Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-01-03

we want them to be to u.s. rejoined Simeon.
You know the good book says so. have
learned by experience that if we speak kind
words, VIC hear kind echoes. Ii we try 10
make others happy, it fills them with wish
TO make US happy Perhaps you and Lean
bring the neiglborhood round, in time Who
knowsl Let us try, Mr.. Black Let us try
But come and look at my orchard. wan, TO
show you tree, which have grated with
very choice apples. Ii you like will procure
you some scons from the same stock
They went into the orchard together, and
friendly chat soon put Reuben at his ease
When he returned home, he made no remarks
about his visit; for he could not, as yet sum.
mun sufficient greatness of soul to tell his wife
that he had confessed himself in the wrong.
gun stood behind the kitchen door, in read-
ness to shoot Mr.. Green's dog for having bark
ed at his horse. lie now fired the contents
into the air. aud put the gun away in the barn.
| From that day, henceforth, he never sought for
any pretext to quarrel with either the dog or
his master. A short time after, Joe Smith,
to his utter astonisbment, saw him pat Tow.
ger on the head, and heard him say, Good iel-
low -
Simeon Green was far too magnanimous to
repeat to any one that his quarrclsome neigh
Dor had confessed himself to blame. He mere
" smiled, as he said to his wife, Il thought we
should kill him, after awhile
Joe Smith did not believe in such doctrines
When he heard of the adventures in the marsh
he said Sim Green's fool When he first
came here he talked very big about killing folks,
if they didn't mind their Ps and Qs But he
don't appear TO have as much spirit as a
worm for a worm will turn when its trod up
on
Poor Joe had grown more Incorporate and
more quarrelsome, ill at last nobody would
employ him. About a year after the mcmora-
bic incident Of the water melon, some one stole
several valuable hides from Mr.. Green. lie
did moi mention the circumstance TO any one
bnt his wife and they both had reasons for
suspeciing that Joe was the thief. The next
week, the following anonymous advertise
mcnt appeared in the newspaper Of the conn-
ty
''Whoeyer stole a lot Of hides on Friday
night the 9Th of the present month, is hereby
Informed that the owner has sincere wish tc
, be his friend If poverty tempted him to this
} false step, the owner will keep the whole trans
action a secret, and will gladly put him in thu
= way of obtaining money By means more likely
c to bring him peace Of mnd.''
/ This singular advertisement Of course excl
= ted good deal of remark. There mas mucl
C debate whether or not the thief would ayai
himself of the friendly offer. Some said h
II would be a greonhorn if he did for il was man
Il ifesty trap to catch him. Bu, he who com
/, ini,ted the dshones, deed alone knew whenc
n the benevolen, offer came and he knew tha
: Simeon Green was not man 10 set traps 70
|, his fellow-creaiures.
d few nights anerward iimid knock wa
heard al SImeon's door, just as the family wer
, retiring to rest. When the door was opened
Joe Smith was seen the steps, with loa
is Of hides on his shoulder. Without raising hi
ID eyes, he said in a low, humble tone, Il has
" brought these back, Mr.. Green. Where sha
Ie put theml'
l. Wait moment, ill | can get 4 lantern, an
IN will 90 to the barn with you, he reple,
III Then you will come in, and tell me how
of happened. We will see what can be done f,
Id you.'
n Mrs. Green knew that Joe often went hu
ry cry, and had become accustomed TO the slim
II, lus Of rum. She therefore FASTENED IN mal
in no, coffee, and brought from the closet son
cold meat and pie.
- When they returned from the barn, she sal
as Il thought you might feel the better for liz
ie warm supper, neighbor Smith Joe turn
his back toward her, and did not speak. |
II leaned his head agans, the chimney, and aft
,;lar Io nj II obnIo Il
IT. 1t was the FIRST time | ever stole anythin!
in and have ielt very Dad alout it, ] dor
h know how ii is. | didn't think once shou
re- ever come to he what | am. But | took
quarrelipg, and then 10 drinking. Since b
X gan to 60 down hill, everybody gives me kic
th You are the first man that has offered me
ed helping hand. My wife is feeble, and my ch
eel dren starving. You have sent them many
At meal God bless yon and yet | stole the hid
lis from you, meaning TO sell them the first chan
| could get. But tell you the truth, N
ell Green, it is the first time ever deserved /
In name of thiet.
nj Let it be the last, my friend said Since
pressing his hand kindly. The secret sh;
his remain between ourselves. You are youu
ler and can make mp for lost time. Come, no
Ter give me promise that you will not drink O
lon drop of Intoxicating liquor for year, an'
ost will employ you tomorrow, at good wag
ner Mary will go to see your family early in
wn morning, and perhaps we may find some c
uld employment for them also. The little boy c
nto at least pick up stones. But eat bit no
on. and drink some hot coffee. 1t will keep y
Sc, from wanting TO drink anything stronger
to night You will find it hard 10 abstain, at fir
ent Joseph but keep up brave heart. for the sa
out of your wife and children, and it will soon
ted come easy. When you feel the need of coli
and tell my Mary, and she will always give it
ing you
ing Joe tried 10 eat and drink, but the food see
his ed to choke him. He was nervous and ex,
ed. Alter az inelleciual effort to compose hi
y,' self, he laid his head on the table and wept !
ok child.
as After awhile, Simeon persuaded him to ba
ep- his head in cold water, and he ate and dr.;
,or- wiih'a good appetite. When he went aw
gh- the knd,hearted host said, Try 10 do well