The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-04-15

~ VIC lllIu HlcotDB OF CTcuItvIHi WnlCH
convened for the purpose offnal action, look
ing 10 the relief ofthe debtor by liberal eX-
tension of time and abatement ofclnims, the
fact that suits for five thousand dollars had
been commenced was unexpectedly nnnounc
ed, and changed the whole aspect of things.
One of the creditors, an old merchant of lib
eral feelings, who was respected and esteem
ed by all who knew him, undertook the task
ofasceriaining from Wiley, who was known
TO be tho sueing party, as TO his Intentions,
ana If they were directly adverse to the pro-
posed measure of relief to endeavor to
change them. How f'uitless was this effort
has been seen. II was then proposed TO pay
off his claim, hut 10 this majority of credit
ors objected 1t ended in the debtors max
ing an assignment of his properly for the
benefit ofall. Wiley, at the final dividend,
got fifty FIVE cents in the dollar, thus making
ing about ten per cent instead ofa hundred
rs he expected. But he was content lie
had not lost any thing, and Porerfeld WINS
broken up, root and branch, and his family
reduced to great extremity.
This took place when PorterGeld was forty
five years of age, and Wiley forty.
Three or four months after the final break
ing up took place, the lawyer met his victim
in the street 1t was the first time he had
seen him since he had so henrtlessly destroy
ed his business. The ruined merchant was
walking slowly along, with his eyes upon the
pavement, aud his whole air one of deep de-
lection. So deep, that even the cold and
selfish heart Of Wiley was touched
For days the lawyer tried 10 thrust from his
mind the image of his victim, but in van. 1t
was ever rising up and rebuking him, with
its bowed head aud aspect of deep despon-
dency.
Il wish I'd had nothing to do in the matter
he said to himselCas he sat alone in his office
one night with this image directly before him.
lit may be that went too far. But it can't
be helped now,and rm fool TO trouble my
selfauont it,
While these thoughts were passing in his
mind, the door ot'his office opened, aud II
young man, who seemed heated by passion
or drink, advanced into the room, confronting
him with II stern and angry countennnce.
Your name is Wiley, believe said the
young man.
at is replied the lawyer, rising TO his feet
as lie spoke.
! y have just learned, snid tie visitor, with
something differences in his manner, that
when my fathers business became embur-
raised, you stepped in and bought mp claims
against him at discount of one half, sued
them out, thus preventing an amicuble ar
rangemcnt with his creditors and utterly de-
stroying his business. Aud that when an
appeal was made to you by one ofthe cred
itors deputed for the purpose, you heartess-
~, and with an expression Of i'll will towards
my father, expressed your determination TO
ruin him. Am rightly Informed, sir"
Leave my office Instantly exclaimed Will
ey, his face red with anger.
Not yet, sir returned the young mnn,more
cooly, and with an air Of resolution. d
came for certain purposes when that is ac-
complished will retire. Not before
Il give you one minute. Ifyou are not out
ofthe room at the expiration ofthat time,
upon your own head be the consequence
ANSWER my question: said the intruder,
ls;ernly.
There was deep silence.
| Base, heartlcss VII
! The minute had expired;and ere the young
man could finish his sentence, or assume an
attitute of defence, the lawyer seized and
threw him with great violence into the street;
his head striking the curb stone. The young
man lay perfectly motionless. 1t was dark,
aud no one happened TO he passing at the
moment. Wiley with instructive alarm, re-
tired within his Office, closed and locked the
door, and extinguished his lamp. But short
time passed before voices were heard with
out. He lis.encd with trembling anxiety.
/ Then there came the sound ofmany feet and
many voices. A small crowd had collected.
| rs he dead"
whats the matter"
| who did il? rr
| THE man is deadp
| These were the words amonga multitude
ofsounds, that fell upon bis anxionsly listen
ing ear After n while, the crowd moved a
way; and it was plain, had taken the injured
man, dead or alive, away also.
Hours passed before Wiley ventured to
steal forth from his Office, and go home to
his family, rendered anxious 10y his long alb
sence. They were hours Into which were
crowded many bitter reflections; and many
selfcondemning thoughts arose spontaneous
Iy in his mind. The seed he had sown, was
already springing from the ground with "a
rich promise ofan abundant yield. '
| On the next morning, when he came IN
sight of his office, he found ii small crowd as
sembled before it. His heart sunk in his bo-
som, and il was with difficulty that he could
force Himself to advance. When he arrived
at the door, he saw that there were many
marks of blood upon the pavement and curb.
stone. With an effort he composed himself.
| There's been sad work here, said legal
| friend VINO was passing by.
So it seems Wiley merely answered.
'Fm told the young man is dend!
'Indeedr The lawyer with difficulty re-
pressing his feelings.
sYes 1t must be sad affection to his
family. 1t seems as iftroubles never came
alone. Heaven knows Porterfield has had
enough to bear, without adding this the death
of his only son. u, Bid.
How did it happen:' asked third per-
son coming up NJ the moment. .f ..H
'No one eau TELL was replied. 1t is said
that the young man was found lying upon
the pavement, about nine o'clock last evening
with frightfnl wound upon his head made