Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1847-06-11


for suspecling that Joe was the thief. The
next week the following anonymous adver-
tisement appeared in the newspaper of the
county
Whoever stole a lot OF hides on Friday
night, the 9th of the present month, is here
by informed that the owier wishes to be his
friend. If poverty tempted him to this false
step, the owner will keep the whole transact
ton a secret, and will gladly put him in the
way of Obtaining money by means more like
ly 10 bring him peace Of mind"
This singular advertisement of course en-
cited a good deal of remark. There was
much debate whether or not the thief wodld
avail himself Of the friendly offer. Some said
he would be a greenhorn il he did ; for it was
manilestly a trap to catch him. But he who
had committed the dishonest deed alone knew
whence the benevolent offer came, and he
knew that Simeon Green was not a man 10
set traps for his fellow creatures.
I A few nights afterwards a timid knock was
heard at Simeon's door, just as the family was
retiring 10 rest. When the door was opened,
Joe Smith was seen on the steps with IA load
of hides on his shoulder. Without raising
his eyes, he said, in a low, humble tone, 81
have brought these back, Mr.. Green. Where
shall | put them ?"
wait a moment, till I can light a lantern,
and | will 90 to the harm with you," he re-
piled. Then you will come in and tell me
how it happened. We will sec what can be
done for you"
Mrs. Green knew that Joe often went hun
CRY, and had become accustomed TO the slim
illus of rum. She therefore FASTENED to make
hot coffee, and brought from the closet some
cold meat and pie.
When they returned from the barn she
said, Il thought you might feel the better
for a little warm supper, neighbour Smith"
Joe turned his back toward her, and did not
speak. He leaned his head against the chin
ney, and after a moments silence, he said,
in a choked voice
alt was the first time | ever stole any
thing; and | have felt very bad about it. ]
don't know how it is. didn't think once |
should ever come TO be what am. But !
took to quarreling, and then to drinking
| Since | began to go down hill every body
gives he e kick. You are the first man that
has offered me a helping hand. My wife is
feeble, and my children starving. You have
sent them many a meal, God bless you and
yet | stole the hides from you. meaning 10
sell them the first chance ] could get. But
| tell you the truth, Mr.. Green, ii is the first
time | ever deserved the name of thief"
"Let it be the last, my friend" said Sim
con, pressing his hand kindly. 1.-The secret
shall remain between ourselves. You are
young and can make up for lost time. Come,
now, give me d promise that you will not
drink one drop of intoxicating liquor for a
year. and l will employ you tomorrow al
good wages. Mary will go to your family
early in the morning, and perhaps we may
find some employment 70. them also. The
little boy can at least pick up stones. But
eat a bit now, and drink some hot coffee. Ii
will keep you from wanting to drink any
thing stronger tonight. Iou will find it hare
10 abstain at first, Joseph but keep up {
brave heart for the sake Of your wife anC
children, and it will soon become easy
When you feel the need of coffee, tell my
Mary, and she will always give it to you.'
Joe tried TO eat and drink, but the ioot
seemed TO choke him. He was nervous anC
excited. After an Intellectual effort TO com
pose himself, he laid his head on the tabl,
and wept like "A child.
After awhile, Simeon persuaded him Il
battle his head in cold water, and he ate ant
drank with a good appetite. When he wen
away, the kind-hearted host said, TRY to d.
well, Joseph. and you shall always frd
friend in me-
The poor fellow pressed his hand, and re
piled, - understand how it is you kill ba,
neighbors."
He entered Mr.. Green's service the mex
day, and remained in it many years, an hon
est and faithful man.
Columbian.