Quasqueton guardian. (Quasqueton, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1856-1858, 1857-02-28

l.
one of my lads over, in company with
couple of good dogs, and put the property
in their charge. | found all safe when |
returned in the evening
st was very kind of you---very kind J
returned Mr.. Bolton. He could say no
less. But oh ! how rebuked and dissat
isfed he felt.
About that right of way he stam-
mered out, after brief silence, partly
averting his eyes as he spoke. Il
'Oh, We'll not speak of that now, re-
turned Mr.. Halpin, cheerfully. Let's
get better acquainted first
They were now at the gate entering
upon Mr. Bottoms farm, and the neighbor
pushed it open and held it for Bolton to
pass through. Then, as it swung back
on its hinges, he said touching his hat
politely
Good day Mrs. Ialpin and | viii
call over very soon-perhaps tonight, if
nothing interferes to prevent. If We
come we shall do without any ceremony.
Make my compliments, if you please to
Mrs. Bolton
'Thanky you! Ycs-yes! Mr.. Halpin
I-I-I-. Let me speak a-a-'
But Mr.. Halpin turned his horses head
toward the place of entrance of his own
farm.
Poor Bolton! What was he to do ?
Never had he felt SO oppressive sense of
shame-such deep humiliation. He
refined up his horse after passing through
the gate, and there he still stood unde-
termned, in the confusion Of the mo-
ment, what to do. Briskly rode Mr..
Halpin away; and only a few moments
would pass before he would discover the
outrage perpetrated against him, and that
by a man for whom he had entertained
the kindest feelings in advance, ana even
gone out of his way to serve.
'Oh, why did l act with such mad
haste = exclaimed Mr.. Bolton, as he
thought this, and saw but moment or
two intervening between him anI the
bitterest humiliation. He might repair
the wrong, and in his heart he resolved
to do it. But what could restore to him
the good opinion of his neighbor MO
thing, that was gone forever.
So troubled, oppressed and shame
stricken was Mr.. Bolton, that he remained
on the spot where Mr.. Halpin had left
him, looking after the latter until he ar
rived at the place where the obstruction
had been thrown in his way. By this
time the very breath of Bolton was sus-
pended. Unbounded was his surprise,
as he observed Mr.. Halpin leap from his
horse, swing open the gate and pass
through. Had he seen Alright He rub
bed his eyes and looked again. Mr..
Halpin had closed the gate and was on
the other side, in the act of mounting his
horse.
Have l done right . said voice at
this moment.
Bolton started, and on looking round,
saw Mr.. Dix.
Yes, you have done right!' he retur-
ned, with an emotion, that he could not
conceal: 'and from my heart thank yeu
for this kind office. You have saved me
from the consequences of a hasty, i'll
Judged, ill-natured act - consequences
that would have been most painful
Oblige me still further, Mr.. Dix, by let
ting this matter remain with yourself, at
least for the present. Before it comes to
the ears of Mr.. Halpin, wish to let him
see some better points in my character
To this, Mr.. Dix pledged himself. Af
ter repeating his thanks, Mr.. Bolton rode
away, q wiser and better man. When
Mr. Halpin, some weeks afterwards, made
reference to the right of way across Mr..
Bollon's land, and asked if he would not
sell him narrow strip on the south edge
of his farm, to be fenced off for road,
the latter said
No, Mr.. Halpin, l will not sell you
the land; but as it is of little or no value
to me, l will cheerfully vacate it for a
road, if you are willing to run the fence.
And thus was settled most amicably
a matter that bid fair, in the beginning,
to result in long and angry disputation,
involving loss of money, time, and friend
ly relationships. Ever after, when dis
posed TO act from first angry impulse,
Mr.. Bottoms thoughts would turn to this
right of way question, and he would be-
come cool and rational in moment.
May rulers learn the same discretion.
III