The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1856-10-01
The Search Warrant.

There lived, not many years ago, awick !
ed wight, whose name was Joe. Though
very poor he eschewed labor and lived by
iching from his neighbors. At least
his neighbors always thought-though at
it he was never caught-hed take, if he
could get chance, whatever fell beneath
his glance; and when a farmer missed a
hoe anax, twas laid to Joe. In fact they
made him, with impunity, scapegoat for
the whole community.
In the same neighborhood there dwell
al old Dutch farmer named Van Pclt
whose wealth enabled him to keep large
herds of cattle and of sheep, and often he
boastcd Of the latter, no sheep than his
were ever fatter. Our worthy farmer,
though no glutton, was partial to fat chops
of mutton. One day he labored hard and
long, and, like the nightingale in song,
began to feel, as well he might, the keen
demands of appetite--he'd eaten Tough,
from morn till night--and hiemg forth he
thought to slay his fattest sheep without
delay,
He reached the field which he supposed
all safe and snug, his flock inclosed; but
though the rest were on the ground, the
fattest one could not be found. The field
produced of grass and clover in full sup
ply, it was moreover encrcled by high
rail fence--too high for sheep to scale
and hence he argued, 'there can be no
doubt some hungry thief has been about. :"
Each circumstance proclaimed it SO, and
who could steal a sheep but Joe?
"Twas he I'm sure I'll bet my life
on't;"
Next day he to the squire repaired,
and with a solemn oath declared his full
belief that Joe had got the sheep conceal
ed about his cot.
To prove his guilt, dear sir, l wish you
would instantly a warrant issue; and the
constable and together will search Joe's
cot for my wether." The magistrate Il,
once complied, and with the catchpolt
at his side Van Pelt set forth They
reached the spot, a tiny-lvoking rough
built cot, and rudely entered without
knocking. Joe's wife sat darning an ole
stocking, her feet meanwhile the cradl,
J rocking, The officer, in sury tone
made at once his business known.
With much surprise the woman listen
: ed, while in her eye Il tear drop glis ened
Her pride was touched, her color rose
: carnalion tingcd her check and nose, a
l dignation and her wonder. 1T is t
: search my house then, is it, that I'm indcb
c ted for this visit! You choose your safe
: est time to come, for if my husband was a
c home I'm very sure YOU wouldn't ventur
i with such intent the house to enter. IL
n steal sheep. he'o scorn to do it, and
s you told him so you'd rue it. But if yo
n can't be satisfied until you've rummagc
: far and wide, proceed at once as quic
: as may be. and -don't wake up my poo
! sick baby" Then came flood of tears
!. and then more :econcilcd, she sang, 0
r rather sobbed, ditty to her child
S Woman's threats are vain; her tear
y have potency 20 move the spheres. S.
t thought Van Pelt whose heart was pain
: ed to see them flow all unrestraiued. T.
/ leave his comrade in the lurch alone t,
II prosecute his search, strongly at first h
S felt inclined. He soon, however, changed
: his mind, concluding it would be bette
e to guard the lady, and not let her be b.
t the constable abused who being to sucl
: scenes more used, seemed with her gric
: somewhat amused.
t Around they now begin to pry, search
/; ing the house with careful eye.
: The pantry first, turning the button, the,
: looked within but found no mutton; an,
= then the cellar, garret, hall, bed room
|. wood-shed, oven and all. Their search
. however, proved in vain, and they retracet
1 their steps again, sure that the place di,
not contain the missing sheep alive OF
! slain.
i w h head thrust through broker