The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-11-17


somewhat moody Of late, called Mike Il
the back door, and giving him some direc
lions, took his hat, and passing out th'
door. joined him.
"Let me see, you have the spade ant
hoes. Well, now come down with me t
the side of the hill, where the early corr
was planted, and do you remember where
the holes were, that William made las
springl"
! "Sure and its not me that's ather forget
ting sich things, for didn't put fiat ston'
by every hite Of 'um; and dldn't | in hoeini
and harvest keep them from being showed
bitl For do you mind, sir, ] set dali
by the boy-he wouldn'thurt baste. sir
and his heart is as big as whales"
swell, that is enough, Mike. Now
you bring all the trees you buried in til,
swamp, and set them all out just as yo,
did Norton's, and do you know which wer,
the trees designed for the holes William
oPened?"
Sand faith, mind it well, for didn't
tie string round 'um and lay 'um jus so
swell, set them right, and when yol
have done them, cali me from the house.
Mr.. G. took the arm chair. and moving
it to the bedroom window, seemed lost in
thought. Surely he must be sick, for h.
never was known to sit down Of wesA
day except at meal times. 6ra,sts
Two hours passed and Mike was pass
ing the window, when he was thus accost
ed by Mr.. G.-"Have you done. Mike2"
"Sure. sir. pleasant job to me, wa.
lazy TO quit it."
"Now take your spade and prepare q
place by this window, where you see I've
placed the stick for larger tree. Now i
you have it right, go over to Capt. Burns
and ask him if he will sell me that larct
tree in the west corner of his birch lot
Tell him the price is no object, and be
careful you don't break any Of the small
roots; be very careful Mike"
"No fear o. that, SIR"
"Stop, that is not all. When you come
home. call at Smiths and tell him have
concluded to let him have the land, and
tell him to come over this afternoon and
Squire Norton will be here to fix the writ
ings. Tell all who inquire for me that
am sick" fuI gt
Before night one.third Of Mr.. Cove.
land was in Mr.. Smiths possession, ant
the deeds on record. The larch seemed
quite at home at the bedroom window.
And now. whst strange spell was thi'
upon Mr.. Cove.
20, there are moments in our life
When but thought, a word, look ha.
power
To wrest the cup Of happiness aside,
And stamp US wretched!"
The evening before. Mr.. G. had happen.
ed to take up school-book of Williams s
on blank leaf were written, in neat,
school-boy hand, these simple lines:
"Tis the last blooming summer these
eyes shall behold:
Long, long ere another, this heart shall
be cold;
For O. its warm feelings on earth have
been chilled,
And | grieve not that shortly its pulse
will be stilled."
Mr.. G. dropped the book, and wandered
he hardly knew whittier. till he found him.
self in the swamp where Williams trees
were buried. What followed the reader
already knows.
Mrs. G. had finished her days work,
and was seating herself in little rocking
chair, when Mr.. G. called her from the
little bedroom
"Betsey, will you sit in here? want
you to write letter to William to-nigh,." !"
"Tonight! Why it's after zine o'clock"
81 know it, but shall fell better If il is
done tonight. feel sick I'll over, and per.
haps am nervous" et.r.F
al will write what you wish me to, my
dear husband"
30, don't say soz6ut tell Billy wish
him to come without delay: tell him for the
love he bears his mother, and for the love
I bear him, to come now. Say that my
hand trembes sol can't write this, but
say it from my nmost heart"
Mrs. G. with gn oyerfowng heart, quick.
ly performed tie delightful task.
'sAnd now, ,Betsey, will try to ask God
to soften myown proud heart''.
20, when the heart is full-when bitter
thoughts ses se
Come crowding thickly up for uttsranoe,
And the poor common words ofcourtesy
Are such very mockery-how much
Tbs bursting heart may pour itself in
prayer" ls.44
June, beautiful June, the "month OF ro-
ses," found Mr.. Cove in that 'old arm
chair" by the bedroom window, But O,
how changed!
His hair was thin, and on his brow
7 A record ofthe cares Of many year,
. Cares that were ended and forgotten
now" Ra7odi /
II was the last day ofhis earthly existence.
The gentle breeze as il swept through
the light foliage Of that beautiful larch.
caused him to open those eyes so soon to