The true Democrat., 1854-08-23
The Stolen Hides.

William Slavery, an eminet preacher anon. the Quakers, was tanner by trade, and know1 by all as "one who walketh humbly with hi God." One night quantity of hides was stole1 from his tannery, and he had reason to beleiv, that the thief was aquarrelsome drunken neigh Dor, whom l shall call John Smith, The nex week the following advertisement appeared ir the country paper
 Whoever stole quantity of hides on the nth of the present month, is hereby informed that the owner has sincere wish to be his friend. If poverty tempted him to this false step, the owner will keep the whole transac- ton secret, and will gladly put him in the way of obtaining money by means more likely to bring him peace of mind"
 This singular advertisement attracted con- siderable attention; but the culprit alone knew who had made the kind offer. When he read It, his heart melted within him, and he was nlled with sorrow for what he had done. A lew nlghts afterwards, as the tanners family were aoout retiring to rest, they heard timid Knock, and, when the door was opened, there stood John Smith, with load of hides on his shoulder Without looking up he said
 II have brought those back, MT. Savery.- Where shall put them ?''
 w alt till l get lantern, and l will go to the barn with thee," he replied, "then perhaps, thou wilt come in and tell me how this happen. Cd we will see what can be done for thee."
 AS soon as they were gone out, his wife pre- pared some hot coffee, and placed pies and meat on the table. When they returned home from the barn, she said
 "Neighbor Smith, I thought some hotsupper would be good for thee."
 He turned his back towards her, and he did not speak. After leaning against the fireplace In silence few moments, he said, in choked voice.
 'lt is the first time ever stole anything, and have felt very bad about it. am sure didn't once think that should ever come to what I am. But took to drinking, and then quarrel ing. Since began to go down hill, every body gives me kick. You are the first man that has ever offered me 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. But tell you the truth, when I say it is the first time that was ever thief.'
 'Let it be the last, my friend" repliep Will liam Savery. "The secret remains between ourselves. Thou art still young, and it is in thy power to make up for lost time Promise me that thou wilt not drink any intoxicating liquor for a year, and I will employ thee tomorrow on good wages The little boy can pick stones. But eat a bit now, and drink some coffe Per haps it will keep thee from craving anything stronger tonight. Doubtless thou wilt find it hard abstain at first, but keep up brave heart for the sake of thy wife and children, anpit will soon become easy. When thou hast need of coffee, tell Mary, and she will always give it thee."
 Mhe poor fellow tried to eat and drink, but the food seem to choke him. After vainly try ing to compose his feelings, he bowed his head on the table and wept like child After while he ate and drank, and his host parted with him for the night, with the friendly words:
 "Try to do well, John, and thou wilt always find friend in me-
 He entered into his employ the next day, and remained with him many years sober, honest, and faithful man. The secret of the theft was kept between them, but after Johns death William Savery sometimes told the sto- ry, to prove that evil might be overcome with good.