Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1859-07-16
M.tstelianeous
THE PRISONERS GUEST.

'hN ohhNS aSN .
said a tired, treu bling voice.
The company Of urchins playing on the out
skirts Of Auburn, paused, and the largest of them
answered you see whar that old engines a
putin, don't you-wall, its right across the road"
"Hosql SEQ the great high walls in a minute"
said another.
"And you'll see the men walking on 'em, With
their guns chimed in q third ''better walk
straighter'n than that, or they'll int to you"
The mo,herless looking group went on teasing
q poor, three-footed mas,if, and the little heated
traveller drew his form up more erect, and hurried
Cd. r.t.... .t -. t..- t.... ....t ttI.r
He stood by the gate. "will you please to let
me come in, cir 7 INV fathers here"
The gate-keeper looked Up from bis toll. lifted
his hat deliberately, wiped the moisture from his
face, and pocketing his handkerchief. advanced
slowly, turned the key, and admitted the boy.
lie passed up the stone steps into the reception
hall. Presently the chaplain entered.
my fathers here, and l would like to see
him, (" said the child, hardly knowing whether to
hope or fear. il
'How long has be been here 7"
"This is the second year." and the child's lip
quivered. His questioner hesitated. "They said
father stole some horses, and then took him to
prison but mother don't think he did, and the
blue eyes glistened with earnest trusting faith.
':What is his name, my little fellow ?" and Mr..
Mann took the mail hand on the settee-arm in
his own.
"Charles Winfield"
what kind of o looking man is-or was
hef
'He was real good-looking-had black eyes and
white teeth, and nice whiskers-he used to buy
me pretty primers, and let me drive the horses,
and o great many things my name is Charles,
too, though most ever body calls me Charley"
"And you are lonesome without your father ?"
Charley essayed to answer, but something in
his throat bindered. -.
"You shall see him ia about an hour" said Mr..
Mann, who for a while sat lost IN thought.
lie knew Charles Winfield well--he had known
him years before. In early youth they had been
for nearly a year room-mates in the Seminary at
=. They parted as Freshmen, cherish
ing high hopes and bright anticipations. Ten
years passed, and they met as prisoner and chap
lain by the grace of God l am what l am" was
Mr.. Mann's mental exclamation, as he met and
recognized his early friend.
Winfield was hasty and impulsive, but good
hearted, intelligent and handsome evil associates
and a comfortable fortune proved his ruin.
Tha. morning Mr.. Mann had visited Winfeld's
cell, for he was ust recovering from an attempt to
end his life.
That afternoon he was sgain put to work. Mr..
Mann sought the carpet-factory, the department
10 which Mr., Winfield labored.
"How does he appear 2" said Mr.. Mann, advanc.
ing to the keepers stand.
"Well," said the smooth parsonage, relieving
his face of its quid-encumberance, "he wants a
torable stiff hand-but then, there's more man
than animal about him, and the mans the part to
touch some you see'l bend like q young hickory
and some'll break frst-it wants a pretty good
Judge of human natur' to deal with 'em y and
the self satisfied air of the speaker ignored all &C.
quain,ance with bad management on his part.
'His mind is in q very critical state just now
be careful and not irritate him, " said Mr.. Mani
by way OF a final. -
The signal for closing sounded.
The prisoners defled in at the lower stone door
Winfield reached hesitatingly for his ratio ofmus
and molasses he had eaten nothing since morr
ing, but hunger was only a drop in his cup of mi,
cry. That day, in bitterness and blindness, tn
prisoner had cursed his God. That day the spiri
within had cbafed and fretted like a trenzied den
on.
Winfield paid no heed to the knock al his dool
The slide was moved. "Mr. Winfield, we " ant
come in-there's a little fellow out here has
claim upon you" He started "a claim to max
you more miserable" said a voice in his heart.
They turned the key, and the door swung hea,
lily in. Pale and haggard sat the prisoner on hi
cot-his evening meal untasted. He looked u
wildly.
"Charley !"
'Father, father, is it you
The chaplain and his attendant drew bacl
The passionate hold of the parent relaxed SON
words were spoken. Charley forgot the cell ar
striped apparel-his blue eyes lit up with joy
had found his father Finally the husband four
voice to say, How is your mother, Charley ?
does she ever say anything about me-" be VIII
pered, ~clasping the child closer to his bosom.
20, she cries SO much" said Charley "and s
prays every night for you've all 60, too, thou
little Fannie, she can't pray much-all that 6
can say is. God please let my papa come home
and for a moment, Charley seemed to plume hi
self with superior attainments. "We 60 to me
ing every Sabbath since mothers Joined the chur
and | go to Sabbath school" continued Charley.
For SONS minutes Mr.. Winfield did not spea
"Who came with you Charley ?" was the gu,
tion mechanically put.
81 came all alcne-this morning. Uncle Jam
took mother over to his house, to stay till tom,
row night. and l was going to granepa's-th
didn't expect me, SO i thought I'd come out be
Il wanted to see you 50 bad, father ?" and CHI
Icy laid back his head on the thin shoulder, a
stroked the pale cheeks fondly. 58E&
"You have to wear this coat Sunday 7" ash
Charley. twirling his finger in the button-hc
Smother has made me one out of your green's
it has real pretty buttons on, too-Fannie's
q new red dress and cape, and a little white b
net she wears, and she will carry mas hymn-bo
and hold it open when they sing. How m,
longer before you can come home, father 7" asl