The Democratic pioneer. [volume] (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1845-1853, 1847-05-14

thoubht " y ehouiu Nil him, aitSi ="
while
Joe Smith did not believe in such doc
trines. When he heard of the adventures
IN the marsh, he said, Sim Green's fool.
When he first came here he talked very
big about killing folks, if they didn't mind
their Ps and Qs. But he don't appear to.
have as much spirit as a worm, for worm
win turn when it's trod upon
Poor Joe had grown more Incorporate
and more quarresome, till at last nobody
would employ him. About a year after
the memorable incident of the W ater I
melon, some one stole several valuable
hides from Mr.. Green. He did not men
tion the circumstance to any enc but his /
wife; and they both had reasons for sus-
pecting that Joe was the thief. The next
week, the following anonymous advertise
ment appeared in the newspaper of the
count:
Whoever stole lot Of hides on Friday
night, the 5Ih of the present month, is
hereby 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 OBJ
tanning money by means more likely to
bring him peace of mind
This singular advertisement of course
excited good deal of remark. There
was much debate whether or not the thlei
would avail himself of the friendly offer.
Some said he would be greenhorn if he
did; for it was maufeslly trap to catch
him. But lie who had committed the dis
honest deed alone knew whence the be-
neyolent offer came; and he knew that
Simeon Green was not man to set traps
for his fellow creatures.
A few nights afterw ard timid knock
was heard at Simeon's door just as the
family were retiring TO rest. When the
door was opened Joe Smith was seen on
the steps, with load Of hides on his
shoulder. Without raising his eyes, he
said IN a low humble tone, Il have brought
these back, Mr.. Green. Where shall ]
, put them!'
wait moment, till can light a lan>
thorn, and l will go to the barn with you,
he replied. 'Tben you will come in, and
tell me how it happened. We will see
, what can be done for you
I Mrs. Green knew that Joe often went
= hungry and had become accustomed &c
h the stimulus of rum. She therefore hast
n ened to make hot coffee, and brought from
!. the closet some cold meat and pie.
e When they returned from the barn she
/, said j though, you might feel the better
: for a little warm supper, reighbor Smith.
Joe turned his back toward her, and did
N not speak. II leaned his head ogaius
Is the chimney and after moment's silence
!, he said in a checked voice, 1T was the
e fist time ever stole any thing; and have
!, felt very bad about it. ] don't know hoW
n il is. didn't think once | should eve
r. come to be what am. But ! took tc
quarrelling, and then to drinking. Since
J. began o go down hill, every body give
i me kick. You are the first man tha
', has offered me helping hand My wifi
: is feeble, and my children starving. Yo,
j have sent them many meal, God bles
you! and yet stole the hides from You
r meaning to sell them the first chance
'g could get. But tell you the truth, Mr.
0, Green, il is the first time ever deserves
the name OF thief
y sLet il be the last, my FRIEND said 81
s neon, pressing his hand kindly. IN
RS secret shall remain between ourselves
Us You are young and can make UP for los
l time. Come, now, give me promls
y that Won will not drink one drop of intox
RS icating liquor for a year. and | will EN-
I'd poy you to morrow, al good wages Mar
Us will go to see your family early IN th
If morning, and perhaps we may find som
IS employ ment for them also. The little bo
lis can at least pick up stones. But eat
r bit now, and drink some hot coffee. |
r will keep you from wanting to drink any
ct thing stronger tonight. You will find
'e hard to abstain, at first, Joseph; but kee
W up brave heart, for the sake OF your viii
ry and children, and it will soon becom
re easy. When you feel the need of coffee
tell my Mary, and she viii always give
IT. to you
lis Joe tried TO eat and drink, but the foo
lie seemed o choke him. He was nervo,
Id and excited. After an Intellectual effor
'ss TO compose himself, he laid his head o
's- the table and wept like child.
cd After while, Simeon persuaded him
10 bathe his head 10 cold water, and he at
ID and drank with good appetite. Whe
is he ent away. the kind>hearied host sait
he Try TO do well Joseph, and you shall a
he ways find friend in me-