Meigs County telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy [Ohio]) 1848-1859, 1858-10-26

was ten. nen my ihoChei uiou, ""u
the town gave me to Peter Gooch. Gooch
has called me Drunkard's Brat!" The
boy quivered as he spoke this, but added
quickly: "My father was drunkard, sir;
but was not to blame. Oh when Mr..
Gooch called me that, and for nothing, too,
| have felt that could kill him!'
Martin Mabury, for such was the boys
name, had not exaggerated at all. lie had
suffered much--more than he could tell
from the hands Of the imperious, hard
hearted, passionate master he had served.
He had borne it meekly at first, but when
his passions got the mastery of his Judg-
ment, he laid himself open 10 new trials.
1t was some time after Martin had ceased
EIeaking ere the other replied; but finally
Ii g spoke, and tears again came to his eyes,
and his voice was more tremulous than
before:
boy, you are going out friendless into
the great world"
Eyes, sir" was the answer, slow and
thoughtlully.
"And you hope 10 carve out for your
self fortune?"
81 should like to, SIR"
"But, at least, you wish to find JOY anc
PEACE"
eyes, sir--I do" This was spoken
quickly and earnestly.
"Then listen to me-" the old man con-
tinued, with an expression of kindness
which was not to be mistaken, "and will
tell you the simple story of life which
may profit you. was once boy like
yourself, though now the frosts and SHOWS
Of four-score winters are upon me. L was
happy once-but, all that was long ago.
The first cloud of my own calling-up that
arose upon the bright day of youth was
the desire of Revenge. l had been
wronged more deeply than you have been;
and l was older than yon are, too SO |
must have felt it full as keenly. l vowed
to be revenged, and l was revenged. But
oh, God! revenged upon myself Upon
myself say. The moment cherised
settled enmity which looked to revenge for
its consummation, that moment my peace
of mind left me--that moment demon
entered my heart that robbed me Of every
10y. Once-I was in the church yard
still, small voice whispered, FORGIVE ?
but smothered i'll would not listen
Had | listened then what years of agony,
and what weight Of sorrows, might have
been spared. But no--I would have re-
veuge--and have had it!'
The narrator stopped here and bowed
his head. A shudder passed quickly over
him, and, as if anxious to shut Out the sad
memory as soon as possible, he imme-
diately resumed: my, boy, for over
sixty long years, not day has passed that
| have not wished that had listened to
that voice in the church-yard. l had ru-
ined one who had given me a home
saw
But never mind, I can tell you no more
now. You see an old man going back to
his native village to ask those who are left
of the kindred of the man upon whom
this vengeance fell to forgive him. Need
say more? If you hold thought of ven
geance, let it be banished at once
Here the old man casped his hands anc
raised them toward heaven, with u sudder
burst of energy, he cried: ...
'Oh Great God, spare him from the
Demon
Martin began to cry again. but it wa
oily for few moments, and when hi
eyes were dry he looked u, and placed hi
hand within that Of his companion.
THANK you,' he said.
Need | say more"
No, no.
And can you forgive Peter Gooch
yes
Good. And now WHITTIER will you GO
TO the city
Have you money:
"A little And as the boy spoke h
took out an old leather purse and showe
three half dollars and few shillings
| smaller coin
= is that all?'
All have in the world in money, sir
' Let me lend you some. 1t is but II
, tle--here.'
; The old man handed forth half-eagl
I Martin hesitated at first but he knew IL
value of money at such time, and !
Y finally took it.
Where will 1 find you to pay tn
s back?'
J.. If you find me at all, it will be !
e Dayville.'
+ 'What-the place 1 am leaving?'
d Yes
:, And your name?'
Adam Blake
v Martin had a faint recollection of ha
l. ing heard such name, but he could n
call it clearly to mind.
10 And they separated. One said 'Ble
d you, sir!' And the other said God qua
<. and keep you!'
ID And when Martin Mabury had walk
ip a short distance, he stopped and clasp
t, his hands.
ht Peter Gooch,' lie cried 4 have fc
given you, yet hope to be revenged /!
" When Martin reached the city he h
= resolved to perform any honorable lab
| for which he could obtain pay. On
as secVnG day of his stop in the great to-
he called at provision store. The owl
es liked his appearance, and, having hea
e. his story, hired him TO carry baskets, a
| perform errands generally. A son of
re dealer, who had been doing this Wol
ri went with Martin week TO familiarze hi