Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1845-08-15
HIGHWAYMAN & QUAKER.

Toby Sumption, pattern 10 <kuakeTs' III
habited neat little house in London, beau.
tilted by the presence Of his daughter Mary.
She, scarcely seventeen, beautiful blonde
with blue eyes, and possessing as much wis
dom as beauty, was sought after by all the
young men among her fathers acquaintance.
Those of the neighborliood tried in vain TO
win smile. Mary was not coqnette, and
so far from turning to account the effect pro-
duced by her charms, she felt so much an
noyed by it that she could hardly treat with
civiliiy her many admirers-one only ex.
cep,ed-Edward Weresford, young artist
who was intimate with the family.
A simple occurrence was the cause OF tins
intimacy. Premature death had taken away
the wife Of the Quaker, still in her youth
and beauty, and he, wishing to perpe,uate
the memory Of one so dear to him, had call
ed a painter to her death-bed. 1t was there
that Edward first met'the afflicted daughter
there. between the tears of the one and
the sacred employment of the other, grew
up a serious attachment. The year passed
since that event had only served to strength
| en- the bond Turned under such circumstan-
ces, and the young man had already ven.
tured to declare his hopes and desires.
Toby had no reasons for opposing tho in
clinations of the young people. Without
being rich, Edward earned by Leans Of his
brush and palette, enough TO honorably
maintain a family. His father, Mr.. Weres-
ford, an old city merchant, had retired with
an immense fortune a rare example Of re-
pcated successes IN speculations, so rapid
even, that very few persons had been able
to follow their progress. Mr.. Wcresford
being Of quick, stern disposition, lived
alone in ths West End of London, without
troubling himself abou, his son, and leaving
him to shift for hIn,self lie was one OF
those obliging cyclists, who trouble no one,
in order not TO be themselves trOubled-one
Of the most perfectly complaisan,, provided
nothing is asked ofthen,. Edward then had
nothing to hinder his courtship of the fair
QnAkeress, knowing veil that her father
would not oppose her marriage. The situ-
alton 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 occasion.-
With this view, he left for his farms. few
miles from London, in order TO arrange hi.
affairs. He was absent from home but
single day, and, returning at night on horse
back, he perceived, a little in advance, {
horseman who blocked up the road. HI
stopped for moment, uncertain whether t.
proceed or turn back. While in this pre-
dicament the stranger advanced toward
him. 1t was too late 10 think Of escaping
and putting the best possible face upon thu
affair, he started his horse again. Ashc ap
preached the troublesome stranger, he per
ceived that he was masked, an unpleasant
augury of what was soon confirmed. TIN
unknown drew pistol, and pointing it to tn
traveller, demanded his purse. The Qua
ker was not a coward, but calm in character
unohensive in religion, and unable, unarmed
to resis, an armed man, he drew from hi
pocket, with the greatest GOODNESS, his purse
containing twelve guneas. The highway
man took it, counted out the money, and le
the poor Quaker pass, who, believing him
self cleared, quickened his pace to tro
But the highwayman, seeing how little re
sistance had been offered, and hoping f.
more booty, soon rejoined honest Toby, an
again blocking up the way and pointing h
pistol, cried out, 'your watch =
The Quaker, although surprised, did nj
show it in the least, and cooly taking out h
watch, and noticing the time, placed the jew
ell in the hand Of the thief, saying:
Nov | pray you let me 90 home, for nj
daughter will feel uneasy at my absence
'One moment replied the masked cav;
lier, growing more hardened by his contil
ued doclity, swear that you have no 9th,
sum-
Il never swear replied the Quaker.
well, affirm then that you have abo
you no more money, and upon the word
a highwayman who will not resort to force l.
,. wards a man who yields with so much grac
4: | will not further modest you.'
rs Toby reflected moment, and shook h
ar head.
10 Whoever thou art said he, gravel
you have noticed that am Quaker, wi
m would not conceal The truth, although at Il
ID risk Of my life. In my saddle bag ha,
the sum Of Two hundred pounds sterling.'
r., Two hundred pounds sterling,' cried Il
highwayman. whose eyes glistened ,hrou.
q his mask.
Of 'lfy you are good, If you are human r.
piled the Quaker, you will not take au
~ this money my daughter is about bei'
= married, and this sum is necessary for Il
. occasion it would he a long time before
pa could get together similar one. The de
child loves her intended, and It would b. e
ceedingly cruel to delay their union. "
n. have "A heart, perhaps you have loved /; "
would not, cannot do SO wicked an action.
nd 'What has your daughter, her lover,
a their marriage, 10 do with me-! +
~ words and more promplness Give "
So money
h. Toby, signing, raised the saddle-b
,r, out heavy sack, and handed it
u the masked man. Then attempt
~ op of:
n, Hold on, my Quaker fris(
he other, seizing the bride y
re your arrival you will demo-
IL magistrate; that is usual,
W. ing TO say, but l must at
er pursuit to night. My mare
er' and what is more, she is
!, horse, on the contrary, appd
nd the weight Of the sack dill
him. Disn0unt, give me
may take mino # you wish,
* 1t was too late TO think
ng though the increasing dema
ture to heat the bile of the d
le. go,d Toby dismounted, and
led accepted the sorry jade tina
change. Had known hi