Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1851-07-08
nlisfellaneons.
RETURNING GooD FOR EVIL.


James Lawson and Watt Dood we're
neigbbors; that is, they lived within half
mile of each other. and no person lived be-
tween their respective farms, which would
have joined, had not little strip of prairie
land extended ;.ss'sH ealicieuily to keep
them separated. Doed was the oldest set
tier, and from his youth up had entertained
singular hatred against Friends or Qua
kers therefore, when be was Informed that
Lawson, a regular disciple of that class of
people had purchased the next farm to bis,
he declared he would make him glad to move
away again. Accordingly, system of petty
annoyances was commenced by him, and ev-
cry time one of Lawsou's hogs CHANGED to
stray upon Dood's place, he was beset by
men and dogs. and most savagely abused -
Thing progressed thus for nearly year,
and the Quaker, man of decidedly peace
principles, appeared in no way to resent the
injuries received at the hands Of his spteful
neighbor. But matters were drawing TO
crisis for Dood more enraged than ever at
! the quie. Of Lawson, made oath that he would
do something before long to wake up the
spunk of Lawson. Chance favored his de-
sign. The Quaker had a high 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 bad re-
fused large sum Of money for her. 9s
One evening, little after shutdown, as
Watt Dood was passing around his cornfeld.
be discovered the FLY feeding in the little
strip of prairie land that separated the two
farms, and he conceived the wicked 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 rife and
left the house Not long after his absence,
hired man, whom he bad recently employ
ed, heard the echo of his rifle, and in a, few
minutes Dood. considerably excited and out
I.of breath came hurrying to the house, where
he stated that be had shot at and wounded a
buck f; that The deer attacked him, ana he
hardly escaped with his life 11 d
This story was credited by all but the
newly employed hand, who bad taken dis
4 like to Watt and, from his manner, suspi-
cioned that something was wrong. He
therefore slipped quietly away from the
house, and going through the field in the di-
4 rection Of the Shot, he suddenly came upon
Il IaWsuH MY, s|Tetcued upon we edTtu Win
a bullet hole through the head from which
the warm blood was still oozing. o'.
The anialal was warm. and could not have
been killed an hour He FASTENED back to
the dwelling Of Dood. who met him in the
yard, and demanded, somewhat roughly,
where be had been "a sss-ras1 81 vs5i
live been to see If your bullet made sure
work of Mr.. Lawson's filly.'' was the instant
retort. aM h8ssasi9ia'b 0ot 49, isI1m Esa
Watt paIed for moment, but collecting
himself he fercely shouted. 7s5aJ
| do you dare to say killed her ~ -
be '.How do you know she is dead !" replied
Dood bit bis lips, hesitated a moment, and
| then turning walked into the bouse.bni
Isu A couple Of days passed by and the NOR
ming os the third one had broken. as the hired
man found friend Lawson, riding in search of
his 6llyI cd al bssaaq % lads sws.I
lrts A faw wordsaof explanation ensaed.s when
with heavy heart, the Quaker turned his
horse and rode home, where DO informed the