Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1850-1854, 1850-10-25

ca as ne SAID 10 his wife, II thought we shout
kill him after whle.' g-
Joe Smith did not believe in such Doctrines
When he heard of the adventures in the marsh
he said, "Sim. Green's fool. When he frs
came here he talked very big about killing folks
if they didn't mind their P's and Q's. But h
don't appear to have as much spirit as worm
for worm will turn when it is tread upon"
Poor Joe had grown more intemperate an
more quarrelsome, till at last nobody would EN-
| ploy him. About year after the memorable in
cident of the water melon, some one stole seve
raj valuable hides from MIR. Green He did no
mention the circumstance to any but his wife
and they both had reasons for suspecting tina
Joe was the thief. The next week the follow
ing anonymous advertisement appeared in thu
newspapers of the country: N
"Whosoever stole lot Of hides on Frda,
night, the 9th of the present month, is herebl
informed that the owner has sincere wish to b.
his friend. If poverty tempted him to this falls,
step, the owner will keep the whole transaction
a secret, and will gladly put him in the way o
obtaining money by means more likely to brins
him peace of mind"
This singular advertisement of course excited
a good deal of remark. There was much deba.,
whether or not the thief would avail himself O
the friendly offer. Some said he would be ,
'greerhorn' if he did; for it was manifestly
trap to catch him. But he who has committed
the dishonest deed alone knew whence the be-
nevolent offer came, and he knew that Simeon
Green was not man to set trap for his fellow
creatures.
A few nights afterward a timid knock was
heard at Simeons door, Just as the family was
retiring to rest When the door was opened
Joe Smith was seen on the steps, with a lot Of
hides on his shoulder. Without rising his eyes
ne said in low, humble tone, 81 have brought
these back, MIR. Green, where shall | put them?''
swat moment till can light lantern, and
will go to the barn with you," he replied
"Then you will come in, and tell me how it hap
pened. We will see what can be done for you.'
Mrs. Green knew that Joe often went hun
cry, and had become accustomed to the stimu-
lus of rum. She therefore fastened to make hot
coffee, and brought from the closet some col
meat and pie.
When they returned from the barn she said,
81 thought you might feel the better of little
warm supper, neighbor Smith, Joe turned his
back towards her, and did not speak He leaned
his head against the chimney, and after a mo-
meut's silence, he said, in choked voice. SIT
was the first time ever stole anything; and |
have felt very bad about it. don't know how
tits. didn't think once should ever come to
be what am. But took to quarrelling, and
then to drinking. Since | began to 90 down
hill every body gives me kick. You are the
first man that has offered me helping hand
My wife is feeble, and my children starving -
You have sent them many meal. God bless
you and yet stole the hides from you, mean
ing to sell them the first chance could get. But
tell you the truth Mr. Green, it is the first time
lever deserved the name thief
ssLet it be tie last, my FRIEND" said Simeon,
pressing his hand kindly. "The secret shall re-
main 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 liquor for one year, and will en-
ploy you tomorrow, at good wages. Mary will
go to see your family early in the morning, and
perhaps we can find some employment for them
also. The little boy can at least pick up stones.
But eat bit now, and drink some hot coffee
1t will keep you from wanting TO drink anything
stronger tonight You will find It hard to alb
stain at first, Joseph but keep up brave heart,
for the sake of your wife and children, and it
will soon become easy. When you feel the need
of coffee, tell my Mary, and she will always give
tito YOU"
Joe tried to eat and drink, but the food SEEM
ed to choke him. He was nervous and excited.
After an Intellectual effort to compose himself,
he laid his head on the table and wept like a
child.
After while, Simeon persuaded him to hathe
his head.i jim cold water and he ate and drank with
good appetite. When he went away, the kind
hearted host said, "try to do well, Joseph, and
You will always find a friend in me-"
The poor fellow pressed his hand, and replied
Z" / understand now how it is you kill bad neigh
bors.'
He entered Mr.. Green's service the next day
and remained in it many years, an honest and
faithful man.