Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1854-11-17
BROOKVILLE FRANKLIN COUNTY INDIANA FRIDAY NOVEMBER

it straight again. eyes right, with ner.
vous twitch, anything but pleasant to
the marvelling spectator. 1t was as
il he was momentarily expecting tc
look upon some vague object that az
frighted him. and sometimes really did
see it. Mr.. Jennings had consulted
high medical authority (as Hurstley
ljudged) to wit. the Union doctor o.
last scene, an enterprising practitioner,
glib in theory and bold in practice
and it had been mutually agreed be-
tween them that stomach" was the
cause Of these unhandsome symptoms
acridity Of the gaatric juice, consequent
indigestion and spasm, and generally
a hypochondriacal habit Of body
Mr.. jennings must take certain
draughts thrice a day, be very careful
Of his diet. and keep his mind at ease.
As to Simon himself, he was, poor
man, much to be pitied in this ideal
visitation. for, though his looks con-
fessed that he saw, or fancied he saw,
a something, he declared himself Who'll
ly at loss to explain what that some
thing was: moreover, contrary 10 for
mer habits Of an ostentations boldness,
he seemed meekly to shrink from OBJ
servation; and, as he piously acquiesc-
ed in the annoyance, would observe
that his unpleasant jerking was "a
little matter after all. and that, no
doubt. the will of Providence"
Independently Of these new grima.
ces. Simon's appearance was little in
his favor: not that his small dimensions
signi6ed-Cesar, and Buonaparte,
and Wellington, and Nelson, all were
little men; not that his dress was 9TH
or than rcspectable-black coat and
waiscoat, white stiff cravat. grey trow-
sers somewhat shrunk in longitude,
good serviceable shoe leather (on the
shape, ifnot also of the size, Of river
barges) and plenty Of unbleached cot
ton stocking about the gnarled region
Of his ankles. All this was well
enough; nature was beholden to that
charity ofart, which hides a multitude
failing; but the face, where native man
looks forth in all his sunadornment, that
it was which SO seldom prepossessed
the many who had never heard Of Jen-
ning's strict character and stern integ-
rity. The face was swallow face,
peaked towards the nose. with head
and chin receeding; lit withal by small
protusiye eyes, so constructed, that the
whites all round were generally visible
givingt them strange and staring look;
elevated eyebrows; not an inch OF
whisker, but all shaved sore right up
to the large and prominent ear; and
lank black hair. not much oft. scsnti-
ly thatching all smooth. Then his
arms, oscillatingas he walked (as il the
pendulum by which that rigid man
was made to 60 his regular rou-
tine) were much too long for symme-
try; and altogether. to casual view,
Mr.. Jennings must acknowledge to a
supercilious yet sneaking nir-which
charity has ere now been kind enough
to think n conscious rectitude towards
man. and a soft-going humility with
God.
When the bailiff takes his round
about the property, as we see him now,
he Is mounted-to say he rides would
convey far too equestrian notion-he
is mounted on rough-coated. quiet,
old white shooting pony; the saddle
strangely girded on with many bands
about the belly. the stirrups astonis-
ingly short. and straps never called
upon to diminiah that long whity-brown
interval between shoe and trowser
Mr.. Jennings sits his steed with nose
aloit. and n high pearch in the general
somewhat loosely, and, had the pony
been n Buchalus rather than a Rozi'
nante, not little perilously' Simon
is jogging hitherwards toward Roger
Acton, as he digs the land-drain across
this mashy meadow: let us see how il
fares now with our poor hero.
Occupation, yes, duteous occupation
has exerted its wholesome influences
and thank Godl Roger ishimself again
He has been very sorry half the day
both for the wicked feelings of the
morning, and that still more wicked
theta bad business altogether, h,
cannot bear to think Of it; the gold was
none OF his, whosoever il might be-
he ought not to have touched it-yex
ed he did, but cannot help it now; it il
well he lost il too, for i'll. got money new
er came to any good, though to b,
sure, II he could only get il honestly
money would made n man of him.
am not sure of that. Roger, il MAJ
be so sometimes; but. in myjudgmen
money has unmade mole men thar
made them.
"How now. Acton, is not this draii
dug yet! You have been about i
much too long, sir; | shall fine you 70
this"
please you. Muster Jennings, I'v'
stuck TO il pretty tightly too. barring
that make to-day three-quarters. be
ing late; but it's heavy clay, you see
Mr.. Simmon-wet above and iron-har,
below; il shall all be ready by to-mor
row. Mr.. Simon"
Whether the "Mr. Simon" had il
softening influence, or any other con
siderations lent their soothing aid. W,
shall see presently; for the baiIiff add
ed, in tone unusually indulgent.
"Well, Roger. see il is done, an,
well done; and now | have just anoth
er word to say 10 you; his honor is com