Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1854-11-17

1
, whenever you have worked on this es'
tate:-not wordl-and that If you
dare to speak or even think to the con-
trary, you never earn a penny here
again. But here comes John Vincent,
my master, as l, Simon Jennings. am
yours. Be careful what you say to
: him." -,
Sir John Devereux Vincent. after a
long minority, had at length shaken
of his guardians, and become master
of his own doings, and Of Hurstley
Hall. The property was in pretty de.
cent order, and funds had accumule.
ted vastly all this Notwithstanding a
thousand populations, and the suspic.
Iious incident that one of the guardi-
ans was "highly respectable" sjlici-
tor. Sir John, like most new brooms,
had with the best intentions resolved
upon sweeping measures Of great
good especially also upon doing a
great deal with his own eyes and ears;
but like as aforesaid. he was permitted
neither to hear nor see any truths at
all. Just now, the usual nights work
took him l;ttte OF the hooks. and we
must make allowances really. too.
he was by far the soberest Of all those
choice spirits, and drank and played
as little as he could ; and even, under
existing disadvantages, he managed
by four o'clock post meridiem to in
spect certain portion of the estate
duly every day. under the prudential
guidance of his bailiif Jennings
There, that good.looking tall young
fellow on the bloodmare just cantering
up to us is Sir John; the other two
are a couple Of the gallant youths now
feasting at the Hall: ay. two of the
fiercest foes in last nights broil.-
Those heated little m alters are easily
got over.
"Hollo, Jennings, what the devil
made you give that start? you could mt
look more Mortified il ghosts were at
your elbow: why, your face is the pic
ture Of death; look another way, man,
do, or my mare will bolt"
IL beg your pardon, Sir John. but
the spasm took me: it is my infirmity;
forgive il. This meadow, you per-
ceive. Sir John. requires drainage. and
afterwards / propose to dress II with
free chalk TO sweeten the grass. Next
field. you will take notice, tho guano-"
"Well, well,-Jennings,-and that
poor fellow there up TO his knees in
mud, IS pretty tolerably off now?"
"0h, your honor )" said the baliff,
with knowing look, al only wish
that half the little farmers hereabouts
we're as well To do as he is: a pretty
cottage. Sir John, half an acre Of gar
den, and twelve shillings a-week, is
pretty middling for single man."
"Aha,-is It t?-weil; but the poor
devil looks wretched enough tool
will just ask him il he wants anything
now.'
Don't, Sir John. pray don't pray
permit me two advise your honor:
these men are Away wanting. 'Ac-
tons cottage is proverb and Rog-
er there can want for nothing honestly;
nevertheless, rs l know your honor's
good heart, and wish to make all hap
py. IL you will suffer me to see to II
} myself"
Certainly. Jennings, do, do by all
means, and thank you: here, just TO
make beginning. as we re all SO
jolly at the Hall, andthat poor fellows
up to his neck in mud. give him this
} from me to drink my health with"
Action. who had dutifully held
aloof, and kept on digging steadily,
wa, still quite near enongh to hear all
this at the magical word "give" he
: looked up hurriedly. and saw Sir John
, Vincent toss a piece Of gold,-yes, on
/ his dying oath, bright new sovereign
Ito Simon Jennings o blessed Wis
ion. and gold was to be his at last !
"Come along, Mynton; Hunt, now
mind you try and lame that big beast
!, Of rawboned charger among these
cutters. will you? I'm off. Jennings
meet me, do you hear, at the Croft Io'
, NOR"
So the three friends galloped away
: and John Vincent really felt more
: light-hearted and happy than at any
! time the week past. for having so,prop
erly got rid Of welcome bit Of gold
Roger Acton come up here, sir
, out of that ditch: his honor has been
liberal enough to give you a shilling t'
7 drink his health with"
"A shilling. Muster Jennings?" sale
the poor astonished man; "why III
make oath il was pound; | saw |
= myself. Come Muster Jennings, don
break Jokes upon apoor mans back,
"Jokes, Action?-sticks. sir, II you
say another word; take John Vincent''
shilling"
; ooh, sirl'' cried Rodger, quite un
manned at this most cruel disarpoint
!, ment: "be merciful-be generous
: give me my gold. my own bit Of gold
l'l swaar his honor gave il for me
blessings on his head You know h
did, Mr.. Simon; don't play upon me-
q "Plsy upon you?-generous-youI
gold-what is il you mean. MANI
Wen have no madmen about us, lear
tell you; take the shilling. or else
"Rob not the poor, because he y
poor, for the Lord shall plead hi
, cause" was the solemn answer.
: Roger Acton, the bailif gave
sacred start, as usual. and. recovering
himself, looked both white and stern
! "you have dared to quote the Bible
|, against me: deeply shall you rue it,
+. Begone. man: your work on this es
, tate is nj an end.