Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1847-07-21
Il thought we should Kill him after a

NLIlt.
Joe Smith did not believe in such doc
trines. When he heard of the adventures
in the marsh, he said ''Sim Green's a fool.
When he first came here, he talked very
big about killing folks, if they didn't mind
their Ps and Ps. But he don't appear to
have as much spirit as worm; for worm
will turn when it's trod upon"
Poor Joe had grown more Incorporate
and more quarrelsome, till at last nobody
would employ him. About a year after the
memorable incident of the watermelon,
some one stole several valuable hides from
Mr.. Green. lie did not mention the cir
cumstance to any one but his wife; and
they both had reason for suspccting that Joe
was the thief. The next week, the follow
ing anonymous advertisement appeared in
the newspaper of the county.
"Whoeyer stole lot of hides on Friday
night, the 9th of the present month is here
by informed that the owner has a sincere
wish to be his friend. Ii poverty tempted
him to this false step, the owner will keep
the whole transaction secret, and will
gladly put him in the way Of obtaining mon
ey by means more likely to bring him peace
Of mind.
This singular advertisement, of course,
excited 4 good deal of remark. There was
much debate whether or not the thief would
avail himself Of the friendly offer. Some
said he would be a greenhorn if he did; for
it was maniiestly a trap tocatch him. But
he who had committed he dishonest deed
alone knew whence that benevolent offer
came; and he knew that Simeon Green was
not man to set traps for his fellow crea-
turcs.''
\ few nights afterwards, a timid knock
was heard at Sjmeon's door, just as the ia
mily were retiring 10 rest. When the door
was opcncd, Joe Smith was seen on the
steps, with load Of hides on his shoulders.
Without raising lis eyes, he said in a low,
humble tone, have brought them back,
Mr.. Green. Where shall put thomt'
"Wait 4 moment till can light Ian
thorn and | will 90 10 the barn with you,"
he replied. Then you will come in, and
tell me how il happened.-We will see what
can be done for you"
Mrs. Green knew that Joe often went
hungry, and had become accustomed to the
stimulus of ram. She therefore FASTENED
to make hot coffee, and brought from the
closet some cold meat and pie.
When lhcy returned from the barn, she
said :" | thought YOU might feel better for 4
little warm supper, Mr. Smith. Joe turned
his back towards her, and did not speak.
lie leaned his head against the chimney,
and after moments silence, he said in a
chokcd voice, " it was the first time ever
stole anything, and | have felt very bad
about it. | don't know how it is. | didn't
think once should ever come to be what
;sn. But took 10 quarrelng and then to
drlnlling.-Sncc | began to 90 down bill,
every body gives me a Kick. You are the
first man that has offered ne helping hand.
My wife is feeble and my children starry
ing. You have sent them many a meal,
God bless you. and yet | stole the hides
from You meaning to sell them, the first
chance could get. But | tell you Mr..
Ar. Green, it is the first time ever dcscry-
ed the name Of thief"
Let it be the last, my friend" said ST.
neon. pressing his hand, kindly. 1.-The SC.
cret shall remain between ourselves. You
are Young and can make up lost time.
Come, now, give me promise that you
will not drink one drop of Intoxicating liquor
for a year, and | will employ you to-mOr-
row, at good wages. Mary viii see to your
family early in the morning, and perhaps we
may find some employment for them also.
The litiIe boy can at least pick up stones
But eat a Bit now, ana drink some hot col-
fee. 1t viii you from wanting TO drink any
thing stronger Tonight. You will find it
hard to abstain at first, Josoph; but keep up
brave heart, for the sake Of your wife and
children, and it will soon become easy.
When YOU feel the need Of coffee, tell my
Mary, and she will always give it YOU
Joe tried to eat and drink, but the food
seemed to choke him. IIewas nervous and
excited. Alter an Intellectual attempt to
compose himself, he laid his head OH the
table and wcpt like a child.
After a while, Simeon persuaded him to
battle his head in cold water, and he ate and
drank with good appetite. When he went
away. the kind heareI host said, " Try to
do well, Joseph, and YOU shall always find
a friend in me-"
The poor fellow pressed his hand, and
replied, = understand now how it is you
Kill bad neighbors."
lie entered into Mr.. Green's service the
next day, and remained in it many years,
an honest and faithful man.
WONDERFUL LEAP.
The Guide at the Falls was taken all
ahach, day before yesterday, on entering the
~ =,