Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-12-09
VOL. VII.

|
Confidence in the power of justice and truth,
gives moral courage. l beg that you will play
the man in thissnatter.'
Windham seemed to catch the spirit of his
adviser, and promised to follow his directions.
lie bade the Rev. Mr.. Rogers good bye, and
walked directly back to the tavern. He stood
at the door of the bar-room and looked in. A
general sneer was the consequence. There
were frowns and mutterings, whisperings and
threatening gestures. For a moment Wind
hams heart misgave him. In another instant
he was at the side of one of his prosecutors
Mr.. Jones, desire to speak to you in pri-
vate,' said he.
Now Mr.. Jones was professor of religion,
and a member of the church, yet he had suf-
fered himself to become violently prejudiced
against the young man. The sudden challenge
to personal interview was as unexpected to
him as to the other individuals present. He
blushed and looked about him as if doubtful
what course to take He saw that the ewes of
all present were upon him, and he thought best
to grant the request of the youth. They walk
ed ont together, and stood upon the green in
front of the church.
Mr. JONES' said Windham, you appear
TO have heard some slanderous report respect
ing me. Will You be SO kind as TO give the
name of my traducer!'
'Well, sir, said the other, you have some
assurance, seeing that am a stranger 10 yon.
What if | should say you had no right to de-
mand such thing of me! It's not my way to
make trouble between other folks. I've heard
enough TO convince me that you ought not 10 be
tolerated in this town.
'What was the story that you heard, sir1'
'What did l hear! Ask your own con-
science. Your countenance shows it now.-
person that wasn't guilty, would not trem-
BILE and turn pale as you do. suppose you
will deny that you attempted your uncle's
life
Il, sir! do not understand you. Here is
some mistake. beg you-I beseech you to
give me the name of the person who told you
So
In order that you may 60 and attempt his
life too, | suppose. No-no-young man :;
you don't carry on such business in this village,
| warrant you.
Then you will not give the name of your
| informerp
q tell you l will not, for everybody knows
| Here Mr.. Jones suddenly paused, and betrayed
some emotion. Windham followed the direc-
liou of his eyes, and turning saw Mr.. Rogers
looking over his shoulder, upon the counlenance
Of Jones, with a steady but stern aspect.
'Ahem, this young man has been telling
me- commenced Mr.. Jones
{ | beg you will continue your conversation
with him. said Mr.. Rogers. 8 As am privy
to the subject Of your discourse, l suppose you
can have no objection TO my presence
Certainly not, Mr.. Rogers returned the
other. He is very dangerous young man,
as you have heard, no doubt. He wants me to
give the name of the person who told me his
true character. But that would make mischief
you know
Have you reported the story TO any other
individual = inquired the minister
i can't deny but what have answered
the other.
Were you not afraid that you should make
mischief by SO doingr asked Mr.. Rogers
Surely a man who evinces so much tenderness
of conscience, ought to be careful how he gives
currency TO idle rumors.'
Idle rumors, sir Would Mr.. Gore report
a falsehaod =
Il will see Mr.. Gore Immediately said the
youth with some eagerness.
DO so,' said the minister, as he tnrned to
go home, and left Mr.. Jones alone upon the
green, in state of bewilderment.
Wndham hastened to the farmhouse, and
found Mr.. Gore smoking his pipe in the corner
of his antquated fireplace.
Good day, sir, said the young man.
Gore was in no haste TO reply 10 the unex
pected sautation but suffering the smoke tc
clear awav from before his vision, and half
shutting his eyes, he peered earnestly through
his knitted brows, as if doubling the identity
of his visitor.
The youth felt as if he had no time to lose
Sir said he, have been Stunned by my
acquaintances, denied admttance 10 the house
of Mr.. James, and stared at like wild beas
in menagerie, for several days past
For yonr bad condnct-ho, young mani
No, sir-but because you have reported tina
l tried 10 kill my uncle
'Idid not say exactly So returned Mr.. Gore
But heard that you made murderous assaul
on your uncle with an axe
Who said so!'
Il heard i, from Mr. Smith, and he says he
will not eat his own words
Thank you, sir..' cried Windham; and he
ran 10 the store kept by Mr.. Smith.
Good afternoon, Mr.. Smith, said he, has
tily.
Well, sir returned Smith coIdly.
Did you report that attacked my uncl,
| with an axe' said the young man. ..
Certainly did, responded the storekeeper
DID yon not confess the crime 10 me your
t self1' r.. -....
'Nevern exclaimed Wirdham.
, What cried Smith did I not meet vo,
in the road the other day, with a staff in vo,