich,
Edward earned by u,eans Of lis brush and
palette, enough to nonorabiy MAINTAIN family.
hs father, MIR. Meresford, an old city merchant,
had retired with an immense fortunes; rare ex-
ample Of repeated successes in speculat,ons, SO
RAPID even, that very lew persons had been able
to follow their progress. Dir. Weresford being
OF quick, stern disposition, lived alone in the
West End OF London, without troubling himself
about his son, and leaving him to shift for him.
self. He was one of those obiiging cyclists, who
trouble no one, in order not to be themselves
tsoooled-one OF the most periec ly complainant,
provided nothing is asked Of them. Edward
then had nothing TO hinder his courtship OF The
lar Quakeress, knowing well that her father
Mould not oppose her marriage. The situation
OF the lovers was most prosperous, and honest
Toby waited Tor nothing 10 az the wedding day,
save the back rents due from his farms, intending
to set apart that income TO defray the expenses
Of the occasion. With this view, he left Tor his
country seat, few miles from London, in order
TO arrange his affairs. lie was absent from home
but single day, and returned at night on horse
back, he perceived little in advance, horse
man who blocked up the road. He stopped for
a moment, uncertain whether to proceed or turn
back While in this predicament, the stranger
advanced, towards him. 1t was too late to
think OF escaping, and putting the best possible
face upon the affair, he stared his horse again
As he approached the troub esome stranger. he
perceived that he was masked, an unpleasant
auyary OF what was soon confirmed. The un.
known drew pistol, and pointing it to the tray
eales, demanded his purse. The Quaker was not
coward, but calm in character, unofensive in
religion, and unable unalm med to resist all armed
man, he drew from his pocket with the greatest
GOODNESS his purse, containing twelve guineas-
The highwayman took it, counted out the money,
and let the poor devil pass, who believing him
self cleared, quiekened hia pace to trot. But
the highwayman, seeing how little resistance
had been offered and hoping for more booty, soon
fejoined honest Toby, and again blocking up the
way and pointing his pistol, cried out--your
watch! = zfa $3.50
The Quaker; although surprised, did not show
and noticing the time, placed the jewel in the
hands Of the thiel, saying
Now pray you will let the go home, for my
daughter will feel uneasy at my absence.
One voment, replied the masked cavalier,
growing more hardened by this continued docili-
~, .wsar fhaf you have no other sum. -.
I never swear, replied the Quaker.
more money, and upon the word Of ghway-
man who will not resort to violence towards
man who yields with so much grace, will not
further modest you. -
Toby reflected moment, and shook his head.
Whoever thou art, said he, grayely, You have
noticed that am a Quaker, who would not cen.
ceal the TRUTH although at the risk Of my life. In
my sadd!e-bag have the sum Of two hundred
pounds sterIing a5t
Two h ,ndred pounds sterling, cried the high
wayman; whose eyes glistened through the
mask.
lfyou are good, If you are human, replied the
Quaker, you will not take away this money, my
daughter IS about being married, and this sum is
Necessary for the occasion, it would be long
time before could get together similar one;
the dear child loves her intended, aud it would
be exceedingly erue! to delay the union. You
have heart, perhaps you have loved, you would
not, cannot do 80 wicked an action.
What has your daughter, her lover, or their
marriage 10 do with me? fewer words and more
prompiness! Give me the money.
Toby, signing, raised the sadile-bag; took out
heavy sack and handed it slowly to the masked
man.. Then attempting to galiop OFT. sog.
Hold on, nv Quaker friend, said the other
.eizing the bride. The moment Of your arrival
you will denounce me to the magistrate: that is
usual and have nothing TO say, but must at
least be beyond purst tonight. My mare IS
feeble enough, aud what is more, she is fatieued;
tor the weight Of the sack did not enc umber him:
Dismount, give. me your horse, you may take
mine if you wish. lIal 1S aA
kwas too late TO think Of resisting, although
the increasing demands were ofa nature 10 heat
the bile If the NEST patient man, good Toby dis.
mounted, and with resignation accepted the sor-
~ Jade that was left in exchange. Had known
this, he contented himself with thinking,
should have ran away when ! first met the rascal,
and certainly he would never have overtaken ine
with this coarsrr. sa
Meanwhile, the masked man, thanking him
ironically for his compaisance, buryia5 his
rowels disappeared sls@ 7"st
Before arriving in London, the plundered ira
weller had time TO reflect upon his situation, and
upon the disappointment OF the poor young folks,
who loved each other so much, aud whose ha,-
pness would be postponed. The sum taken from
him was irrecoverably lost, there was neither
neans to find or recognize the aadacious thief;
nevertheless, a. though struck by sudden idea,
he stopped short: elise assgas IS a@eaf
Yes! cried he, may succeed by this means.
II this man resides in London, perhaps l shalt be
able to find him, Heaven has doubtless, deter
mined that he should be imprudcnt! s@s
A little consoled by some hope, Toby went
home without appearing in the least troubled,
and without speaking Of his adventure, he did
not cote = masistrate, but omeraeed his daugh.
ter, who, doubling nothing, retired and slept
soundly. Next morning, he bethoaght hmselt
10 aid Providence 10 make researches. Bringing
r. A. 49, ~