The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-06-03

Time swiftly, and silently sped on, and the
boy had become almost n man. Twenty
summers had rolled ever his head, and each
one had added new force TO the strength and
quickness of his passionate temper. He was
very handsome, but there was something TOO
Indicative of the free temper withn-in the
bright and flashing eye, in the large veins up
on the forehead, and in the curving nostril.-
So thought his mother, but his father said
Frank is fine dashing iellow,nnd ifthere
is spice of the devil in him like him all the
better for it. 1t shows tina, his spirit never
was broken by tyranny, as that of many 9th
er high strung boys has BEEN
Ellen did not agree with this, but she did
not choose to dispute with her husband, and
so she contented herself with praying aud
hoping for the best. Frank was highly in
tellectual and talented young man, and was
already in his senior year ut college.
with his open, pleasing manners, Frank
made many acquaintnnccs among his fellow
collegiates.- of these was Federc Aims
lie, n young Southerner, TO whom Frank soon
became very much attached. They had been
Intimate for more than year, and had never
had the slightest GOODNESS, or msunderstand-
ing, when all nj once, Ainslic became reserv-
ed and distant TO his friend, and when Frank
implored him 10 explain the cause of this, he
replied in polite astonishment, he was not a.
ware he had treated Mr. Davis in any ungen-
iIemanly manncr-that certainly nothing was
farther from his intenlion.'
After so chilling an answer as this, Franks
pride forbade him TO renew his entreaties,
and for some time they remained estranged:
but finally, affection conquered pride in
Franks heart, and he took an opportunity to
renew his eurnest inquiries of his friend, as
TO the cause of his change. For some lime
young Ainslie refused to answer; but at last
he said
when tell you TINT Mr. Bamford has told
me the opinion you expressed of me. and the
reason you gave for associaling with me, per-
haps you will cease TO WONDER
The opinion expressed 10 Mr. Bamford?
never expressed nny.'
DO you hope to brave down my accusa-
ton with this pretended ignorance? Did you
not tell Bamford that was regular block
head and sinpleton, aud that the only reason
you associated with me was for your own n
and that you might always have
n ready butt for your jok esp
frederic Ainsie,I aver by theLord who made
me, that such words never passed my lips;
and would not have believed that you could
for one moment listen to ilem.'
Have really been deceivcd-but what
reason should Bamtord have for iuventing
such n falSehood"
HE hates me, because have refused to as
sociate witIP him; but as you do not seem to
be convinced, shall say no more. cannot
prove that this man has lied, and Yeti should
have thought il would not take so much to
an old friend that he had been too
credulous.' ....
Nay, stop, Frank! stop and forgive me. |
10 not credit the story. | see that il is false.
Give me your hand, and forgive and forget
The hand was given. and the old friend
ship renewed: the young men then went in
search of Bamlord. lie was at last found,
walking alone in the college grounds. Frank
accosted him in stern voice,
and said:
Mr Bamford, what an apology have you
10 make for your ungentlemanly conduct
toward me?'
i have been guilty of none.'
you have slandered and maIigned me 10
Mr. Ainslie.'
4 have done no such thing!'
you havep
Il have notp
Mischief making foolp
Liar and a blackguard
Scarcely were these last words spoken,
when Frank raised his heavy cane aud,
swinging it in the air, brought it down with
full force upon Bamford's head. The heavy
The ground-a corpse.
Frank! Frankp exclaimed Ainslie, you
have killed him! you have killed him! Fly,
fly, for your life! | will be faithful unto the
death to you, and if necessary, take it all up
on myself; but do not stay here
Il thank you heartily Frederic, and do
not doubt you would be as good ms your
word but will never consent 10 such step.
go to deliver myself up. Will you come
with me?!
Frederic perceiving that argument was
useless, slowly followed his friend, as lie
went to tell the whole story TO the President
and deliver himself up to justice. The kind
Did man was deeply affected; for Frank Da-
Wis, by his talent, affabe manner and respect
ul behavior, had won much regard and es-
eem from the whole faculty, but the Presi-
lent plainly saw that but one course was
eft to him, and with sorrowlul heart he
saw the young man carried to prison.
The wretchedness which this catastrophe
brought to the home ofihe murderer may be
imagined but not described. Every means
which money and influence could command,
were pnt in force, TO impress judge and jury
Ii favor ofthe prisoner, and the best counsel
we're retained in his favor But on the other
land, plain and overwhelming stood the facts,
md the young mans own confession.
The time intervening between the arrest
and the trial was spent by the mother in tears
and agony ofprayer; by the father, in gloomy
and bitter reflection. Could he quite acquit
himself of blame? Had he not encouraged
md applauded the very passions which had
ed to this? But reasoned he, Il am not
for his perversion Of the good
md useful spirit which was what aimed at
n him. God gave him hands, hut because
he misuses them, is God to'hame?'
Thus reasoned the man of the world, willing
Jo. IyN a., IL |