The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1857-07-11
Toutt'a department.
Moses and the Bell.
From the Schoslfcllow.
(Continued.)

nf Moses was mentioned as if there was
chance of his being employed instead of Da-
yid And now how did David LISTEN lie
was troubled, jealous, angry. and ready to
curse his old friend in his heart.
I, was on the day that he heard this ru-
NOR, the second day after it had been said to
him that diver must be found, David was
at work, and in no very good humor, when
he saw Moses coming toward him. 1t was
long while since Moses had come to that
wharf, and the sight of him, which once gave
so much pleasure, was now by no means
pleasant to his rival. Toward him came Mo-
ses directly. 1t was David he came to see,
and David knew it; but he went on with his
work, and had no look, no word, till Moses.
close beside him said
about this diving business came to
see you about it, David
ITO see mc-for WHAT" asked David, as
if he were greatly surprised at what he had
heard.
ITO see if YOU have mind to try it,"
"Well, and what if l have?" said David
shortly.
II hear they are talking about both Of us
as good men for the business" said Moses
mildly. paving no heed to David's manner of
treating him. If YOU have mind for the
job, say so. was thinking about it last
night. how much you always enjoyed such
sport, for it was always sport to YOU, though
other men might call it hard work. If YOU
want the job, I'll just say, if anybody speaks
to me about it, that Ill have nothing to do
with it."
"Are YOU afeared'" asked David. His
voice was sharp, and full of suspicion it sound
No, I am not afraid" answered Moses
calmly. So calmly he spoke that David's
face flushed but to hear him, for he knew very
we'll that Moses was not afraid. IL am not
afraid but know it's the kind Of thing YOU
like, and I'm not going to stand in my friends
way. You and are the only ones they speak
of for the job. Come, now, let's talk about it
like men, We were like brothers, once. Da-
vid. Tell me, David, would you like the
chance"
NO danger but Ill get it if l do; that's
what everybody saws" answered David surli-
".
David, ifanybody asks me to do the work
/ shall refuse, and on your account, because l
know you want the job," said Moses; and
when he had thus spoken what was in his
heart, so that David could not help under
standing it, he went away-hurried away-as
if he were afraid to hear any more such words
as David had spoken to him, or as if he
thought it best to leave David alone now,
with tho promise he had given.
But now see what was going Oh. Though
David seemed 81 certain CT his chance. so
we'll satisfied with it, and was ready to say
that he wanted none of the help of Moses.
that very day the owners eff the vessel came
to the employers Of Moses, and spoke with
them about him, and Moses was called into
the office and offered large sum of money,
which was to be the divers share, provided
he carried out the work expected of him with
any tolcrablc success.
What was the surprise of the whole party
when, instead of at once accepting the offer,
Moses said:
There is another man beside me here
who can do this work. If cannot under
take it, shall you employ him."
1.-THE old jealous enmity up again" thought
the master of Moses. But that reflection on
ly showed how little he knew of the noble
temper ofthe man.
"You mean David-ycs he would do
pretty WE'LL but you're the man We want, and
We must have YOU"
IL cannot take the job, sir" said Moses,
respectfully but firmly. "Da1id is the man
for you. He will make short work Of the
business-quick as fash and strong as a
lion. He will see what is to be done in a
moment, and that thing he will do. He
is your man-get him."
"Why Moses, lad, what are you talking
about' Say yes, and close the bargain at
once. Don't you know when you're we'll off ?
You won't have another such such chance in
ten years." 1t was his old master who spoke.
Moses bowed. He appreciated the kind
ness of the speaker; still he made up his
mind that David should have the work to do,
and so he said again:
IL know David and know myself Hes
your man for this. time"
Then up spoke the owners of the vessel:
There never was an easier job for a diver.
No danger-none in the least"
So they believed that he was afraid. Mo-
ses looked around upon the company when
these words were spoken. Did they really
believe it was fear that hindercd him from
taking up the offer of the wharf-men and the
owners of the vessel at onceo Firmly h.
spoke in answer, but his voice was low:
~ am not afraid, gentlemen. l am moi
afraid Of danger. Try me- in any other wa,
and see, if YOU are in any doubt about it, if
haven't lived among YOU long enough t.
prove what courage I've got. I'm not afraid
But know David will be glad to serve YOU
I think he'd like the buS;nass IL he do