The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1859-09-28


hotel where they were stopping, attacked
the husband, wounding him in the arm
with pistol shot, and then attempting
the life Of his daughter, who happily es
capped uninjured through the interpositiol
of persons brought 20 the spot by the re
port of the pistol. Ainsley was arrested
tried and acquitted on the plea of insani
| ty. The daughter and her husband re-
turned to Connecticut, since which time
the father had not heard from them. Ht
was sent to lunatie asylum, from which
he was dismissed after remaining sis
months. In 1851 he came to California
He had followed mining for two years
but finding his strength unequal 10 the
pursuit, returned TO the city, purchased O
hand cart, and--the rest is known.
"Sinee them" concluded the old man,
bowing his face in his hands in agony, a
have not tasted liquor, nor have l seen
my child"
/ regretted that / had been so inquisi-
tive, and expressed TO the sufferer the
sympathy / really felt for him. After
that seldom passed the corner without
looking for Pap Ainsley, and never saw
him but to think Of the sad story he had
told me.
One chilly, drizzly day in the December
following, a gentleman having purchased
small marble-top table at an auction
room opposite, proffered to the old man
the job of conveying it to his residence,
on Stockton street. Not wishing to ac-
company the carrier, he had selected the
face, probably giving the best assurance
of the careful delivery of the purchase.
Furnished with the number of the
house the old cartman, after pretty try
ing struggle with the steep ascent of Cal
ifornia street, reached his destination, and
deposited the table in the hall. Linger-
ing moment, the lady did not surmise
the reason, until he politely informed her
that her husband (for such he took him
to be) had probably by accident neglected
to pay for the cartage.
very well, will pay you," said the
lady, stepping into an adjoining room.
She returned and stating that she had no
small change in the house, handed the
man twenty dollar piece.
He could not make the change, and
turning to 60, said:
"Neyer mind, will call tomorrow"
No, mop replied the lady, glancing
piteously at his white locks and trembling
limbs; I" | will not put you to so much
trouble" and she handed the coin to
Bridget, with instructions to see if she
could get it changed at one Of the stores
or markets in the neighborhood.
Step in the parlor until the girl re-
turns; the air is chilly, and you must be
cold" continued the lady, kindly; "come,"
she added as he looked at his attire and
hesitated, +" there is fire in the crate,
and no one there but the children"
:" IL is somewhat chilly" replied the
old man following her into the parlor, and
taking seat near the fire.
Perhaps / may find some silver in
the house," said the lady leaving the room,
I" for l fear that Bridget will not succeed
in getting the piece changed" 4
Come-I love little children" and
the child who had been watching him
with curiosity from behind the large arm
chair, very hesitatingly approached.
What is your name, dear! 2" inquired
the cartman.
"Maria."
maria! !" he repeated, while the great
tears gathered in his eyes; Il once had
a little girl named Maria, and you look
very much as she did,"
"Did your" inquired the child with
much interest, :, and was her name Maria
Eastman toog"
"Merciful Godw exclaimed the old
man starting from his chair and dropping
into it with his head bowed on his breast.
"This cannot be, and yet, why not?"
He caught the child in his arms with
an eagerness that frightened her, and gaz-
ing into her face until he found conviction
there, suddenly rose to leave the,house
L cannot meet her without betraying
myself and dare not tell her that l am
that drunken father who once attempted
to take her life, and perhaps left her hus-
band a cripple" he groaned, as he hur-
ried towards the door.
You are not goingw said the moth.
er, re-appeariug, and seeing the old man
in the act of passing into the hall.
He stopped and apparently turned his
face, but seemed to lack the resolution to
do ought else.
He said he had little Maria once
that looked just like me, Motherp p shout
ed the child, her eyes sparkling with do
light.
The knees of the old cartman trembled
and he leaned against the door for support
The lady sprang towards him and at
tempted 10 conduct him to chair.
"No, mop he exclaimed, "not till you
tell me l am forgiven"
"Forgivcnl forgivenl For what" re-
piled the mother.
Recognize in me your wretched faith
err, and need not tell you."
"My poor fatherp she cried, throwing