The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1859-02-24
three years no small portion of the mill.
tary tract came into his possession.

age, he gave him deed of the principal
part of this land in Illinois, and insisted
that he should GO out and sec it. and il
he liked the country, settle there. Wish
ing him to become identified with the
people, he recommended his son to lay
aside his broadcloth, and dress like a
backwoodsman. 1njcompliance with the
suggestion, the young man had assumed
a rude and rustic dress, Sc inappropriate
to his appearance and manners as to ex-
cite some suspicion that he had motives
for concealing his real character.
On the morning of his sons departure,
Mr.. Wilson received letter from man
in Illinois, who had frequently written.
He wished to purchase certain section
at government price, which Mr.. Wilson
promised he should have on these terms,
provided that he forwarded certificate
from the Judge of the Circuit Court that
the land was worth no more. The letter
just received inclosed the certificate in
question. MIR. Wilson had given this
tract to Charles, and putting the letter
and certificate into his hand, enjoined
upon him to deed it to the writer, ac-
cording to promise, upon his arrival in
Illinois.
The remarks of Mr.. Davis forcibly re-
minded young Wilson of this incident,
and on the next morning after he had
become acquainted with the plan of
Crosby, with a trembling hand he ex-
amined the letter and certificate. 1t was
written by Crosby, and the land he
wished to purchase was the identical
farm of Davis.
Astonished that his friend the Judge
should certify that the land was worth no
more, Mr.. Davis asked to see the certif-
cate (; and after moments examination,
unhesitatingly pronounced its signature
forgery.
An explanation from the young man
now became necessary, and calling Lucy
into the room, he told them his story,
and laid before them a pile of patents
and bank notes, one after anothar, till the
pile 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 en-
tered.
His air was that Of a man who has an
enemy in his power. and intends to tram
pie upon him. He scarce noticed young
Wilson except with look of contempt.
After pouring out all his maledictions
upon the family, the old man inquired if
he would give nothing for the improve
ments made. The answer was "Not
cent"
"You certainly would not" said Will
son, "drive out this man and his daugh-
ter penniless into the world %
"What's that to you ?" replied Cros-
by, with look of malice and contempt.
II will answer that question:" said
Wilson, and he acquainted him with
what the reader has already learned.
Crosby was at first petrifed with as
tenishment, but when he saw that all his
schemes Of villainy were defeated, and
proof of his having committed forgery
could be established, his assurance for
sock 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
the application.
Wilson told him that he deserved no
mercy. That a moment since he would
have driven the family of Davis from
their home. without even means OF a
temporary support. He would pay Cros-
by fair price for his property, and for
bear prosecuting him Oh condition of his
instantly leaving the country.
Crosby accepted the offer. The writ
ings were made out 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 splendid mansion soon rose on
the farm of Mr.. Davis, both love far bet
ter the little room where she had so anx-
iously watched over the sick bed of the
houseless stranger. Mr.. Wilson was rich
but never forgot those who were in want.
Cheered by the kind and affectionate
attentions of his children, Simon Davis
almost seemed to have renewed his ex-
istence.
He lived many years, and long enough
to tell the bright-eyed son of Lucy and
Charles the story of the forged deed