Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1850-09-26
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER. Is Is. 1850.

repeated 10 himself 'a s@H' =
The clock was striking, nine, but all Wa
quiet AZ midnight; not soul was stirring.
not light in the parsonage windows that
he could see. He dared not open the gate,
lest the click of the latch should betray him;
SO he softly climbed over; but scarcely had
be dropped down on the other side Of the
wall before the loud barking Of = dog star
tied him. He covered down behind a hay
rick, scarcely daring to breathe, expecting
each instant that the dog would spring upon
him. 1t was some time before the boy dar-
ed to stir, and as his courage cooled, his
thirst for revenge somewhat subsided also,
till he almost determined to return to Lam
borough; but he was too tired, too cold,
too hungry-besides, the woman would beat
him for staying out SO late. What could
he do! where should he GO? and as the
sense of his lonely and forIorn position re-
turned, so did also the affectionate remem-
brance Of his father, his hatred Of his ac-
cusers, his desire to satisfy his vengance;
and, once more, courageous thro' anger, ne
lose, took the box from his pocket, and
boldly drew one of them across the sand
paper. II famed he stuck il hastily in the
stack against which he rested-it only flick
cred little, and went out In great trep-
ida,ion, young West once more grasped the
whole Of the remaining matches IN his hand
and ignited them, but at the same instant
the dog barked. He hears the gate open,
IA step is close to him, the matches are ex-
tinguished, the lad makes desperate effort
to escape--but strong hand was laid upon
his shoulder, and a deep, calm voice inquir-
ed, What can have urged you to such
crimel Then calling loudly, the gentle
man, without relinquishing his hold, soon
obtained the help Of some farming men,
who commenced search with their lanterns
all about the farm. OF course they found
no accomplices, nothing at all but the hand
full of half-consumed matches the boy had
dropped, and all that time he stood trem-
bling, and occasionally struggling, beneath
the firm but not rough grasp Of the master
who held him.
At last the men were told to return to
the house, and thither, BY different path,
was George led till they entered a small,
poorly furnished room. The walls were COW
cred with books, as the bright fame Of the
fire revealed to the anxious gaze OF the lit
tie cuIprit. The clergyman lit lamp, and
surveyed his prisoner attentively. The lads
eyes rested ON the floor, whilst Mr.. Leyton's
wandered from his pale, pinched features to
his scanty, ragged attire, through the tat
tiers of which he could discern the thin
limbs quivering from cold or fear and when
at last impelled by curiousity at the long 81
lence, George looked up. there was some
thing 80 sadly compassionate in the strang-
er's gentle look, that the boy could scarce
ly believe that he was really the man whose
evidence had mainly contributed to tram
sport his father. At the trial he had been
unable to see his face, and nothing so kind
had ever gazed upon him. His proud, bad
feelings were already melting.
You look half-starved,' said Mr.. Legion
draw nearer to the FIRE. you can sit down
On the stool whilst | question you; and
mind you answer me the truth. am not
magistrate, but of course eau easily hand
you over to Justice if you will not allow me
to benefit you in my own way
George still stood twisting his ragged cap
in his trembling fingers, and with SO much
emotion depicted on his face, that the good
clergyman resumed, in still more soothing
accents: have no wish to do you any
thing but good, my poor boy; look up at
me, and see if you cannot trust me; you
need not be thus frightened. ! only desire
to hear the tale Of misery your appearance
indicates, to relieve it if can
Here the young cuiprits heart smote
him. Was this the man whose house he
had tried to burn! On whom he had wish
ed to bring ruin and perhaps death! Was
il snare spread for him to lead to confess
sion 7 But When he looked on that grave,
compassionate coun,enance, he felt that it
was not. t.....r
'Come, my lad, tell me ALL
George had for years heard little but
oaths, and curses, and ribald jests, or the
thiefs jargon of his fathers associates, and
had been constantly cuffed and punished;
but his better nature was not extinguished
and at those words from the mouth of his
enemy, he dropped on his knees, and clasp
ing his hands, tried to speak; but could on
ly sob. He had not wept before during
that day Of anguish; and now his tears
gushed forth SO freely, his grief was so pas
sionate as he half knelt, half rested on the
floor, that the good questioner saw that sor-
row must have its course ere calm could be
restored.
The young penitent still wept, when
knock was heard at the door, and lady
entered. 1t was the clergyman's wife; he
kissed her as she asked him how he sue
ceeded with the wicked man in the jail!
He told me- replied Mr.. Legion, that
he had son whose fate tosmented him more
than his punishment. Indeed, his mind
was so distracted respecting the youth, that
he was scarcely able to understand my ex-
hortations. He entreated me with agoniz-
ing energy to save his son from such a life
as he had led, and gave me the address Of
a woman in whose house he lodged. Twas,
however, unable to find the boy in spite Of
many earnest inquiries % -
Did you hear his namey asked his wife,
George West was the reply.
At the mention of his name, the boy
ceased to sob. Breathlessly he heard the
account of his fathers last request. Of tho
benevolent clergymsn's wish 70 fulfil it,
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