Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-02-08
BARNETT THE MYsER.

In the town of N, up q passage lcading
to the Brdle-smith- Gate, there lived man
namcd Barnett. He was about sixty years Of
agc but though his hair was somewhat sprin-
klea With srey, and his E,rn' ha. hew-
ed, he had the energy of a younger man, and a
frame that seemed OF iron. His brow was lof-
ty and gave an idea of intellect, but the hard
lines of his face and compressed lips bespoke
craft.
His dwelling was an old mansion which had
seen better days; secluded on all sides from
public gaze, gloomy courts and still gloomier
amhers accorded well with the character Of
its occupant, whilst the iron bound shutter tes-
titled to the care he had taken to secure the
treasure he was said to have amused. For Bar
nett was reputed to be rich despite his eloqaence
On hard times" f" dear food,' " losses in
business" He seemed to be chanting perpet-
ual dirge in honor of poverty; but tho world
never believes a man while he pleads her, un-
less he wears her livery unmistakably. Other.
wise it shakes its head und smiles sceptically,
hut then it treads him under, and passes on its
way Thus Barnett had got the reputation OF
being rich, and certainly he deserved 1t. There
were many in that town who could have told OF
bankruptcies he had hurried on, widows he had
pundered. and orphans he had stripped OF all
legally of course (for responsibility y res
poets law) bu, iorgetful of higher comm nd
than -any man made statute, from the great
Lawgiver o. all F!
Securely in this legality, and buoyant in the
recollection of the riches it had gained him.
Barnett sat, on the evening that my tale COM
mcnces, taking his solitary supper of porridge
(he had achieved bargain and indnlged ao-
cordingly y dead silence reigned in the streets
for the pop ,lace had deserted them for great
meeting outside the town, to give expression to
the discomfort then prevalentamongst the work
ing classes.
A hasty stop was heard upon the stairs The
miser clutched his pistols and listened with all
his might. Soon young man stood within the
room still handsome, bus aess-%isi debauch-
cry and want, an unsettled CLEAN in his dark
eyes, and visible agitation 10 his frame.
"Father Z"
"Son!" ....
After fifteen years of separation, their whole
greeting was comprised in this
The word fell coldly on thsyoung man s heart,
and he paused as if to nerve himself to proceed
but words came not, and he stood irresolute.
Well /" croaked the parent, "what brings
thee here!" The son took courage. Affection
would have brought him to his knees. Harsh
ness hardened him to more.
II have come" said he, g to seek employ.
ment. was starving where was, and now
appeal to you. l ask no charity, nor plead a
tie your heart swns not.
You are right" was the hard response
I" Tngratitude washes out innumerable debts. ;
Ingratitude :" flltered tho son.
j " Yes, ingratitude; did ! not educate ant
rear youl did l not love you onces and did yot
not betray my love, squander my substance, anc
now you come to burthen me f" r
.No not burthen; | have sought pleasur
too eagerly, and have wasted the means 20,
gave | have been self-willed, but have beel
! punished, Years have passed over me, ant
have seen me groyelling in poverty, living witt
criminals, and when ! had most need of comfort