Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-09-17
THE oUAKER's CORN CRIB.


A man had been in the habit Of steal
ing corn from his neighhor, who was
Quaker. Every night he would 60 soft
~ TO the crib aud 6ll bis bag with the
ears which the good old Qaaker's toll
had placed there. Every morning the
old gentleman Observed d.minution of
his corn plies. This was very annoying,
and must be siopped--but how Many
a one would have said, take gun, con
ceal yourself. wait tin he comes, and
ere Others would have said, catch
the villain and have him sent to JAIL
But the Quaker was not prepared to
enter into any such severe measures
lie wanted 60 punish the offender, and
at the same time bring about his reform
alton. if possible. so he fixed sort of
trap close to the hole, through which the
man would thrust his arm in getting the
corn.
The wicked neigbbor proceeded on
his uuholy crrand at the hour Of mid
night, with bag in hand. Uususpecting-
ly he thrust his band into the crib to
seize an ear, when 10 he found him
self unable TO withdraw It ln vain he
tugsed. and pulled, and sweoted, and
alternately cried and cursed. His hand
was fast aud every effort to release II
only made il She more secure. After
while the tumult in his breast measura-
bv subsidized. lie gave over his useless
struggles and began to look around All
was silence and repose. Good men were
slerping comfortably in their beds, while
he was compelled to keep a dreary, dis
graceful watch through the remainder OF
that long and tedious night his hand IN
constant pain from the pressure OF the
Iclamp which held IT, His tired limbs,
p Icompelled TO sustain his weary body,
would fain have sunk beneath him, aud
Ibis weary eyes would have closed IN
z slumber. bot 10 there was no rest, 20
sleep for him. There he must stand and
watch the progress Of the night, and he
b al once desired and dreaded the return
Of morning. Morning came at last, and
# The Quaker looked out Of his window
p and found he had Caught his man.
What was TO be done? Some would
s say. Go out and give him n good cow
Is hiding just ashe stands, and then release
" him that will cure him But not so,
D. said the Quaker. Such course would
have sent the man away embittered, and
y muttcring curses Of revenge. The good
y cid man hurried on lis clothes, and
u started al once to the relief and punish
% meut Of his prisoner.
t. Good morning, friend said he, as
ar be came in speaking distance. How
dost thnc dol
g The poor eulprit made no answer, but
si burst into tears.
'i % fcr said the Quaker, as he pro.
cseded 20 release him, I'm sorry that
g thee has got Thy hand fast. Thee put il
'r II the wrong place, or il would not have
2 been so.
10 The man looked crestfalIen, and beg
ID eiag forgiveness. hastily turned 10 make
ID his retreat. Stay said his persecutor
. fir he was now becoming such to the
ID offender. who could lave received a blow
Id with much better grace than the kint
Do words that were falling from the Quaker
lips stay, friend, thy bag is not filled
"a Thee needs corn. or thee would not hav'
ya taken 30 much pains TO get H. Come
I'd lei us fg it, And the poor fellow wa
obliged 10 stand and hold the bag Will
lie the old man flled il, interspeFsing the ex
,. ereises with the pleasaniest conversation
imag,nable--all of which were like dag
I'd GER in the heart Of the chagrined an
10 mortified victim. The bag was filed, ih
n string tied, and ihc sufferer hoped 500
"a 10 BE- ont of the presence Of his tormen
BE- tor, bat again Bis purpose was thwarteG
81 Say said lhe Quaker, as the ma
H.. was about to hurry %, having muttere
"a once more his apologies and thanks
49, Stay, Roth has breakfast ere this the
.as masi no, tlliak Of going without break
r.. fas,. Come, Ralh Is calling
Dee Thls was almost uncomfortable. Th
!. sas 'heapiag Goals with vengeance
IN IL vain ilie mortified neighbor pleade
% 10 be excused; IN yain be pleaded to b
IF released from what would be 70 him
"a punishmenf ten times more severe tina
~ stripes and imprisonment. The Quake
a. vas inexorable, aud he was obliged
yield.
Breakfast over, No ~, said the o
lhs farmer. 81 ile helped the victim to shou
M der the bog, Il thee needs any mo-
ar corn, eome n tie day time, and fhi