The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-11-25
Youths Department,
The Stolen M G 10 n
PARENTAL REPRooF.


"My Early home," from the pen Of IL. c. c.
Kuigln, of Plymouth, N. Ill
1t was vacation, and Eben and Robert had accom-
panied our father to the city, During their absence,
the boys proposed pic mic at Clark's Point mile
two up the river. II was given in honor Of two
old associates now COlIegians, on vacation visit
homo. was the youngest guest, and therefore proud
of my invitation. Much talk was there among the
boys, what they should eat and what they should
drink, and how the affair should be conducted in tho
grnndest style My mother baked me cake, but
tered crackers, and cut large slices Of ham, for my
contribution to the feast Walking in the garden,
espied Eben's large, round. ripe melon. II
Her ripe than its fellows for it had been the object of
Eben's special care. Again and again had he turned
it 10 the warm sun. and just before no left he
had raised it up on smooth fiat stone, to enjoy eve-
ry advantage of warmth and air. 80, il only had
that melon" thought I; 'none ofthe boys have got
melon to carry; il only had it!'' This not
wished once, twice, thrice, but many times, until
il grew to my very mind
"Whnt you thinking of" asked Bill Parsons,
MS walked silently beside of him in the street, IN
hour after.
''Semethns, replied I, Significantly.
"Tell me, now, won't tell, said he coaxingly.
After some slight demur, I told him how desired
Eben's melon for the picnic
"Capitap' exclaimed Bill, who was very fond Of
melons, 'et's huve it!'
"Why, mother will not let me have it, because it
is not hers to give and Eben has not come home,"
replied l.
90, never mind that You know what the college
boys tell us about their sprees. They make nothing
of robbing hen.roosts and carrying off whatever they
lay their hands on. It's all in joke, you know
Now let's have Ebens melon.'
Many words passed between us, and ut last it did
not seem so very bad joke, for in that aspect could
l alone persuade myself 10 see it. | went home
That night, or never, must the melon be secured
Evening stoe on, and Bill Parsons longer near to
urge his dangerous sophistry, was the victim of
doubts and hesitation. About the garden hung, and
often toward tho melon advanced, and as often
tremblingly receded. 1t grew darker and darker.
Bill says, "it would be capital And, after ALL,
it's only joker" rushed forward, and seizng fast
hold, snapped it from the stem! The deed done,
fastened TO secret the treasure IN the barn.
The next morning, arose at early hour, for no
sound sleep had visited my pillow that night. After
breakfast, my mother tied up the eatibIes sho had
prepared for me, in nice white bag and kissing my
cheek, babe me be good boy ran out the front
door, and then stole into the barn. There Law the
melon. Hastily did strive TO thrust it into the bag,
and 10th was to go, small the bag so large the
melon. Succeeding at last, | slung the bag upon my
shoulder and hasened away. The melon was heavy
on my back but heavier load was on my heart
Tuggng to the place of rendezvous, before halrhere.
in little street, sat down upon log, hot and
weary.
> I 4
bag and looking in with remorsefu spirit ''I cannot
carry this poor melon" Out came the melon; and
tossing it the fence, scampered off with all tho
speed was master Of.
The day passed Off YEARLY enough to me- Bill
Parsons called me Il coward, when he behed no mel
on, and his bitter tauns ranked in my heart all day
What wonder, what regrets, attended the dscov-
cry of the theft!
"That beautiful melon stolenp' exclaimed Ebcn,
refusing to believe it possible.
"That you took such pains with" said Robert
"What an ugly theft"
81 am very sorry, my SON. and father looked so
regretfully.
''You will have another soon, Eben," said our
mother encouragingly.
'But it will not be like that, mother did nurse
it so carefully
Poor Eben cannot describe the misery, the fear,
the wretchedness which tore my heart during the
days which followed. Where was the happy indepen-
dencc of conscious integrity? l crnged before the
affectonate caresses ofmy brothers. Appetite fled,
and my spirits forsook When my mother, with
anxious look, feared was SICK I coldly answered,
and rudely fled from her inquiries. Every object |
behed seemed to reflect but one dreadful hinge -
that was thief bore it until could bear il no
longer Il was Saturday afternoon, and turning dis
tasteu!ly away from all Saturday afternoon frolics
! sought my fathers counting room
"Fasher, are you alone!" asked, the door being
ajar.
"Yes, my son, walk in, am happy to see you,'
and he put aside his newspaper. ..r. a.. ..a.p .
In went, and shut the door firmly behind me-
Planting myself courageously before him, while tho
iie-blood seemed oozng from my heart "Fathcr,"
began, "i: was I who stole Eben's melon! stole it
in the night" .lr 500 q. Nib,
shall never forget the grief expression which
suddenly over my fathers face as he looked at
fell on my knees before him and hid my face,