The Columbian fountain., 1846-01-22

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Young Jones remained with his kind
master till he BECAME Of age, and soon after,
ne was taken into equal copartnership with
him. The firm of Simonton & Jones did
as much business in their line as any two
firms in the place For moral WORTH. and
sterling integrity, no men in the community
stood higher They dealt fairly and hon
orably with all, and were perfectly free
from those contracted views and mean con-
trivances that make SO many detested and
abhorred
In few years, Henry had acquired some
little property, and i'll neat and pleasant
part of the town he built him neat and
commodious house. When his dwelling was
completed, he married Sarah, the daughter
of Mr.. Simonton, than whom kinder and
more agreeable young woman could no
| where be found. She was well calculated
to make him happy and two more congo
nial hearts probably never came together.
| Mr.. Jones had been III business something
like six years, when he took journey to
the South, partly for business and partly for
pleasure. Among other States he visited,
he went to Louisiana, and spent several
weeks. One day, in New Orleans, he saw
several persons gathering, and inquiring the
cause, he was told that thief had Just been
placed in the pillory On his head was
paper cap, on which was printed in large
letters the word uolense. Henry thought the
countenance of the felon was familiar, and
in a moment it struck him that it was his
old companion, Charles Bedford. He could
not be mistaken-it was he. But the marks
of degradation were on his person. He had
the appearance of man Of forty-fve, when
in fact he was not more than thirty. A tear
or two struggled down the cheek of Henry
as he gazed upon the miserable man. On
the breast Of the thief was placard, upon
which his crime and sentence were written
He had been stealing, and was to stand in
the pillory one hour, and then receive fifty
lashes. Henry waited and saw the punish
ment inflicted upon the person of the young
man, nearly every blow of the whip draw
ing blood with it. Though painful sight,
he remained till he saw the poor fellow re-
moved for the dressing Of his wounds.
That day Henry called upon him, but he
found him miserably wicked and polluted
being. Without at first making himself
known, he remarked
"My good friend, what has brought you
to this condition '-if may ask you the
question"
Intemperance and dishonesty. | have
brought it all on MYSELF
"There is a chance for your reformation
why not forsake the bowl2"
"Sir, am too far gone, now; | am
houseless and friendess.n
{" None are beyond the reach of hope,
while they can move and breathen You
may yet be man again.
| Seeing him in much pain from his chas-
tisement Henry left him, promising to call
again in day or two. But feeling sym
pathy for the poor fallen wreck of human-
ty, the next day he was at his side, with
some trihes he had bought for his nourish-
ment The unhappy man appeared exceed
ingly grateful, and thanked Henry with
tears in eyes.
"Who am | indebted to for this kind
ness'" enquired he.
:" am stranger in this place.
"Sir, can never forget you. No other
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person but yourself has shown me any pity.
| have done wrong, Know. Once might
have been something. commenced early
a career of folly; but knew not the bitter
consequences till now"
You are not now too old to reform.
Give me your word that you will from this
time cease to drink ardent spirits, and be-
come reformed man, and will see what
can do for you"
"Sir, your kindness astonishes me. Can
have one friend in the world 20 Is there
yet hope for me' O., sir,"-and tears
checked his utterance
"You have friend in me, if you will do
your duty"
81 will try to, with all my heart.'
"There is one gentleman in New Orleans
with whom ! am acquainted Upon nv
recommendation, he has agreed to take YOU
as porter in his store. If you are faithful,
steady and honest, he will do well by you.
! If otherwise, | am TO sustain the loss.''
A thousand thanks, sir. Such kindness
lnever expected to see. Sir, what may call
your nameH,
Jones-my name is Jones.n
Jones, did you say 2o-and the poor
fellow looked up astonished beyond measure.
I" once knew person by that name-a fine
| :. Al Gil 4 I.l-