The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1854-03-16
THE STOLEN HIDES.

among the Quakers. was a tanner BY
trade, and known by all as zone who
walked humby with his God" One
night a quantity of hides were stolen from
his tannery. and he had 10 believe the
thief was a quarresome, drunken neigh.
Dor, whom shall call John Smith. fine
next week the following advertisement aP
peared in the county newspaper:
Whoever stole quantity Of hides Oh
the fifth Of The present month is hereby
informed that the owner has sincere wish
10 be his friend. If poverty tempted him
to this false step, the owner will keep the
whole transaction secret, and will glad.
Iy put him il the way OF obtaining money
by means more likely to bring him peace
of mind
This singular advertisement attracted
considerable attention, but the culpril a.
lone knew who had the kind offer. When
he read it, his heart melted within him.
and he was filed with sorrow for what he
had done. A few nights afterwards, as
the tanners family we're about retiring,
they heard limid knock. and when The
door was opened, there stood John Smith
with a load of hides on his shoulders.
Without looking up, he said, 81 have
brought this back, Mr.. Savery, where
shall put them!"
NV ait till get lantern. and will 60
to the barn with thee" he replied, then,
perhaps thou wilt come in, and tell me
how this happened. We will see what
we can do Tor thee"
As soon as they were gone out, his vile
prepared some hot coffee, aud placed pies
and meats on the table When they re,
turned from the barn, she sal l,"Neighbor
Smith, | thought some hot coffee would
be good for thee" He turned his back
to her and did not speak. After leaning
against the fire. e.place in silence for few
moments, he said, in a choked voice,
ut is the first time ever stole anything!
and feel very bad about it. | am sure
didn't once think should ever come 10
what am. But took to drinking, and
then TO quarreIin9. Since began 10 60
down hii. agerybody gives me kick
You are the first man that has ever OF.
lered me a helping hand My wife is
sickly and my children are starving
You have sent them many meal. God
bless you; and yet stole the hides. Bu
| tell you the truth, when | say II was the
first time ever was thief.
Let it be the last, my friend replied
William Savery. The secret still re
mains between ourselves Thou art still
young. and il Is still in thy power to make
up for the lost time. Promise me tha
thou wilt not take any intoxicating liquor
for year. and | employ thee Tomorrow
on good wages. The little boy can pick
up stones. But eat bitnow, and drink
some hot coffee. Perhaps it will keep
thee from craving anything stronger to,
night. Thou wilt doubtless fod it hard
TO abstain at first; but keep brave heart
for the sake ofthy wife and children, and
it will become easy. When thou hast need
OF coffee, tell mary, anu sue VIII give ="
thee.
The poor fellow tried to eat and drink
but the food seemed to choke him. Alter
vainly endeavoring 10 compose his teeI,
ings, he bowed his head on the table and
wept like child. After a while he ale
and drank, and his host parted with him
for the night, with the friendly words
Try to do well; and thou wilt always
find a friend in me- lie entered into
his employ the next day, and remained
with him many years, a sober. honest and
faithful man. The secret of the thet'
was kept between them; but after Johns
death, William Savery some times told
the story to prove that evil might be over
come with good.