The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1852-03-27

Webb will take it away from me, that
| conceal it; that's all. would not
steal gold; and ifthe loser should ask me
for 1t, would give il to him.
81 apologizcd thus to myself all the
way to Mr.. Baldwin's house: but after
all, it wouldn't do. The gold was like
heavy stone, bound to my heart. II
was sort Of unhappy charm, which
gave an evil spirit power TO torment me.
And | could not help thinking that |
was not halfso we'll pleased with my
immense riches as had been with a rus
ty copper, which had found some
weeks before. Nobody claimed the
penny, although kept my good fortune
no secret; and | had been as happy as
king-or as king Is commonly suppo-
sed to be.
"Mr. Baldwin was not at home; and
returned to the deacon's house. saw
Mr.. Wardly's horse standing at the gate,
and was terribly frightened. Mr..
" ardly was constable; and | knew
he had come to take me to Jail. So
hid in the garden until he went away
By that time reason began to prevail
over cowardice, and made my appear
ance at the house. The deacon looked
angrily at me.
"Now, thought |, feeling faint, she's
going TO accuse me of finding the gold.
"But he only scolded me for being
so long about'my errand. never re-
ceived rcprimand SO willingly. His
severe words sounded sweet, | had ex-
pected something SO much more terri
bic.
81 worked all day with the gold in
my pocket. | wonder Deacon Webb
did not suspect something. | stopped
SO often to see if the gold was really
there; for, much as the possession of
troubled me, the fear Of losing it troubled
me scarcely less. | was miserable.
wished a hundred times | had not found
the gold. | telt that it would be a relief
to lay it down or the road side; again
wrapped it in brown paper, just as had
found it. wondered if ll-got wealth
made everybody so miserable.
at night, ] was again sent to Mr..
Baldwin's, and having found him, OBJ
tanned his promise to work at Deacon
Webb's on the following day.
at was dark when | went home, and
| was afraid Of robbers. never felt so
COW ardiy in my life. II seemed to me
that any body could rob me with clear
conscience, because my treasure was not
NINE. | got home, and went trembling
to bed.
"Mr. Baldwin came early to breakfast
with us. 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 be-
sides making good wages for his labor,
he often got presents of meal and flour
from those who employed him.
"Well, at the breakfast table, after
Deacon Webb had asked the blessing,
and given Baldwin a piece of pork, so
that he might eat and get to work as
soon as possible, something was said
about the news.
"'l suppose you have heard about my
misfortune said Mr.. Baldwin.
"lour misfortune 7
"sYes.'
"'Why, what has happened to you! :
asked the deacon.
"I though, everybody had heard of
it, replied Baldwin. You see, the
other night, when MIR. Woody paid me,
he gave me gold piece
| started, and felt the blood forsnke
my cheeks. A Il eyes were fixed upon
Baldwin, however, SO my troubled look
was not observed.
GA sovereign said Baldwin--'the
first one | ever had in my life, and it
seemed to me that if should put it in
my pocket, like cent or a half dollar,
should lose it. So, like goose, !
wrapped it in a piece of paper, and
slowed it in my coat pocket, where |
thought it was safe. never did a more
foolish thing. must have lost the coin
in taking out my pocket handkerchief;
and the paper would prevent 1t making
any noise as it fell. discovered my
loss WHeh SOt hoile; aHu Went odeh W
look for it; but somebody must have
picked it up
81 felt like sinking through the floor.
"l don't know who,' replied the
poor man, shaking his head sadly. He's
welcome to it, whoever he Is; and hope
his conscience wont trouble him more
than the money is worth; though Heav-
en- knows, want my honest earnings.
"This was too much for me. The al
lusion to conscience brought the gold
out of my pockets. resolved to make
a clean breast of it, and be honest, in
spite OF poverty and shame. So | held
the gold in my trembling hand and said,
ais this yours, Mr.. Baldwin,
"My voice was so faint that he did
not hear me. So repeated my CUES