Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1857-11-21
THE OLD PASTOR

The sun shown brightly on the old par.
souage, the wild birds caroIed their gay
est songs in careless freedom, tie WIND
swepl with low musical murmur through
tail eIms, and all nature seemed rejoicing
that the glad summer had come agaia.
An old man sat IN a wicker chair on
tho s,oop, with large bible open before
him, and as he read, he now and then
cast gianecs al the objects around him
and then at the clear blue sky Every
,hing was familiar with him, for many
years had his eyes rested on the same
scene; yes, he loved it, aud with heart
overhowing with gratitude for his many
blessings, lie exclamed-"VeriIy the
Lord il Mindful! Of his servant -
Good old parson Wentworth had seen
many and bitter trials, yet with a calm,
,rnfaIering trust, he had ever kept his
gaze fixed on high and holy things, and
through all the battle Of life had kept pure
and uncontaminaled by rude contact with
the world and its seidshness. As he sal
there thinking in his singIe-hearlcdness Of
the works of nature, and wondering why
men wished to leave such spot, and
,ningle with those who dwell in the dus.
", heated city, carriage dove 10 the
gate, and tall, business-Iihe Individual
sprang out, and coming hastily up the
walk, paused as he saw the minister, and
said.
"Mr Wentworth, presume? | would
like to see you few moments OF busi-
ness, if you please, SIR"
The Old gentleman led the way into
the house, and, taking him up into his
liule study, signifed that he was ready.
The stranger gave preparatory hem,
and then said,--
Really, sir. am commissioned to
communicate Hnplrasant news. You
have son. believe, employed as clerk
in the firm Of Dayton & Co p
You are correct sir said the laiher'
while he smiled proud smile at the
thought of him, and hltle thinking the IN
pleasant news referred to anything wrong
lie had done, he added suppose the
news is that Mr.. Dayton has concluded
to keep him another year, and though |
miss the dear boy, YET as his mind seems
10 have a mercantile bent. shall not op-
pose him if he wishes to stay"
The stranger gave another and louder
hem, and txisted uneasiIy on his seat, as
if lie wished he were anywhere else, then
with an effort, said
You are laboring under mistake sir.
for Mr.. Dayton has 40 desire 10 keep
him, bat on the contrary requested me 10
inform YOU that he has been exceedingly
PANIED 10y the conduc; Of your son, and
that though the proofs Of his guilt are
clear, yet he expresses the utmost sym
pathy in your alllIction.'
Theola man leaned over the table, and
clasped his withered hands while ne ga
zed impiolingly in the others face. bot
said not word. Tudched hy the mute
sgonv of his expression, lie hurredIy ad
|Ged, as if he thought it better TO relieve
his suspense al once.
"The money drawer was foV . broken
open, and large amount distracted, and
the robbery has been traced to your son
and another lad who sleeps in the store,
and they are now confined, awaiting their
trial.. and unable to bear that fixed gaze
any longer, he wished him ahurr'ed good
moknng. and multering some common
place phrases of coincidence, departed.
lie might as well have said noihing'i'r
trey fell OH an unheedmg ear. Ihe last
words that MIR. Wentworth heard were