Plymouth banner. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1852-1855, 1854-11-09

Inc ScueIat, however, as soon as he
recovered his self possession--for he saw
and deeply felt--what a change was
wrought in the old mans appearance
broke the subject. BY saying
Deep. IRE parable and undeserved, as
is the injury that has been Inflicted on
you. and for which no amends on my
part can atone. you must allow that in a
great measure, you have been the cause
! Of it. BY not at the time submitting TO
the oideal which every one present read.
lily underwent. Had l requested 10
search you alone. you might justly have
Eel. Indignant; but the measure was not
even proposed by me. but by one higher
in rank both military and nehle. than
myself, and you would have proved as
innocent as he or |. without having en-
tailed on me the lasting misery that |
have infli cted such punishment on an
innocent man as you have undergone
a recollection shat viii haunt me on
my death bed--and on yourself, the an
guish of the past"
''Sire!" returned the veteran. but his
voice fal,ered audibly. / did not take
the snuff box. as you and all around me
are fully aware, but nevertheless was a
thief.
Yes, God forgive me! and trust he
has. as believe you all will. In the
midst of the dinner, when the mirth was
the highest. and when every ones atten-
tion seemed to be engaged, took advan
tage of The moment to slip part Of the
contents of my plate between some bread
beside me. and when ho eyes were upon
me. secreted il in my pocket. None of
my family nor myself had tested meat
for days. aye. long days past! and had
more that day before me than would have
saved my darling children from the grave!
was thief. My whole pittance had for
mouths been swallowed up by the illness
of my family. and what was given to me,
| had secretly purloined for them. My
days on earth are short. l care not TO
confess all. My gray hairs have come in
sorrow to the grave. and little recks it
what befalls me now. This is the reason
that sole away like thief rather than
be searched. and dearly have paid the
penalty attending The Perils of the
Poor"
1.-The old man ceased; but the sobs lha:
burst forth around told how deeply his
tale had entered the hearts of his hearers
Spontaneously :he whole host arose.
and thronged around him. Kind words
noble promses--sweet condolences
from the noble. the brave, the fair. were
showered on the veterans head, but alas!
like soft song in the tempest--they
fell unheard--unheeded.
IA cottage on the estate, fitted with
every luxury, was urged on his accept
ance-the arrears Of pay made up--all
that wealth could Offer. or contri,i"n de-
wise, was placed al his dsposal--but it
came too late!
The silver cord wss loosed, and the
golden bowl was broken!-aye. shattered
past redemption
"The old church trees were budding
forth in spring and glad birds carrolled
on their new leaved branches. and
crowd had gathered round the churchya ard
gate, dressed in their best habilimen,s.
"Hushi-'tis the old mans funeral!
"Toll on thou mournful Herald to
hast carried anguish 10
his soul ere .his--but now he hears thee
not!
"His old sword rests upon the coffin
lid. All bear him gently to his grave.
in life So roughly handled!
'.The bell has ceased--;he earth is
closed again--ths fearful crowd has gone.
Peace! peace to him who sleeps be-
meath the turf!
"His character re-established among
men-he has gone TO meet his GoD!'