Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1856-12-18
lrcnrlEl Ii, THUnsp4 pEgrnssa IS, $780,

tract came Into his possession. On the day
that Charles became Of age, he gave him q
deed of . principal part Of his land in Illinois,
and insisted that he should go ont to see il,
and # he liked the country, to settle there
" ishing him to become identified with thereo-
pie, he recommended his son on his arrival I'M
the State, to lay aside his broadcloth, and dress
like backwoodsnan.
On the morning of his sons departure, Mr.
Wilson received d letter from a man in Illinois,
who had frequently written. lie wished to
parehase certain quarter section at govern
nent price, which Afr. Wilson promised he
should hase, ep those terms, provided he for
warded Q certificate from the Judge of the Cir
cnit Court that the land was worth no more
The letter inst received, enclosed the certif-
cate in question. Mr. Wilson had given this
tract to Charles, and putting the letter and
certificate into bis hand, enioined it upon him
to deed it to the writer agreeable to promise,
on his arrival at Illinois. .a 5ss.e
The remarks of Mr.. Davis forcibly reminded
young Wilson of this incident, and on the next
morning alter he became acquainted with the
design OF Crosby, with a trembling hand he
examined the certificate. 1t was written by
Crosby, and the land he wished to purchase,
the identical farm of Davis
Astonished that his friend the Judge should
certify that the land IVES worth no more, Mr.
Davis asked to see the certificate, and after a
moments examination unhesitatingly prououn-
ced the signature a FORGERY
An explanation from the young man now be-
came necessary, and calling Lucy into the
room, he told them his history, and laid before
them pile Of patents and bank notes one af-
ter another, till the amount reached thousands
1t was day of thankful happiness to old
Simon Davis aud his daughter, aud not less to
young Wilson,
Not long after this scene, Crosby entered--
His air was that of a man who has an enemy
in his power, and intends to trample on him.
He scarcely noticed Wilson except with look
Of contempt. After pouring out his maledic-
tons upon the family, he advised them to leave
immediately. The old man inquired if he
won.d give him nothing for the improvements
he had made? The answer was mol a cent.
You certainly would not, said Wilson, drive
this old man and his daughter rennless into
the world? ~
What is that to you? replied Crosby, with
look of malice and contempt. / will answer
that question, said Wilson, and acquainted him
with what the reader already has learnt
Crosby, at first was supplied with astonisll-
meat, but when he saw that all his schemes Of
villainy were defeated, and proof of his having
committed forgery could be established, his as
surance forsook him, aud he threw himself mp
on his Knees aud begged, first the old man,
and then Lucy and Wilson to spare him.
Affected with his appeals, the latter agreed
to purchase the farm upon which Crosby lived,
upon condition of his instantly leaving the
country. Heaccepted the terms, and with his
family fed to Texas
Why should I spin out the narrative? Lu-
cy and Charles were married, and though q
splendid mansion soon rose upon the farm Of
Mr. Davis, both loved far better the little room
where she had SO long and anxiousy watched
over the sick bed of the homeless stranger
Mr.. Wilson was rich, bat never forgot those
who were il want.
Cheered by the kind and alfec,onatc alter
tien of his children, old Simon Davis almost
seemed to. hare renewed his existence. He
lived many years, and long enough TO tell the
bright-eyed son Of Charles and Lucy the story
of the FORGED DEED And when he toG
the listening Icy how his father, when poor
and frend!ess. was taken home and kindly treat
ed aud in turn became their benefactor, he I'M
pressed upon the mind Of his grand child, that
!" even cup Of cold water given from a pure
motive, shall not lose its reward"