The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1854-12-27
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,ss.. From the Boston Olive Branch1 80
THE DIAMOND RING;
Or the Astrologer's srratagem,
ATALE OF BOSTON IN I775. .-,
-FllsH Hlt@#If n i--4l tf.ttt# 'tt
BY OLIVER OPTIC. .'
CHAPTER I.
THE eoLDsMirHs SHOP. SHOP

-1-- IS
In the year l775-a year memorable il
the annals of our country---there was locate,
in Newbury street, large wooden builning
the ground floor of which was occupied bv
jewelers. shop. Over the door, in, wha
would now be termed rude letters, were in
scFlbed the name and occupation of the in
mates-"Dewrief& & Waldeck, Goldsmitbs
1T was the day after the battle Of Lexing
ton, A few excited colopists had gathere,
in the shop, discussing the particulars of thu
affray, the details of which were slowl,
spreading through the town, The affair hat
startling effect. The fires of patriotism
which burned brightly in thousand hearts
were oil ready to burst out. It needed Bu,
such an act as that at Lexington to multiply
events for the page of the historian. +, ,,s.
OF The groupin the goldsmilhs' shop seemed
to be of one mind. The vigorous proceed.
lngs of the "Committee of Safety were
warmly approved, All were eager for the
strife, which should inform the mother coun.
try that her American Colonies were the
homes of men,, and not 7of seryile vassaIs
who would patiently submit to be scourged.
Behind the counter stood the senior of the
partners, silent, but listening with intense
interest TO the discussion. Some broodiny
care seemed to have gathered over his mind,
and closed up the deep channels of his heart,
Tor it beat not in unison with those of the
group,
John DeWrle was no patriot. II soul
was too narrow to admit any senti ment high
er than the love of self. Ten years of stir
ring times had added but one care to his bun
die of worldly vexations. He was rich-his
mind and heart were absorbed in his money
bags. The fear of being despoiled of his
treasure was source of more anxiety to him,
than the invasion of his country's liberties.
HIS sordid soul was unmoved by the oppres
sion and tyranny which had reused his coun-
trymento action--to arms. He was iden
tilted with no, code of principles, neither
those hose, OF y liberty ncr Of loyalty. His money
bags were his all in ALI and he was willing
to espouse the cause ofthe purity which prom
ised him the best protection in the possession
OF his wealth. 80 Thus faf, in his inability to
Gee de the question satisfactorily, he had,re-
mained neutral, or rather had avoided run-
ture with either party. With anxious solici.
tude he watched the signs Of the times, and
having nc, prejudices either way, he was i'm
partial in his judgment 49,. as. r..
While the group were thus discussing the
question, they were interrupted by the en-
trance OF ayoung man, scarcely twenty-one
years of age-a nephew Of the senior part
ner. His dress was disordered, and he was
apparently exhausted by the fatignes of al
recent journey. .T @ F';r H77s77 TO
Inc young man received hearty greet
ing from the excited group, but his uncle ap-
peared regard him witha timid reserve.
"Weil, Rob-" said one Of the group, ''you
are from Lexington!' a. ',
~ am; the first blow has been struck
the country is all in arms."oela sa, 8.e.T
"Teli US about the fight, Rob, the fght!-
Did the militia do their duty like men?'
cay, soldier and civilian, replied the young
man, who proceeded to relate the particulars
Of the affair, which are as familiar as house.
hold words torevery American. ras sat' gs
"Hurrah for the militia of M Massacbusett y"
shouted one of the more enthusiastic of the
Listeners, when the young man had completed
MS narration. 2ff nj WaH .-,raGf44g aeftEfJ
"Gentlemen, gentlemen, let me entreat
you Ffq to be cautious; you forget that the town
$ full full Of British soldiers" said the, prudent
'ohn Dewre, beginning to tremble lest the
'nthuasiiaasm aiaqmao Of the group should compromise
lls l, own I.ts standing with the loyalists, "a.
i"1Soo i gis---a curse upon them! But ifthere
IS 7aIy any meaning in the public sentiment of
Boston, sosqtop they: will soon be ldrivea ,out.ni.g1
-s"tYerylikely; but you know there is Moth
ng TO pc gained by imprudenceyi' returned
he goldsmith. - wand q, ,yg Is.,a re-.
"You are over cautious, Mr. Dewrie.''ps 4
1hjs IT i pecessaryt0 s BE- very careful n these
roublous times" ,.,, r.
@fToo much prudence will make you. al !,
rrator rt to the liberties of these colonies" and
he 's,,Is speaker bestowed most unequiyocal
neer ppopnl the timid goldsmith, ,..f, J., |,
= II wish well TO my country" replied Devil T;
re- N fawning tone; ''and / only ask her
ons and patriots to use little prudence and ,
orethodght. Yes, | wish wen Is nv cfv coun. IN
ry."|8f'a' 's7f7t 15e' o. o9aasia7- ~ .@14
"But not to your King" exclaimed 4 tall,I
lderiy man wearing the uniform Of Brit
sh officer, who at this moment entered The
hop. $50 this i the head -qearters Of re. re-
ellen ellli oRnF and the speaker cast a glance lsf
tern M inquiry, at the group, sbbps 4gbsg .ssel 1
IN q, Sod forbid, exclaimed the gold, /
NTH. raising both hands in q 1deprecatory I
esture. "We are loyal citizens, Colonel I
'o9WeiIsa pFd paa d5faa ~ sa3aa( r7Es50 !
sAyss isyal.s ssia one II the Rroup,, 'but !
berry u 1deSth.!a -zths liberty of Tie English
abjsct. VI the death u the patriot maftyr!''
"Beware! citizens; your speech sasyors Of !
sbslliens' said Colonel Powell; With a'me- /
acihg gesture. sad ,noissd 1853 ,alittN at1l /
ssTs ~ ;,sa,st s,As, a. assa