Hillsdale Whig standard. (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1846-1851, 1850-12-31
The foIlowinp anonymous ad vertiscmsni

week the following anonymous advertisement
appeared in the newspaper of the county,
whoever stole lot of hides on Friday
nirht. the fifth of tie present month. 10 here
by informed that the owner has .slncere
wish to become his friend Ifpoverty temp
ted him 10 this false step. the owner Will Keep
tho whole transaction a secret. and giadil
put him in the way Of obtaining money bI
means more likely to bring him peace o.
mind
This singular advertisement of course ex-
cited a good deal of remark. There was
much debate whether or not the thief would
avail himself of the friendly offer. Some said
he might be green horn II he did, Tor II wac
manifesiIy trap TO catch him But he VIII"
had committed tie dishonest deed alone Knew
whence the benevolent offer came, and no
knew that Simean Green was not man ~
set traps for his fellow creatures.
few nights afterwards ;imd knock was
heard at Sineon's door. just as the family
were retiring to rest When the door open.
cd, Joe Smith was seen on the steps, with
load of hides on his shoulders. Without
raising his eyes. he said 10 low, humble
tone, Il have brought these lack, MI Green.
Whery shall put them
wait a moment, till can light lantern.
will 90 10 the barn with you he replied.
Then you will come in and tell how it hap
pened. We will see what can be done Tor
you
Mrs. Green knew that Joe often wont hun
gry. and had becume accustomed 10 the stiin.
ulous of rum She therefore hastened To
make hot coffee, and brought + on the closet
some cold meat and pie.
When they had returned from the barn
she said, thought you might feel the better
for little warm supper, neighbor Smith. -
Joe turned his back towards her and did not
speak lie leaned his head against the chin
ncy, and after u moments silence he said In
Oh iked voice ---'It was the first time ever
stole any thing, and i have felt very bad a.
bout it. don't know how it is; didnt think
once should come To what am. But took
to quarrelling and then to drinking. S!nco
began to 90 down hill every body gives me
kic's. You are the first man that has of
cred mo a helping hand. My wife is feeble
and my children starving. You have sent
thom 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 it is the first time ey-
er deserved the name of thief
Lot it b. the last, my friend said Simeon.
prissing his hand kindly. 'rhe 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 drink for year, and l
will employ you TO morrow, at good wages.
Mary will 90 to see your family early in the
mo ruing. and perhaps we may find some en-
plovment for them also. Tho little boy can
at least pick up stones. But eat bit, now.
and drink some hot coffee. 1t viii keep you
from wanting to drink any thing stronger to-
night. You will find it hard to abstain first
Joseph; but keep Up brave heart, for tho
sake of your wife and children, and it will
soon become easy. When you need coffee.
tell my Mary, and sho will always give it to
you
Joe tried to eat and drink, but tho food
seemed to choak him lie was nervous and
excited. After an Intellectual effort to COM
poso himself, he laid his head on the table and
wept like child
After a while Simeon persuaded him to
bathe his head in cid water, and he ate and
drank with good deal of appetite. When
he went away. the kind hearted host said:--
TRY to do well. Joseph, and you shall find
friend in me.
The poor fellow pressed his hand and re-
piled, 4 understand how it is you kill bad
neighbors.'
He entcred Mr.. Green's service the next
day. and remained in 1t for many years, an
honest man.