The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1848-08-09

make others happy, it fills them with a wish
to make us happy. Perhaps you and 1 can
bring the neighborhood round, in time,
Who knows? Let us try, Mr.. Black, let us
| try. But come and look at my orchard. l
want to show you tree which have grated
with very choice apples. If you like, will
procure you some scions from the same
stock"
They went into the orchard together, and
friendly chat soon put Reuben at his ease.
When he returned home, he made no remarks
about his visit; for he could not, as yet, sum-
mon sufficient greatness of soul to tell his
wife that he had confessed himself in the
wrong. A gun stood behind the kitchen
door, in readiness to shoot Mr.. Green's dog
for having barked at his horse. He now
fired the contents into the air, and put the
gun away in the barn. From that day,
henceforth, he never sought for any pretext
to quarrel with either the dog or his master.
A short time after, Joe Smith, to his utter
astonishment, saw him pat Tower on the
head, and heard him say, g." Good fellowp
Simeon Green was far too magnanimous to
repeat to any one that his quarrelsome neigh
Dor had confessed himself to blame. He
merely smiled as he said to his wife, 81
thought we should kill him, after 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, if they did MT mind their P's
and Q's. But he don't appear to have as
much spirit as a worm; for worm will turn
when it is trod upon"
Poor Joe had grown more Incorporate and
more quarrelsome, till at last nobody would
employ him. About a year after the memo
rabIe incident of the water melon, some one
stole several valuable hides from Mr., Green.
He did not mention the circumstance to any
one but his wife and they both had reasons
for suspecting that Joe was the thief. The
next week, the following anonymous adver
tisement appeared in the newspaper of the
county:
"Whoevcr stole lot OF hides on Friday
night, the 9Th of the 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 secret, and will gladly put him
in the way of obtaining money by means
more likely to bring him peace Of mind"
This singular advertisement of course Gre
atcd a 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 greenhorn if he did; for
it was manifestly trap to catch him. But
he who had committed the dishonest deed
alone knew whence the benevolent offer
ca,no ...1 lao know that Simeon Green was
not men to set traps for his fellow crea-
lures.
A few nights afterward timid knock was
heard at Simeons door, lust as the family
were retiring to rest. When the door was
opened Joe Smith was seen on the steps,
with a load of hides on his shoulder With
out raising his eyes, he said in a low humble
tone, " have brought these back, Mr. Green.
Where shall put them?"
"Wait a moment, till can light a lantern,
and l will 90 to the barn with you," he re-
piled. "Then you will come in, and tell me
how it 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 rum. She therefore fastened to
make hot coffee, and brought from the closet
some cold meat and Il pie.
When they returned from the barn she
said, l thou ght you might feel the better
for a little warm supper, neighbor Smith,
|
speak. He leaned his head against the CHM
new. and after moments silence he said in
choked voice, " Ii was the first time
ever stole anything; and l have felt very
bad about it. | don't know how it is.
didn't think once | ever should come to be
what | am. But / took to quarrelling, and
then to drinking. Since | began 10 60 down
hill, every body gives me kick. You are
Ia T. bnc mn ICI n
ing hand. My wife is feeble, and my chill
dren starving. 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 the
truth, Mr.. Green,i is the first time L ever
deserved the name Of thief"
Let it be the last, my friend said SIM
con pressing his hand kindly. The secret
shall remain between ourselves. You are
young and can make up for lost time
Come, now, give me promise that you will
not drink one drop Of Intoxicating liquor
for a year and will employ you tomorrow
at good wages. Mary will go to see youi
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 ho
coffee. 1t will keep you from wanting tt
drink anything stronger tonight. You vii
find it hard to abstain, at first Joseph 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 cohee
tell my Mary, and she will always give II
Joe tried to cat 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 child
After while, Simeon persuaded him to
battle his head in cold water, and he ate
and drank with a good appetite. When he