The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-05-29

make others happy, it fills them with a wish
TO make US happy Perhaps you and can
bring the neighborhood round, in time. Who
knows? Let us try, Mr. Black, let us try
But come and look at my orchard. Iwani
to show you tree which have grated with
choice apples. lfyou like, will procure you
some scions from tho same stock"
They went into the orchard together, and
friendly chat soon put Reuben at his ease
When he returned home, he made no re-
marks about his visit; for he could not, as yet
summon sufficient greatness of soul to tell his
wife that he had confessed himself in the
wrong. A gun stood behind tho kitchen
door, in readiness to shoot Mr. Green's dog
for having barISod ut his horse. lie now fir
ed the contents into the air, and put the gun
away in the barn. From that day, hence
forth, he never sough, for any pretext 10 quar-
rel with either the dog or his master. a
short time after, Joe Smith, TO his utter as
constituent, saw him pat Tower on the head,
and heard him say, "Good fellow"
Simeon Green was far 100 magnanimous
TO repeat 10 any one that his quarrelsome
neighbor had confessed himself to blame.
lie merely smiled, as he said TO his wife, 81
thought we should kill him, utter WHILE"
Joe Smith did not believe in such doctrines.
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, ifthey didn't mind their P's and
Qs. But he don't appear 10 have as much
spirit as n worm for worm will turn when
it's trod upon.
Poor Joe had grown more Incorporate and
more quarresome, till at last nobody would
employ him. About year after the memo
,rable incident Ofthe water melon, some one
stole several valuable hides from Mr. Green.
He did rot mention the circumstance to any
one but his wife; and they both had reasons
for suspecting that Joe was tho thief. The
next week, the following anonymous adver-
tisement appeared in the newspaper of the
county:
"Whoever stole lot of hides on Friday
night, the 5th ofthe present month"; is hereby
informed that the owner has sincere wish
TO be his friend. If poverty tempted him TO
this false step, the owner will keep the whole
transaction a secret, and will gladly put him
in the way of obtaining money by means
more likely to bring him peace of mind"
Y'his singular observation-disclosures excl
ted good deal ofremark. There was much
debate whether or not the thief would avail
himself of the friendly offer. Some said he
would be green horn if he did; for it was
1nanifestly 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 man TO
set traps for his fellow creatures.
a few nights afterwards,a timid knock was
ileard ut Simeon's door, just rs 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. With
out raisiag his eyes, he said in low, hum
BILE tone, IL have brought these back, MIR
Green. Where shall put them?"
"Wat a moment, till can light lanthorn,
and l will go to the barn with you" he re-
piled. "Then you will come in, aud tell me
how it happened. We will see what can be
done for YOU"
Mrs. Green knew that Joe often went hung
ry, and had become accustomed to the slim
uus of rum. She therefore hastened TO
make hot coffee, and brought from the closet
seine cold meat and pie.
When they returned from the barn, she
said, 81 thought you might feel the u letter for
n little warm supper, neighbor Smith"
Joe turned his back toward her, and die
not speak. lie leaned his head against the
chimney, and aftera moments silence, he
said in choked voice, at was the first time
ever stole anything; and have felt very bad
about it, | don't know how It's. didn't
think once / should ever come to be what
am. But took to quarrellng, aud then 10
drinking. Since began TO go down hll,ev-
,erybody gives me kick. You are the first
man that has offered me helping hand.
NV wife is feeble and my children are star
wing. You have sent them manga meal,
God bless you! and yet stole the hides from
YOU, meaning to sell them the first chance |
could get. But tell yoH the truth, Mr. Green,
it is the first time ! ever deserved the name
of thief" n.
"Let it be the last, my friend" said Sine
on, pressing his hand kindly. ''The secret
shall remain between ourselves. You are
young, and can make up for the lost time.
Come now, give me promise that you
will not drink one drop ofintoxicating liquor
for year, and will employ you tn morrow,
at good wages. Mary will go to see your
family early in the morning, and perhaps we
may find some employment for them also.
The little boy can at least pick up stones.
But eat a bit now, and drink some hot coffee.
1t will keep you from wanting to drink any
thing stronger to night. twill be hard to
abstain at first, Joseph; but keep up brave
heart, for the sake ofyour wife and children,
and it will soon become easy. When you
feel the want of coffee, tell Mary, and she will
give it to yeu."
Joe tried to eat and drink, but the food
seemed to choke him. He was nervous and
excited. After an Intellectual effort to COM
pose himself he laid his head on the table
and wept like a child.
After 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 hearted host said, ''Try to do
we'll, Joseph, and you shall always find a
friend in me-"
The poor fellow pressed his hand and re-
plied-'I understand now how it is you kill
bad neighbors."
He entered MIR Green's service the next
day, and remained in it many years, an hon.