The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-11-06
QUAKER,S REVENGE.

QOAhEiN - NV
Obadiah Lawson and Watt Dood were neigh
bors; that is, they lived within half mile OF
each other, and no person lived between their
respective farms, which would have joined, had
not little strip of prairie land extended itself
sufficiently to keep them separated DoOd was
the oldest settler and from his youth up had
entertained a singular hatred against Quakers;
| therefore when he was informed that Lawson,
| a regular disciple Of that class OF people, had
| purchased the next farm to his, he declared he
would make him glad to move away again.
| Accordingly system of petty annoyances was
commenced by him. and every time one of
| Lawsons hogs CHANGED to stray upon Doods
| place, he was beset by men and dogs, and most
savagely abused. Things progressed thus for
nearly year, and the Quaker, man OF deci-
| dedy peace principles, appeared in no way to
| resent the injuries received ut the hands OF his
spiteful neighbor But matters were drawing
to a crisis for DOOd more enraged than ever
at the quiet of Obadiah, made oath that he
would do something before long to wake up the
spunk of Lawson Chance favored his design.
The Quaker had hgh-blooded FLY, which he
had been very careful in raising and which
was just four years old Lawson took great
pride in this animal, and had refused large
sum of money for her.
One evening, II little after shutdown, as Watt
Dood was passing around his corn field, he dis
covered the FLY in the little strip of prairie
land that separated the two farms, and he con-
ceived the hellish design of throwing off two or
three rails of his fence, that the horse might
get into his corn during the night He did so,
and the next morning. bright and early, he
shouldered his rifle and left the house. Not
long after his absence o hired man whom he
had recently employed heard the echo of his
gun, and in few minutes DoOd considerably
excited and out of breath, came hurrying to
the house, where he stated that he had shot at
and wounded q buck that the deer had attack
ed him, and he hardly escaped with his life.
This story was credited by all but the newly
employed hand, who had taken dislike to
Watt and from his manner judged that some
thing was wrong He therefore slipped quietly
away from the house, and going through the
field in the direction of the shot, he suddenly
came upon Lawson's FLY, stretched upon the
earth, with bullet hole through the head, from
which he warm blood was still oozing.
The animal was warm, and could not have
been killed an hour. He fastened back to thu
dwelling of Dood, who met him in the yard
and demanded, somewhat roughly where HI
had been.
"Pve been to see if your bullet made SURF
work of Mr.. Lawson's fly" was the instan
retort
Watt paled for a moment but collectin.
himself, he fiercely shouted, do you dare t.
say killed her ~
| allow do you know she is dead!" said tn,
man.
Dood bit his lip hesitated moment an'
then turning, walked into the house.
A couple of days passed by and the mornin,
of the third one had broken, as the hired maj
met friend Lawson, riding in search of his FLY
A few words of explanation ensued, whel
with n heavy heart the Quaker turned hi
horse and rode home, where he informed tn
people of the fate of his FLY. No threat Q
denomination escaped him; he did not even &
to recover damages but calmly awaited hi
plan and hour of revenge 1t came at last
Watt Dood had Durham hefer, for whic
he had paid heavy price, and upon which h
counted to make great gains.
One morning, just rs Obadiah was sittin
down, his eldest son came in with the inform,
ton that neighbor Doods heifer had broke
J down the fence, entered the yard, and afte
eating most Of the cabbages, had trampled tn
well-made beds and the vegetables they col
tanned ont of all shape-a mischief impossib
to repair.
"And what did thee do with her. Jacob?
quietly asked Obadiah
81 put her in the farm-yardp
"Did thee beat herlp
81 never struck her blow
Right Jacob right sit down to thy breal
fast, and when done eating will attend to tn
heifer.
Shortly after he had finished his repast Law
son mounted Il horse, and rode over to Dood'
,, who was sitting under the porch in front of h
house, and who rs he beheld the Quaker di,
mounting supposed he was coming to deman
pay for his hlly, and secretly swore he woul
have To so to law for it if he did
Good morning neighbor Dood how is tn
, family :" exclaimed Obadiah, ny he mounte
the steps and seated himself in n chair
All well, believe" was the reply.
81 have small affair TO settle with YOU thi
. morning, and came rather early
; $50 suppose growled Watt.
t This morning my son found thy Durham
) helier in my garden, where she had destroye
t n good deal"
And what did he do with her? ?" demant
r ed Dood. his brow darkening
What would thee have done with her. ha
, she been my heier in thy garden!p askc
, Obadiah. d.
, I'D shot her " retorted Watt madly, "as
, suppose you have done; but we are only eve
now. Heiicr for illy is only { tit for tat.'n
"Neighbor Dood thou knowest me not,
thou thinkest would harm hair of thy hei
ers back, She is in my farm-yard, and n,
even blow has been struck her where the
can get her Mt any time. know thee shot m
flly but the Evil One prompted thee to do
and | lay no evil in my heart against m
neighbour came to tell thee where thy hei
er is, and now III 20 homen
Obadiah rose from his chair, and was abo,
to descend the steps, when he was stopped b
Watt, who hastily asked, "what was your fill
worth! p
"A hundred dollars is what asked for her
replied Obadiah.
' await q momentp and Dood rushed int