Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-07-15


| my eye upon her as the choice of my heart,
| but there were so many that went to see her on
| Sunday evenings, it was but seldom that
| could find chance to speak with her. But l
was industrious and prudent, saving all could
earn, that might have a pleasant home to Of
fer. The deacon, too, favored me, and seeing
was of steady turn of mind, often invited
me to his house. But young Stafford, it seems,
all unbeknown to the deacon, loved her also /;
but he was such wild, bold youth, and more
over, at swords point with the minister,
that he never dared to reveal his feelings, save
by sundry little attentions, noticed only by
Polly herself. Now it happened that the dea-
| con had, with great labor, cleared patch and
planted it with corn. 1t was growing finely on
the new. rich land, and the young ears were
already formed and promised a fine harvest,
but for several successive Sundays there was
great destruction in his corn field. In vain he
made scare-crows and set traps, and even put
one of his old coats on pole, sight that
would frighten the worst boy in the village
for he was the tfthing man, that terror of
rogues. But the next Sunday the mischief
was repeated, till the patience of the old gen.
tleman was nearly worn out. But he belonged
to church remarkable for the rigiditv of its
tcnets, and the strictness of its discipline; to
have permitted any to stay at home to
watch a corn-feld, would have been consider
ed heinous offence.
ssI declare,'' said the old deacon one Sun
day after sundown, we shall lose all our corn
unless we catch those rascally thieves; who
knows but they are Indians7''
As he spoke he accidentally glanced at Pol
ly. She sat in the corner of the great oak set
tee which stood before the fire, watching the
putting steam from the tea kettle and looking
somewhat sad.
ssWhy, Polly" said the deacon, with more
animation than usual, s'among all the rest of
my troubles lately, 1 have been bothered by
two or three young men who want you for a
wife. Now l have mind to say, that who
ever will shoot or take prisoner the thief that
steals my corn, shall have you for wife,
Polly looked up in surprise at this novel
mode of disposing of her hand but the next
instant there was roguish twinkle in her
black eye, and turning to her father, she said
gaily, ssa bargain, if you please.''
She very well knew who would be first upon
the field, and whose courage and perseverance
would be the most likely to hold out the long
est.
ssBut you will keep your promise, father?''
ssI wouldn't have it said that the deacon of
the church ever told a lie; so l say it now
whoever will shoot or take prisoner the thief,
shall have Polly Burr for a wife,
This conversation was overheard by the
hired boy, and soon circulated through the viii
lsge. Great was the commotion among the
young men of the place. AS for myself,
rode far and near; examined the cornfeld
by night, and devised every way in my power
to ascertain the offender. Indeed, one whole
night 1 watched behind the stump of an old
tree. But it was of no avail.
But the very next Sunday, when Parson
Goodman was saying, s.the ninth head of my
discourse" the congregation were startled by
the report of gun. There was general ri
sing and great commotion among the women.
Our first thoughts were of Indians or tories.
There was rush for the door, a tumbling over
of children, and screaming of their mothers.
But what was our surprise when fairly landed
upon the green, to sec young Stafford dragging
with all his strength huge bear that to all ap-
pcarance had just breathed her last.
ssI've caught her, deacon!" he shouted !;
s1've caught the rascal at last 20 he repeated,
| ssand caught her in the very act, you can see
for yourself" he added, pointing to the dis
| tended mouth, half filled with yet unchewed
| corn. The poor deacon stood mute with as
| tonishment, for he recolected that, Jeptha
| like, he had made rash VOW.
The minister was first to break silence. His
indignation at being disturbed in his discourse,
and his anger at such an open violation of ho-
| ly time were at boiling point. He exclaimed
| in his loudest tones, ssYoung man, who are
you, that you should disturb the worship of
the sanctuary! Know you not that you are
breaking the laws of God aud man! Consta-
| bic Chapman, arrest this man and hold him
prisoner until further disposal can be made of
| his person.
Poor Stafford was thunderstruck he had in
| tended no harm, but in his eagerness to dis
play his prize, and supposing service over, he
| had fastened toward the village. 1t had not
once occurred to him that he was church
member, and as such liable to censure.
He knew it was wrong to absent himself from
meeting, but he thought the offence would De
pardoned, because of the benefit conferred
Seeing he was about to be taken prisoner ne
at first resisted, but recoliectng that ne was III
| the hands of legal officer, he thought oest 10
submit quietly. His confiement, however,was
short. and another mode of punishment pro-
posed,
During the week . church meeting was cal