Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1851-12-31


gave an evil spirit power to torment me. And
could not help thinking that was not half
SO well pleased with M immense riches, as /
had been with a rusty copper. which l had
found some weeks before. Nobody claimed
the penny, although kept my good fortune no
secret; and had been as happy as a king-or
a king is commonly supposed to be.
Mr.. Baldwin was not at home; and retur
ned to the deacon's house. / saw Mr.. Ward
ley's horse standing at the gate, and was ter
ribly frightened. NJ: Wardley was consta-
bic; and l knew he had come to take me to
Jail So l hid in the garden until he went
away. BY that time, reason began to prevail
over cowardice, and made my appearance at
the house. The deacon looked angrily at me.
Now, thought l, feeling faint he's going to
accuse me of finding the gold.
But he only scolded me for being so long
about my Grand. / never received areprimand
so Willingly. His severe words sounded sweet
Il had expected something SO much more ter
rible
i worked all day with the gold IN my peck
ct. l wonder Deacon Webb did not suspect
something, stopped SO often to see if the gold
was really Therefor much as the possession of
it troubled me, the fear of losing it troubled me
scarcely less l was miserable. l wished
hundred times had not found the gold. felt
| that it would be a relief to lay ia down on the
roadside-again wrapped it irvihuvarse7. IN!
! just as had found it, 1 wondered if ill.got
wealth made every body SO miserable
AT night l was sent again to Mr.. Baldwins.
and having found him, obtained his promise to
work at Deacon Webb's on the following dav.
1T was dark when went home, and was
afraid Of robbers. l never felt so cowardly in
my life. 1t seemed to me that any BODY could
rob me with clear Observation-Disclosures nv
treasure was not mine, got home and went
trembling to bed.
Mr.. Baldwin came early TO breakfast with
us. l should tell you something about him.
He was an honest, poor man, who supported
large family. by hard work. Everybody liked
him, he was SO Industrious and faithful; and
beside making good wages for his labor, he Of
ten got presents of meal and flour from those
who employed him.
We'll, at the breakfast table, after Deacon
Webb had asked blessing. and given Bald
win a piece of pork so that he might eat and
get to work as soon IS possible, something was
said about the news
/ suppose you have heard about my msfor-
tune said Mr. Baldwin
Your misfortune?'
n Yes
! why, what has happened to you 2 asked |
the deacon.
Il thought every body had heard of it, re-
piled Baldwin You see the other night when
Mr.. Woody paid me, he gave me gold piece
Il started, and felt the blood forsake my |
checks. All eyes were fixed upon Baldwin,
however, SO my trouble was not observed.
a sovereign said Baldwin. The first one |
ever had in my life; and it seemed to me that
il should put it in my pocket, like cent or
a half dollar,I should loose it. o,like a goose, |
wrapped 1t IN piece of paper, and slowed it |
IN my coat pocket, where thought it was safe |
| never did more foolish thing. must have |
lost the coin taking out my handkerchief: and
the paper would prevent its making a noise as
it fell. discovered my loss when got home, |
and went back to look for it: but somebody |
must have licked it up.
who could be so dishonest as to keep il q
asked the deacon
Il felt like sinking through the floor.
Il don't know, replied the poor man shaking
bis head sadly. He's welcome to it, whoever
,e is; and hope his conscience won't trouble
him more than the money is worth though
heaven knows want my honest earnings
This was too much for me. The alusion to
ny conscience brought the gold out of my
pocket. resolved to make clean breast of
t,and be honest,in spite of poverty and shame
50 held the gold in my trembling hand, and
aid
Is this yours, Mr.. Baldwin ?
My voice was faint that he did not hear
ne SO repeated my question. in mere ecu
;e"as tone. Al eyes were turned upon me in
and the deacon demanded where
md when had found the gold '
J burst into tears, and confessed everything.
expected the deacon would whip me to death.
But he patted my head, and said more kindly
han was his won't
Don't cry about it, William. You are an
'onest boy, if you did come near falling into
emptation. Always be honest, my son; and if
'ou do not grow rich, you will be happy, with
clear conscience.
But esiea stiil-for joy. laughed too the
leacon had so touched my heart of what a
Dad was relieved! ! felt then that honesty ,
vas the best policy.
AS for Baldwin, he declared that / should
rave half the money, for finding it; but wish
ID to keep clear of the troublesome stuff for
ime, and did would not touch his offer; I
md never regretted it boy as | was.
We'll, was the deacon's favorite after this.
lie was very kind to me- and trusted me in {
verything. ! was careful not to deceive MIN -
preserved the strictest candor aud good faith.
md that has made me what am. When he
lied, he willed me five hundred dollars, with
Which l came here, and bought new lands
which are now worth a great many sovereigns
But this has nothing to do with my story
That is told; and all ! have to add is, | have
levcr regretted clearing my conscience of poor
lob Baldwin's sovereign
BESEHIn JONATHAN An English newspaper.
n speaking of Brother Jonathan says: ..
The waist of his coat may be ridiculouslv
Short the tail of it rdicnlousy long; his shirt
'oilar may absorb the produce of , who'll Ala