The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1860-09-14
General Mistellaau.
From the Watchman Re;iect0r.l
All Old Clergyman's Story,

by hearing the sound of an axe in the rear of
the house. was wondering who could be
there disturbing the almost Sabbath stillnes,
of the midsummer day, when Maria, the house
maid came to inform me that there was a
strange man at the woodpi!e, and to reaues,
that should go and see who it was.
looked from window and discovered an
addressed fellow cereiessl swinging the axe
and hacking here ard there stick in an un-
decided manner, with his head down, and his
face shaded by the brim of a very bad hat.
There was nothing in his staggering atti-
tude which thought recosnized; and it
was sometime before l could realize that in
those beggarl y habiliments !, saw the son Of
one of our most worthy and respected citi-
zens. stepped to the door.
Martin Lockwood" said l, "is it you ~
q suppose its me- he replied, giving the
axe reckless flourish with one hand, and
striking it into log. 81 thought Id cut a
little wood for you, by way Of amusement"
| made no answer, and he stood for mo-
ment, looking at anything except me,-roil-
ing quid in his cheek, and wiping the swea,
from beneath his hat-brim,-with an eviden,
attempt to keep up the old staggering man
ncr, while conscious shame was fast master
ing them
Il guess you are a little astonished at see
ING me, he said. after an awkward pause, re-
sumlns his hold of the axe handle, and lean
ins on it.
"les. Martin; am good deal as.onish-
ed -
"lvc way of astonishing folks. | aston
lsh myself a little. hardly know how
came here, but here am; If am not wei
come, Ill put off agaiu,-,he world is wide
I'm bound to live somewhere,-a man mus,
, live, YOU know
lie laughed at first but his voice grew
hard and bitter, and there was look of wild
ness and desperation in his eyes, as he pro.
cccded and | could perceive that the sham,
which covered him was being shaken and
luns away by rising and swelling passions.
"lou are welcome. Martin; come IN.
He flung down the axe, which he had
SraSpsd again with s.yage r,c!.lcssness. AM
followed NE, swinging his ..at. and takina
long strides through The hall. with hausht
ness defiant Of rags.
Il. had thought you came to see me
Martin, | should have welcomed YOU before
You have picked up new fashions in youl
travels; | am not used to Visitors that 60 t,
choppins at the wool.pile instead of knochn.
at the door. SIT down. Ill take YOU
hat"
lie sank slouchingly down upon a chair
but instead Of giving NE his hat, he sealed i
careless y into corner Of the room.
Il supposed | wouldn't be considered fit t,
enter decent man house" said he, crossin:
his legs with an arrogant bend of the neck
Il wouldn't knock and be refused. I've beer
something OF scamp and a good deal of
fool know that as well as any body Cali te.
me-
And You are sorrier Tor it thar you ar
wiling any one should think, said l.
There's no use in being sorry for wha
can't be helped"
"les there is,-yreat use in il, Martini
Repentance is the water tha, helps wash u
clean again, when We have been in the miro
: 10 pass over our errors with reckless an
desperate alr, as you are endeavoring to d
now, is to add toolishness to folly"
"Well. You are right there" said Mar,
frankly, penetrated by the Greet truthfulues
with which met him. 81 don't exactl
, know whether | am sorry, but, Ill tell yo,
sir, am furious when think what perfes
: fool have been-wiat disgrace 10 mysel
, what shame to hhy folks, who suppos
+ wont own me again, fool that | am p
= He snashed his teeth together, with an c,
| preston of remorse and convulsive pal
| which drew ne nearer to him than | coul
: get before. Hardened viliainy repe!s us; bl
: the moment the sinner softens, the momer
a renltence appears, our synpa;hies flow o,
4 IN hIn, oil tho (laorcr Il e
the great barrier of guilt which has kept L
t from him hitherto, but which We now fe,
: breaking away.
S 90, Martini said I, sis this indeed 70,
d the boy used to watch with such interest ;
), you grew up, hoping such great and goo
e things of you. o, Martin, where have yo
u been?'
Il Pity and tender affection gushed from n
t, heart, and prevented him from taking often.
S at anything might say. And l went O
S, picturing to him the promise of his boyhoo
X the love and expectation OF his friends, II
n noble and happy life he might have lived, al
e the darkly contrasting career of vice ar
e wre,chedness to which his youth had be,
e abandoned.
d Hisswaggering defiance was all gore, a,
d tears Of anguish and contrition ran down h
S, sun-burnt face.
o Il know it all know it ALL" he sal
f with sitting sobs. q have thought of hon
= until MY hear, yearns as if it would brea
But don't dare to go there. | can't bear
r have my sisters see me SOFT would kill n
mother. And my father will never forgi