The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1845-05-23
VOL. V.-NO. 40.

snoulu De uillerent mah~-but no, am
too old in sin-ioo degraded-have no
friends.
/, is never TOO late, my friend. to re.
FORM said Nelson. When you again
have your liberty. if you are really deter.
mined to be d1ercn, man, yon can yet
be happy
Sir, who would employ person Of
such habits as mine have been!'
| would employ you. il were con-
WINGED of your reformation
Are You in earnest, sir ?
Most assuredly.'
Il thank you with all my heart and
beam of hope lit up The countenance of
the man, as if he had never before heard
the words Of kindness. This seems
like dream. Degraded, ragged, friend
less as babe, you have promised me em-
ployment should live 10 enjoy my lib
erty again.
Upon this condition, you know, that
you will be steady, and do your best to
respect YOURSELF
Il would with all my soul, and feel
more than can express, the kindness
you have shown me-
Have you any acquaintance in the
city , inquired Mr.. Nelson.
Not any now. | used to be acquan.
ted with great many but what has be-
come Of them do not know. II is more
than fifteen years since | was in the city
before. There is one mani always
thought should like to know wha, be.
came of him.
And who was he!'
His name was VIM. Nels on and he
used TO cav wood some 90 years ago.
Why do You feel more particular
interest in him p
IN tell you why, although feel a.
shamed of myself, and have rcpentod Of
what did, times without number. He
was fine young man, Of an excellent
disposition, but poor; and was obliged TO
saw wood. ridieued him IN company
and before oihers-he bore il all wlhou,
a harsh word or single rc,ort. Would
to heaven ! had possessed spark Of his
excellent disposition. Id give worlds 10
see him, and ask his forgiveness on my
knees. Had treated him well, | should
no, have suffered half what have gono
through. 1t has always troubled me-
i know that man
You do! Pray tell me something about
him. Has he prospered!'
oh, yes. He gave up saving wood
some years ago, and is now engaged in
mercantile business
III thought he would speak TO me, and
think il no disgrace to him, | would send
him word to come and see me. Nothing
would give me so much pleasure as TO ask
his forgiveness
lie would grant it, know
DO YOU think so, sir
u know so. And if he knew you had
reformed, you would no where find SO
true friend
Il am more and more anxious to sec
him. Shall | trouble You to ASK him TO
call and see degraded being'
Mr.. Elkins, you shall see your old
friend, Mr.. Ne!son-he is here now--it
is he who has been conversng with you
i am the woodsawyer.'
Good heavens and the degraded
being fell npon his knees, and wept a.
loud
In few moments he recovered him
self and IN broken words and with stream
ing tears, asked forgiveness Of Nelson,
which was as readily granted.
After remaining with Elkins two or
three hours, Mr.. Nelson left the cell, ie-
Ijocing that his friend had come to his
senses al last, and devlsing plan for his
release and future welfare.
The crime that Elkns had committed
was a ,rining theft, while under the in
lucnce of ardent spirit. On the day OF
his trial no one appeared against him, and
he was discharged. Nelson Immediately
took him to his honse-gave him new
sui, of clothes, and employed him in his
store. Poor Elkin's heart was filed with
gratitude 10 his beneiac,or, and he exer.
ted himself to the utmost to please him.
Elkins had been in the store of Mr..
Nelson some twelve or fourteen months
and conducted himself with the utmost
propre,y, when BY the arrangement Of
his friend his wife was reconciled to him,
and came to the city to reside with her
husband.
| Now they are happy. The past is for.
gotten or remembered only 10 bless Hea-
ven for the great change that has been
wrought. Few tina, see Elkins day by
, dav know the sorrow he has endured, or
feel he Joy tina, continually thrills his
, happy bosom.