Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1850-03-29

be plenty of wives and children to beg
their pardon. | tell you he unfastened the
horse, and made off with him, and was
o'clock of dark night, with both horse
and carriage in his possession. 1t don't
promise very well he'll be delivered over
this morning, and reckon we shall haze
to try his digestion of prison fare ff7a
while
During all this time, Mr.. Livingston had
listened to the conversation while he had
been strictly observing the persons before
him. He had seen the flush OF shame
pass over the face Of the prisoner, who by
no means looked deprayed-he had marked
the genuine Indignation that flashed from
the eyes of the wife, as she heard the
coarse accusations of Smith--and now
when he spoke, it was that he might be
left alone for few moments with the pris-
oner and his family.
As the door closed, he turned to VIII
liam Milford, and looking into his face,
with his mild yet intense gaze, said firmly.
Did you tell the truth when you said
this was no premeditated theft, that it was
done In a time of lawless intoxication 2
There was no mistaking the feryent
honesty with which he answered.
AS | hope for pardon it was Heaven
knows [ have done enough in almost
breaking Mary heart by my reckless con-
duct, to deserve the severest punishment,
and this last is crushing her to the earth
but meant no crime =
There was something of sternness in
Mr.. Livingston's tone, as he said
: | consider it no light crime for a man to
place himself, voluntarily as you have
done, beyond the controlling power of
reason, even for moment. You know
he continued calmly, that the act YOU have
done is sufficient to procure your imprison-
ment for one, if not for two years-now
hear me. On the condition that you give
me your sacred promise to touch no more
anything that can intoxlcate-to return to
the occupation you have neglected-to
do your duty as man and citizen, will
refrain from presenting my accusation, and
will set you free. What say you p
Again and again the wretched man es-
saved to speak-the rush of feeling was
too much-but at length he fell upon his
knees and grasped, most solemnly |
promise !
Heaven bless you SIR came from the
full heart of the wife. God will reward
YOU for this-and you shall see that your
mercy on my husband, your trust in him,
has not been for naught.'
The old man, who had listened intently
through all, now rose up, and tottering to
Mr.. Livingston, took both his hands in his,
while the tears coursed over his withered
cheeks Fake said he, the blessing
of an old man and father, and God send
to you, in the hour of trouble, as sweet
peace as you have brought TO this bruised
heart of mine
There was a mist in the blue eyes of
Mr.. Livingston, and his voice was husky,
as turning to the prisoner he said hastily
i have but little time to spare this morn
ing, but there is crowd about here will
take the child and you in the carriage,
while your wife and father follow. There
has been expense attending this affair."
which, as an earnest of Your good inten-
tions, | shall look to you for pay. Not
man stepped forward, but shall not lose
sight of you, and some day viii call for
it,
The door was opened, and the eager
group without again admitted. There was
much surprise, and not little displeasure,
when Mr.. Livingston calmly ordered the
constable to set William Milford free.
hoI to md
nation. For his part he thought Lawyer
Livingston had no right to set such
scamp at liberty-if thieves and rogues
were to be let loose upon the town there
was no safety for any body-he intended
to double lock his stable doors without de-
lay
To all this Mr.. Livingston paid no heed,
but saving that he should return in a few
moments to settle with Mr. Smith and
those by his request who had been en-
ployed in this affair, for all they had done,
he placed Milford and the child in the
chaise and drove off.
There were murmurs of discomfort
among the crowd-manv marvelled, and
some cheered, at what they considered
foolish leniepcy, and some turned away
disappointed at having lost the fun of the
trial.
That night in the cottage of the Mil
fords, there went up supplications to Heav-
en-, from lips that had not prayed for
weary while before-the PRAYER of one
humble and contrite spirit, God be mer-
ciiul to me sinner'
And from the heart of Mary, the heart
purified by an ordeal of sorrows, rose fer
vent thanksgiving, and prayer for bles-
sings on him who had poured through the
thirsty channels of her spirit, tide of JOY
and hope.
And was not the sleep of Henry Living
ston calm and sweet that night, though an
errinu man had rona npn,nishad 'Tbara