Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-06-20
.But. Mr.. Halpin-I-l-

They were now at the gate entering upon
NJ. Bottoms farm, and the neighbor pushed
| il open and held il for Bolton to pass through.
! Then. as il swung back on its hinges, he
said, touching his hat politely
Good day! Mrs. Halpin and will call
over very soon perhaps this evening, if moth
ing interfere to prevent. If we come we
shall do so without any ceremony. Make
my compliments, if you please to Mrs. Boil
tom
Thank you! Yes-yes! Mr.. Halpin-I
i. Let me speak a-a-@.'
But Mr.. HIN had turned his horses
head, and was moving Oft towards the place
of entrance 10 his own farm. .-.t
Poor Bolton! What was he to do? Never
had hs felt so oppressive a sense Of shame
such deep humiliation. lie had reined up
his horse after passing the gate, and there he
sill stood, undetermined, in the confusion of
the moment, what TO do. Briskly rode Mr..
Halpin away and only few moments would
pass before he discovered the outrage perpe-
trated against him, and that by a man tor
whom he had entertained the kindest feelings
in advance, and even gone out Of his way to
serve.
'Ob, why did act with such mad haste !?
exclaimed Mr.. Bolton, as he thought this,
aud saw but a moment or two intervening
between him and the bitterest humilIation.-
He might repair the wrong, and, in his heart
he resolved 10 do il. But. what could restore
to him the good opinion of his neighbor ?
Nothing? That was gone forever.
Sotroubled, oppressed, and shame stricken
was Mr.. Bolton, that he remained on the spot
were Mr.. Halpn had left him, looking after
the latter until he arrived at the place where
an obstruction had been thrown in bis way.
BY this time, the very breath of Bolton was
suspended. Unbounded was his surprise, as
be observed Mr.. Halpin leap from his horse,
swing open the gate and pass through. Had
he seen Alright He rubbed his eyes and looked
again. Mr.. Haipin had closed the gate, and
was on the other side, in the act of mounting
his horse.
Have | done risht?' said vsice at this
moment.
Bolton started. and, on looking around saw
Mr. Dix.
yes, you have done riglt:' he returned,
with an emotion that he could not conceal ::
and from my heart thank YOU for this kind
office. You have saved me from the conse-
quences of hasty, ill,judsed, i'll natured act
consequences that would have been most
painful. Oblige me still further, MIR. Dix, by
letting this matter remain with YOURSELF at
least for The present. Before it comes 10 the
ears eff Mr.. Halpin, wish to let him see some
better POINTS in my character
To this Mr.. Dix pledged himself. After
repeating his thanks, Mr.. Bolton rode away a
wiser and better man.
When Mr.. Halpin, some weeks afterwards,
made reference to the night of way across MIR.
Boltous land, and asked if he would not sell
him narrow strip on the south edge OF his
farm 10 be fenced off for road, the latter
said,
No, Mr.. Halpin, will not sell you the
land but as it is Of little no value TO une,
will cheerfuiIy vacate il for a road if you are
willing 10 run the fence. ......
Aud thus was settled, most amicably, a
matter that bid fair, in the beginning, TO re-
suit in long and angry disputa,iou, iuvolv-
ing loss of money, time, and friendly rela-
tionships. Ever after, when disposed 10 act
from a first angry impulse, MIR Bolton S
thoughts would turn to this right Of way
question, and lie would become cool and
rational in moment.