The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1849-07-12

to be very inquisitive.'
Yes answered, she reminds mo very
much Of a person met with, some dozen
years ago, near this village
Very likely said he, he has lived hero
all his days; but I'll Introduce you, and then
you can ascertain
thank yo,',' said !, Il should prefer TO
introduce mysclf'
The subject of our conversation coniinu.
ed reading, and had an excellent oppor-
tunity Of viewing his person. lie was A.
bout five feet and half in height, mud bis
finely proportioncd limbs gave evidence Of
superior strength Of muscle. His hnir and
his whiskers were Of raven blackness, and
contrasted finely with a fair complexion
and a smooth, expanding forehead. Ills
eye possessed tho same strength and fas-
cinnting power il had when frs, saw il,
and his thin, compressed lips denoted firm
ness which, if called into action, it would
he useless TO attempt to shake. As l gaz-
cd on his nobIc person, half doubted ms
memory. But mott could not be mis-
take; and now to he convinced Of his hon
esty. The landlord having left tho room, I
walked to tho place whcro he was seated,
and said.
mir. Berry. believe
'That's my name, said he, 'at your ser
vice. and he laid tho paper down, after re-
questing me to DO seated.
However, l declined the profIcrcd scat,
and remarked that he did not appear 10 re-
collect me.
i certainly do not; will Won be 80 kind as
to inform mo when and where wo have
metz
Il will with PLEASURE snid !, looking him
full in the face. III was about twelve wears
ago, in the woods between this village aud
the town Of A.
As spake, bis large eyes became fixed,
and his counienancc turned deadly pale.
lie would have fallen, had not supported
him.
Good IIcavensr no gaspei, say moth.
ing. until have explained all.'
] promised silence, aud nj his request the
landlord showed us to room where VIC
could bold our conversation undistnrbed
As we entered tho apartment, he closed
the door and locked il. Thinking him n
bout to assault me, placed my hand IN my
pocket, and in,imsted that had company
you mistake my MOTIVE said he; III was
only to prevent intrusion
Very WE'LL | answered, now for your
explanation
THAT will consist said he, Sin relating
a few incidents connected with my early
life, md the causes which led me 10 conn,i,
n crime ! shall never ccnsc 10 regret. /
do not wish you 10 think do so from fear
Of you, or on compulsion; for were you 10
accuse me where arm so well known, YOU
could not prove il, and il would be useless
To attempt a conviction. ] always intend.
ed, il ever met the man had robbed, To
make such palIintion IS in my power, and
trust 10 his magnnnimity 10 forgive me.
shall now do so, in as brief manner as
possible.
4 was horn in this place, thirty years
ago, Of honest and industrious parents
My mother, God bless her! was 10 me all
TINT mothcr could be. Ny father, when
himself. was kind and indulgent. bu, as was
often the case, he had acquired the habit Of
drinking spirituons liquors; and being Of a
FREQ and generous nature, he could moi
Withstand their blnelul effects. IL . few
short years, by continuing ihe accurscd
habit, he sank from state Of compa rative
ease into one Of the most sbicct poverty,
and was obliged TO remove from the houre
where his ancestors had lived and died, to
n miscrs able howell, which for comfort would
not compare with the outbuildings which
belonged to his former home.
AT the time he removed from the old
homestead, | was a stout, ab.o lad Of iii.
teen, md by working for tho neighbors,
was enabled to pay tho rent promptly, and
also 10 obtain a few Of tho necessaries Of
life. This did for two or three years,
when, never having bccn to school, and
earnestly wishing for an education, man.
eyed, by working carly and late, 10 lay by
q small sum each week, with which 10 paw
q teacher. il was with a light heart that
went towards home. alter having finished
work. the day on the evening Of which
was 10 commence my studies. o, how viv-
i'd that scene seems 10 me! Elatcd with
Joy. and full Of hope Tor the future, ran 10
tho plsce where had kept my earnings,
and-thcy were gone! Remembering that
my father had been very unsteady for the
week preceding, ut once suspected him or
taking il. Twas indeed hard thought;
but we'll knew that habit, second m
turc, had led him TO do that which 10 his
sober moments he mover wo0ld havc done.
The next day went TO the store where he
usually obtained the poison, and asked the
keeper il my father had passed gold piece
lately. He said he believed no had, and
opening his drawer, he Withdrew soyc-
reign, which immcdistely recognized. |
then told him i was mine, and the purpose