Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1860-01-19

~ ~ 'nS.Si VIZ" JOu! pun
sued Mr.. Clark.
" Yes, sir, was; but had nothing to
do with that-not thing"
But you stood by and laughed to- G
it done"
" | couldn't help laughing, sir"
" | am sorry, Nathan, that you should
have thus helped the evil disposed ones
in their work. You needn't look so won,
derfully at me. for | mean just what |
say. These wicked rakes ask for no 9th
err pleasure but to cause poor people pain,
and make their companions laugh. Any
thing at which you would laugh they
would do. Now, cannot conceive OF a
meaner or more niggardly act than that
Had they come and torn down my fence
it would not have been half so criminal,
morally speaking, for Eastman is poor,
ard must feel such loss very much"
know it was mean trick. and
would not join them in it," said Nathan.
" But you stood by and saw them do it. ;"
" Yes, sir; because | didn't want to
come home alone"
g understand it, Nathan; and let me
assure you that the best way to avoid
coming home alone is never to go in com
pany with any one who may do that of
which you may be ashamed. Just as sure
as you continue in this way, and to be
seen in that company, just so sure you
will be judged with them. Now I am
going to give you bit of information
Only yesterday a gentleman asked me
what kind of young man that Nathan
Wilder was. OF course told him YOU
were good youth, and asked him what
he meant. He then informed me that
you were with the party who tore down
Eastman S fence, and did other things of
equal sin and shame. lie did not know
that you lived in my family, and he only
asked for information, as he had seen YOU
often, and supposed you to be fine young
man. | hope you will not go out this
evening"
"Of course l shall not if you do not
wish it,"
But do you wish to go?'
The youth hesitated. The fact was, he
had been anticipating the sport for days,
and he could not Immediately give it up.
Cooper is going" he said, after some
moments thought.
Joseph do you mean p
Y es sir.
. am sorry for it, then, for Joseph
Cooper know is a kind, generous, hon
est youth, and he ought not thus to ruin
his reputation You look surprised, but
| speak the truth. No man, be he ever
so pure, can associate long with evil COM
panions without losing his standing
among respectable people. Why, you
are looked upon by some as having had
hand in the mischief of which | have
spoken.
" But the people who know me would
know BETTER" uttered Nathan quite con-
idently.
How could they know better? You
seek those evil companions. and are pres
ent at their evil work. You know who
pulled down Eastman's fence of course.
| don't mean to ask you who did it, but
| say you know"
Yes, sir, | do"
"And were you asked who did it,
would not tell p
OF course not. | would not expose
companion
" So | supposed. And now look at it.
You We're in the company-one of tile
party; the party did certain deeds, and
you must bear your share of the blame
But let this pass. You know that those
young men with whom you would associ-
ate are evil disposed; and You know, too,
that if they go over to MacWaynes to
night they will be up to some sort Of
mischief. | think [ have said enough to
enable you to understand the rest. Now
you may spend the evening with Mabel,
or you may go over to tie back village,
just as you choose"
Nathan Wilder started as he heard
these words, but before he could make
any reply his master was gone. But he
was not long left alone, for in moment
more a bright eyed lovely girl, of nine
teen summers came tipping into the room
She was Mr.. Clark only child. Long
had the youth loved that fair girl, and he
knew she loved him in return; Tat he had
not yet had the courage to mention the
subject to his master, for he was only an
apprentice now, though a few short
months would get him free. But strange
hope started up in his bosom now. Those
last words of her parent, and the peculiar
tone in which they were spoken, and the
look which accompanied them, mt aat
something.
Are you going out this evening = the
girl asked.
No." he promptly answered.
+" Good. | shall have company, For
father and mother are both going out to
spend the evening"
half an hour afterwards Joseph Coop
err called for Nathan to accompany hiln,
but his mission was fruitleSs. He urged
aud urged, but Nathan said No"
Never again on any such scrapes, and
| advise you to follow my plan.'
Cooper at length found that the boy
was in earnest, and, with a derisive laugh
he went his way.
No necd NOT toll how Nathan eaapt