Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-09-08
EVENING STAR.
The Search Warrant

2Ao OcoISu w hrE6uL.
There lived not many years ago, a wicked
wight whose name was Joe Though very p lor
he eschewed labor, and lived by fiIchine frdrn
his neghbors. At least his neighbors always
thought--though at it he was never caught
he d take, if he could get chance, whatever
fell beneath his glance; and when q farmer
missed hoe or an axe; twas laid to Joe In
fact, they made him, with impunity, scape-
goat for the whole community.
In the same neighborhood there dwelt an old
Ouch farmer, named Van Pelt, whose wealth
enabled him to keep largo herds of cattle and
| sheep, and often he boasted Of the latter; no
sneep than his were ever fatter. Our worthy
farmer, though no glutton, was partial to tat
chops of mutton. One day he labored hard
and long, and like the nightingale in song be-
gan to feel, As well he might, the keen de-
mands of appetite-he'd eaten pought frum
till night-and hieing forth be thought to slay
his latest sheep without delay. he reacheG
the field which he supposed all safe and snug
his flock inclosed; but though the rest were "a
the ground; the fattest one could not be found
The field produced of grass and clover In full
supply; it was moreover encircled by high
rail fence-too high for sheep to scale-and
hence he argued, 8 there can be doubt some
hungry thief has been about Each circum-
stance proclaimed it so, and who would steal
a sheep but Joe' "'Twas he I'm sure, I II
bet my life ont" and be went home and told
his wife ont.
Next day he to the squire repaired and
with a solemn oath declared his full belief
that Joe had got the sheep concealed about
hls cot . To prove his guilt, dear sir, l wish
You would instantly a warrant issue aud the
constables and together will search Joe's cot
for my wether." The magistrate at once com
piled, and with the catchpole at his side, Van
Peit get forth. They reached the spot, tiny
looking rough built cot, and rudely entered
without knocking. JOe's wife sat darning an
old stocking, her feet meanwhile the cradle
rocking. 1he officer in a surly tone made at
once his business known.
With much surprise the woman listened,
while In ner eye tear drop glistened. Her
pride was touched, her color rose carnation
tlIged her cheek and nose, as she expressed
IN tones Of thunder her indignation and her
wonder. " 1t is to search nay house then, is
1t, that I'm indebted for this visit! You
choose your safest time to come, for If my nus.
band was at home III very sure you wouldn't
venture with such intent the house to enter
de steal sheep! he'd scOrn to do it, and if
you told him SO you'd rue it. But if you
can be satisfied until you've rummaged tar
and wide. proceed at once, as quick maybe,
and don wake up my poor sick baby" Then
came flood of tears; and then, more recon-
ciled, she sang, or rather sObbed a ditty to her
child.
WOman's threats are vain; her tears have
potency TO move the spheres. So thought Van
Pelt whose heart was panied to see them flow
all unreStrained. To leave his comrade In =,
lurch alone to prosecute the search s,-IS
at hrst he felt inclined. He soon bowayrS
changed his mind, cGGncludins il would be-
pe1er 10 guar. the lady, and not let her be
oy 'ue constable abused, who being to such
scenes more used, seemed with her grief sopel
what amused
around they now begin to pry, search il 2
.ne mouse with careful eye. The pantry first,
turning the button, they looked within. but
found no mutton; and then the cellar. gsrret
nan, bed room, wood shed, oven and all
L 1 hheir search, however, proved in vain, and
'neJ retraceu their steps again, sure th at the
place did not contain the missing sheep alive
or slain.
-, WITH head thrust through a broken light,
'Ae woman watched them out of sight Then
stepping to the cradle, took, and slraigktyay
nung upon HOOK, well-dressed sheep as fat
ana me as ever tempted man to dine
Joe soon came in and she related how nicely
she the men bad cheated-how, when she saw
tneir steps directed towards the house, their
plans suspected; so, running TO the pantry
sheii where Joe had put the meat himself-for
ne That night before lad taken IL and lugged
u home ana slyiy lain it-she clapped night
cap On the sheep, and laid it down as if to
sleep within the cradle, where its form she
covered up TO keep it warm, and rocked and
sang 20 keep, 1t quiet, supposing they would
not come nigh it,
IhlS did JoeS tenderness awaken; She
saved MS mutton and his bacon, and proved
herself help quite meet, for one who stole
the food he'd eat So up he stepped and
fondly kissed her, until she thought he'd raise
blister, and praised her as the bsst receipt
he d ever found to keep fresh meat.