Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-04-20

T certain section at government price, which
| Mr.. Wilson promised he should have the
terms provided he forwarded a certificate from
the judge of the circuit court that the land was
worth no more. The letter just received in.
| closed the certificate in question. Mr.. Wilson
| had given this tract to Charles, and, putting
| the letter and certificate into his hand, enjoin-
| ed upon him to deed it to the writer, accord
! ing to promise, upon his arrival in Illinois.
The remarks of Mr.. Davis forcibly reminded
! young Wilson Of this incident, and on the next
| morning after he had become acquainted with
| the plan of Crosby, with trembling hand he
| examined the letter and certificate. 1t was
| written by Crosby, and the land he wished to
purchase, the IDENTICAL farm of Davis. Aston
shed that his friend the judge should certify
that the land was worth ne more, Mr.. Davis
asked to see the certificate, and after mo-
ment's examination, unhesitatngly pronounc-
ed its signature forgery. An explanation
from the young man now became necessary land,
calling Lucy into the room, he told them his
story, and laid before them pile of patents
and benk notes, one after another. till the sum
reached thousands. 1t was day of thankful
happiness to Simon Davis and his daughter,
and not less so to young Wilson.
Not long after this scene, Crosby entered.
His air was that of man who has an enemy
in his power. and intends to trample upon him.
He scarce noticed young Wilson, except with
look of contempt After pouring out all of
his maledctions upon the family, the old man
inquired if he would give nothing for improve
Inents made. The answer was, Not one cent
sSYou certainly would not,'' said Wilson,
ssdrive out this man and his daughter penni-
less into the world ?''
s'What's that to you ?'' replied Crosby, with
a look of malice and contempt.
ssI will answer that question: said Wilson,
and he acquainted him with what the reader
has already learnt.
Crosby was at first petrified with astonSh-
ment, but when he saw that all his schemes of
vilany were defeated, and proof OF his having
committed a forgery could be established, his
assurance forsook him, and he threw himself
upon his knees, and begged first the old man,
then Lucy and Wilson to spare him. Much
as they pItied, it was impossible for them not
to despise the meanness of this application.
Wilson told him that he deserved no mercy
that moment since he would have driven the
family of Davis from their home without even
means of temporary support. He would pay
Crosby fair price for his property, and Tor
bear prosecuting him on condition of his in
stantly quitting the country. Crosby accept
ed the offer. The writings were made on that
day, and before morning he and his family
were on their way to Texas.
Why should spin out the narrative. Lucy
and Charles were married, and though splen-
did mansion soon rose upon the farm of Mr..
Davis, both loved far better the little room
where she had so anxiously watched over the
sick bed of the housetess stranger. Mr.. Will
son was rich, but never forgot those who were
in want. Cheercd by the kind and affection
ate attentions of his children, Simon Davis al
most seemed to have renewed his existence.
He lived many years, and long enough to tell
the brighteyed son of Charles and Lucy the
story of the forged deed. And when he told
the listening boy how his father, when poor
and friendless, was taken home and kindly
treated. and in turn became their benefactor,
he impressed upon the mind of his grand
child that even cup of cold water, given
from good motive, shall not lose its reward