The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1847-06-01

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much debate whethe or not the thief would
avail himself oil the friendly offer. Some
said he would be a greenhorn if he did; for il
was manifeslIy a trap to catch him. But he
who had committed the dishonest deed knew
alone whence the benevolent offer came; and
he knew that Simeon Green was not a man
that would set ira ps for bis poor fellow crea-
sures.
A few nights afterwards a timid knock was
heard at Simeon's door, Just as The family
were retireing 10 rest. When the door was
opened Joe Smith was seen on the steps with
a load ofhides on his back. Without raising
his eyes,, he said ina low humbled tone, i
have brought these back, Mr., Green. Where
shall put rhem?'
Wait a moment, till l can get a ~lanthorn,
and ! will 60 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 hun
CRY, and had become accustomed tothe slim
illus OF rum. She therefore FASTENED to make
some hot coffee, and brot from the closet
some cold meat and a pie.
When they returned from the barn, she
said, Il thought you might feel the better a
little warm supper, neighbor Smith, Joe
Turned his back towards her, and did not
speak. He leaned his head against the
chimney, and alter a moments silence he said
IN a choked voice, III was The first time | ever
stold any thing; but / have felt very bad a.
bout it. l don't know how it is. I didn't
think once | should ever come TO what am.
But | took TO quarrelling, and then to drink
ing. Since | began TO go down hill. every
body gives me a 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 good meal. God
bless youl and yet l stole the hides from you.
meaning TO sell them the first chance | could
yet. But | tell you the truth, Mr., Green, il
is the first time that ! ever deserved the name
OF thief
Let it be the last. my friend said Simeon
pressing his hand kindly. The secret shall
remain between ourselves. You are young
and can make up for lost tine, Come, now,
make me a promise that you will not drink
one drop Of intoxicating liquor for a year,
and will employ you 10 morrow at good
wages. Mary will go 10 see our family
early in the morning, and perhsps we may
find some employment for Them also. The
little boy car at least pick up stones, Bur
eat a bit now. and drink some hot coffee. Ii
will keep you from waning 10 drink anything
stronger TO night. You will find it hard TO
abstain al first, Joseph; but keep upa brave
heart for the sake of your wife and children.
and il will soon become easy. When you
feel the need Of coffee, tell my Mary, and she
will give il TO you,'
Joe tried 10 eat and drink, but the food
seemed 10 choke him. He was nervous and
excited. Alter an Intellectual effort 10 COM
pose himself, he laid his head on the table
and wept like a child.
Alter a while. Simeon persuaded him to
bathe his head in cold wafer. and he ate and
and drank with a good appetite. When he
went away. the kind hearted host said. Try
10 do well, Joseph,an you shall always find a
friend in me-
The poor fellow pressed his hand and re-
piled, 4 understand now how you kill bad
neightors.
He entered Mr.. Green's service the noxi
day, and remained il many years, an honest
and faithful man.