Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-09-27

ney were now al the gate entering
upon Mr.. Bottoms farm, and the neigh
Dor pushed it open and held il for. Bolton
TO pass through. Then, as it swung
back on its hinges, he said touching his
hat politely
Good day. Mrs. Halpin and will
call over soon-perhaps this evening, il
nothing in:erferes to prevent # we
come we shall do so without ceremony.
Make my compliments, if you please
Mrs. Bolton
Thank you! Yes-yes--! Mr.. Hal
pin-i-I-I.et me speak a-a.a'
But Mr.. Halpin had turned his horse
and was moving off towards the place of
entrance to his own farm.
Poor Bolton! What was he to do!-
Never had he felt SO expressive sense
of shame-such deep humiliation. He
had refined up his horse after passing
through the gate, and there he still stood
undetermined, in the confusion of the
moment what to do. Briskly rode Mr..
Halpin away; and only moments wo'd
pass before he discovered the outrages
perpetrated against him, and that by a
man for whom he had entertained the
kindest feelings in advance and even
gone out of the way to serve.
oh, why did | act with such mad
haste!' exclaimed Mr.. Bolton, as he
thought this, and saw, but moment or
two intervening between him and the
bitterest humiliation. He might repair
the wrong, and in his heart he resolved
to do it. But, what could restore to him
the good opinion of his neighbor!-
Nothing. That was gone forever.
So troubled, oppressed, and shame
stricken was Mr.. Bolton, that he remai-
ned on the spot where Mr.. Halpin had
left him, looking after the latter until he
arrived at the place where an obstruction
had been thrown in his way. By this
time, the very breath oc Bolton was
suspended. Unbounded was his sur
prise, as he observed Mr.. H leap from
his horse. swing open the gate and pass
through. Had he seen Alright! He rub.
bed his eyes and looked again; MIR. Hal
pin had closed the gate, and was on
the other side, in the act Of mounting
his horse.
Have l done righ.!' said voice, at
this moment.
Bolton started, and on looking around
saw Mr.. Dix.
Yes, you have done right he retur-
ned with an emotion that he could not
conceal, 'and from my hear, | thank you
for this kind Office. You have saved
me from the consequence Of hasty, ill.
judged, ill-natured act-consequences
that would have been most painful
Oblige me still further, Mr.. Dix, By let
ting this matter remain with yourself, at
least for the present. Before it comes TO
the ears of Mr.. Halpin, wish to let
him see some better points in my char
acter.'
TO this Mr.. Dix pledged HIMSELF
After repeating his thanks, Mr.. Bolton
rode away a wiser and better man.
When Mr.. Halpin, some weeks af.
.erwards, referred to the righ. Of way
across Mr.. Bol,on's land, and asked
him if he would not sell him narrow
strip on the south edge Of his farm to be
fenced Off for road, the latter said,
NO, Mr.. Halpin, | will not sell you
the land; but as it is of little or no val
ue to me, J will cheertully vacate it for
a road if you are willing to run the fence.
And thus settled, most amicably, a
matter that bid fair, in the beginning, to
result in long and angry disputa,ion,
involving loss of money. time, and
friendly relationships. Ever after,
when disposed to &C. from first angry
impulse Mr.. Bollon's thoughts would
turn to this right Of way question and
he would become cool and rational in a
moment.