Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-11-20

man would beat him Tor staying Out 80 late what could
he do where should he 90 and the sense Of his lonely
and fororn position returned did also the aeconate re-
membance Of his father his hatred of his and his
desire satisfy vengeance and more courageous
through anger he rose took the box from his rocke and
boldly drew match the sand paper. famed he
stuck i, hastily in the stack against which he resed-t
" fckered little and went out In great trepidaton
young West once more gasped the whole of the remaining
matches in his hand gni,ed them but the instant
the dog barksd He hears the gate open step close to
him. the lad makes desperate effort 10 escapebuta strong
hand was lad his shoulder, ard deep calm voice in
ouired "Wha, can have urged YOU to such crime ?f-
Then calling loudly the gentleman, without renqushIng
his hold soon obtained the help some farming men, who
commenced search with their lanterns all about the farm
or course they found nccompces nothing at all but the
handful of half consumed matches the LAD had dropped and
he all the time stood trembling, and occasionally struggling
beneath the firm but rough grasp Of the master who
held him.
At last the men were told TO return TO the house. and
thher, by different path, George led tll he entered
small poorly furnished rom. The walls were covered
with boks rs the bright fame Of the fire revealed them TO
The oaze of the little cuprit The clergyman Iii lamp
and surveyed his psoner aen,vcy The lads eyes were
fixed on the gronnd whilst Mr. Leyion's wandered from
his pale pnched features to his scanty, ragged attire, thro
the taers uf which he could discern the thin limbs gnver
ing fun cold or fear and when at last mpeled by cu
osy at the long silence George lookedup there
thing so sadly compassionate in the strangers gentle luok
that the boy could scarcely believe that he really the
man whose evidence had mainly contributed to transport
his father At the trial he has heen unable to his hce
! 4 ,h,J op1
! Asd feelings were already melting.
"You look half.sarved" said Mr.. Eeyton, "draw
TO the fire. yoe can sit down that stool while question
you and mind you answer the truth. am not mag
rate but Of course can easily hand you justice if
you will not slow to benefit you in my own way"
George stood twisting his ragged cap in his trembling
fingers and with much emotion depicted his face, that
the goud clergyman resumed. in still more soothing accents
al have no wish to do anything bat good, MY poor boy
Took up at me- and il you cannot trust me; you need
not be thus frightened. only desire to hear the tale of
misery your appearance indicates to relieve it il can"
Here the young cslpri,'s heart smule him. Was this
the man whose house he had tried burn On whom he
had wished 10 bring ruin and perhaps death? Was it a
Snare spread for him to lead cunfpssong But when he
uuked IN that grave, compassionate counenance, he felt
that it was not.
Come. my lad, fell me all S
eorse had r years heard little hut oalhs, and curses,
and rbald ests, the thes arqnn of his fathers assoc
ates and had been constantly cued and punished but the
better part If his nature eXngush' d. and at those
words from tNa mouth OF his enemy he dropped on his
knees and caspng his hands tried to speak, hut could
ory sob He had not wep before during that day of an
gush and now his gushed forth freely. his grief
was So as he half kupl half rested the floor
ha, thr good qnastioner saw that sorrow mnst have lis
e,urSe ere Tan could be restored.
The young patient still wept, when a knock was heard
at the door, and lady entered It the clereymah s
vis. he kissed her as sire asked how he had succeeded
with the wicked man in the Jail
ale told me ;" replied Mr. Leyton, 'hat he had SON
whose fate lormented him than his punishment In
deed his mind was distracted respecting the youth that
he scarcely able understand my exhurtaon He en-
treated with agonzng energy to his son from such
life he had ed aud gave the address Of woman
III whose house he lodged. was, however, unable TO find
the boy in spite of my earnest inquiries"
"Did you hear his name?" asked the wife.
George West" was the reply.
At the mentcn Of his name, the boy ceased to sob--
Beahessy he heard the account of his fathers last re-
quest Of the last benevolent cergymans wish to fulfill It,
He started up ran towards the door, and endeavored 10
open it; Mr. Leyton calmly restrained him. "You must
not escape" he said.
IL cannot stop here. cannot bear to look ayou. Let
me ro!" The lad said this wildly, and shook himself
away.
"Why. intend you nothing but kindness"
new flood of tears gushed forth; and Geo. West said
between his sobs,
"Whsi you were searching for me 10 help NE, was
trying to barn yod in your house. cannot beat it," He
sunk on his knees and covered his face with both hands
There was long silence, for Mr. and Mrs. Legion were
as much moved as the boy who was bowed down with
shame and penitence to which hitherto he had been
stranger
At last the clergyman asked, "Wha could have induced
YOU 10 commit such crime 2''
Rising suddenly in the excitemen, Of remose, gratitude
and many feelings new him. he hesaied for moment,
and then told his story He related his trials, his SINS
his supposed wrongs, his burning anger at the terrible
fate Of his only parent and his rage the eXuaton of the
crowd his de.ostior on recovering from his swoon his
thirst fr vengeance, the attempt to satisfy it, He spoke
with unraugh child like simplicity, without attempting to
suppress the emotions which successfully overcame him.
When he ceased lady has'ened to the crouchlns boy
and soo,hsd him with gentle words The very of hel
voice were new to him. They pierced his heart more a
cuey than the erces fhe upbraidng and denunciaon:
of his old companions He ouked on his mercul Oene'ac
tors with hewildered tenderness He kissed Mr. Legion
hand then gently laid on his shoulder He gazed aoou
like one in dream who dreaded 10 wake. He became
faint and staggered He was laid gently on 'oia' and
Mr. and Mrs. Legion left him.
Food was shortly administered o him. and alter time
when his senses had become sufficiently collected, MIR
Ley,un returned to The study and explained holy and beau
ul things which were to The neglected boy; of TIT
great yet loving Father Of Him who loved the poor, for
orn wretch equally with The richest, and nobles hap
piest Of the force aud efficacy of the swee, beatude.
"Blessed are The mercul. for they shall obtain mercy"