Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1859-07-08


interposition of persons brought to the
spot by the report of the pistol, Aims
ley was arrested, tried, and acquitted on
the plea of insanity. The daughter and
her husband returned to Connecticut.
since which time the father had not heard
from them. He was sent to a lunatic
asylum, from which he was dismissed
after remaining six months. In 1851 he
came to California He had followed
mining for two years, but finding his
strength unequal to the pursuit, returned
to this city, purchased handcart, and.
the rest is known. Since them" con-
clueed the old man, bowling his face in
his hands in agony, 81 have not tasted
liquor, nor have | seen my poor child. "
| regretted that | had been SO nquisitiye,
and expressed to the sufferer the sympa-
thy | 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, DRILLING day in the De-
cember 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 wish
ing to accompany the carrier, he had Sc
lected 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
trying struggle with the steep ascent of
California street, reached his destination
aid deposited the table in the hall l.
Lingering a moment, the lady did not
seem to surmise the reason, until he DO
litely informed her that her husband (for
such he took him to be) had probably by
accident neglected to settle for the cart.
age. Very well; l will pay YOU" said
the lady, stepping into an adjoining
room. She returned, and stating that
she had no small coin in the house, hand
ed the old man a twenty dollar piece
lie could not make the change. "Nev-
or mind will call tomorrow, said
he, turning to go. "No, MOI" replied
the lady, glancing pityingly at his white
locks ana trembling limbs; Il will not
permit you to put yourself to so much
troubles" 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 neighberhood
" Step into the parlor until the girl
returns; the air is chilly. and you must
Re cold" continued the lady, kindly
Come" she added. as he looked at
his rough attire and hesitated, there is
a good fire in the CRATE, and no one there
but the children"
=" 1t 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, "for | fear Bridget will not sue
coed in getting the twenty changed"
" Come here. little one," said the old
man, holding out his hands coaxingly to
the younger of the two children girl
about six years of age Come, love
little children" and the child who had
been watching him with curiosity from
behind the large armchair, hesitatingly
approached.
"What is your name, dear ?" inquired
the cartman.
" Maria" lisped the little one.
" Mara| he repeated, while the great
tears gathered in his eyes; II once had
little girl named Maria, and you look
very much as she did"
-" Did you?" inquired the girl, with
interest; land was her name Marin
Eastman, too? 2"
=" Merciful God w exclaimed the old
man, starting from his chair, and again
dropping into it with his head bowed
upon his breast. This cannot be and
yet why otp He caught the child in
his arms with an eagerness that frigbten-
cd her, and gazing into her face until he
found conviction there, suddenly rose to
leave the house. II cannot meet her
without betraying myself, and I dare not
tell her | am that drunken father who
once attempted to take her life, and per-
haps left her husband a cripple" he
groaned, as he hurried towards the door.
The little ones were bewldered
" You are not going?' said the mo-
ther, at that moment reappearng, and
discovering the old man in the act of
passing into the hall
He stopped, and partly turned his face,
but seemed to lack the resolution 10 do
aught else. a" lie said he had little
Maria once that looked Just like me,
mother" shouted the child, her eyes
sparkling with delight.
The knees Of the old cartman trcm-
blcd, and he leaned against the door for
support. The lady sprang towards him,
and taking him by the arm, attempted to
conduct him to chair.
No, no" he exclaimed; mot till
you tell me | AN forgiven"
Forgiven for what ?" replied the
mother in alarm.
E" Recognize in me your wretched ia.
ther, and need not tell YOU" he fall
tered.
my poor father y she cried, throw
ing her arms around his neck; ''all is
forgiven--all forgotten!'
All was forgiven, and the husband, |
when he returned late 10 the afternoon, |
was scarcely less rejoiced than bis good
wife at the discovery. Whether or not
Bridget succeeded in changing the eagle,
/ never learned but this do know-it
took the honest female all Of two moths
TO unrayel the knot iuto which tue do