Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-07-16
NJ ISCE L l. A N Y.
THE GOLDEN RULE.

James Lawson anu w dlC DOOQ were
neighbors; 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 a little strip of prairie
land extended itself sufficiently to keep
them separated Dood was the oldest set
tier, and from his youth up had entertained
singular hatred against Friends and Qua
kers therefore, when he was informed that
Lawson 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 Lawson's hogs
chanced to stray upon Doods place, he was
beset by men and dogs, and most savagely
abused. Things progressed IN this way for
nearly year, and the Quaker man of de-
cidedly peace principles, appeared in no
way to resent the injuries received at the
hands of his spiteful neighbor. But matters
were drawing to crisis for Dood, more en-
ragged than ever at the quiet of Lawson,
made oath that he would do something be-
fore long to wake up the spunk of Lawson.
Chance favored his design. The Quaker
had high blooded flly, 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, little after sundown, as
Watt Dood was passing around his corn
field, he discovered the filly feeding in he
little strip of prairie land that separated the
two farms, and he conceived the wicked de-
sign 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, hired man, whom he had recent
ly employed, heard the echo of his rifle, and
in few minutes Dood, considerably excl
ted and out of breath, came hurrying to the
house, where he stated that he had shot at
and wounded buck: that the deer had at
tackled him, and he had hardly escaped with
his life.
This story was credited by all but the
newly employed hand, who had taken dis
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-
rection of the shot, he suddenly came upon
Lawson's flly, stretched upon the earth,
with bullet hole through the head from
which the warm blood was sill oozing.
The animal 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 he had been.
'Tve been to see if your bullet made sure
work OF Mr.. Lawson's FLY, was the instant
retort
Watt paled for a moment, but collecting
himself, he fercely shouted,
''Do you dare to say killed her ?"
Chow do you know she is dead:' re-
phed the man.
Dood bithis lips, hesitated moment, and
then turning walked into the house.
A couple of days passed by, and the morn
ing OF the third one had broken, as the hired
man found friend Lawson, riding in search
Of his filly.
A few words ofexplanation ensued, when
with heavy heart, the Quaker turned his
horse and rode home, where he informed
the people of the fate of his filly. No threat
OF recrimination escaped him: he did not,
even go to law to recover damages: but
calmly awaited his plan and hour of revenge.
1t came at last.
Watt Dood had Durha n heifer, for
which he had paid a heavy price, and upon
which he counted to make great gains.
One morning just as Lawson was sitting
down, his eldest son came in with the IN
formation that neighbor Dood's hefer had
broken down the fence, entered the yard,
and after eating most of the cabbages, had
trampled the we'll made beds and the veg
etables they contained out of all shape
"a mischief impossible to repair,
"And what did thee do with her, jacob"
quietly asked Lawson.
Il put her in the farm-yard."
'Did thee beat her %
81 never struck her blow"
"Rlght Jacob-right sit down to thv
breakfast, and when done eating | will af.
Tend 10 the heifer.' "
Shortly after he had finished his repast
Lawson mounted horse, and rode over to
Dood's who was sitting on the porch in front