Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-05-01
DOWN HILL-A LIFE PICTURE.

Not long since mad occasion to visit one of our
courts and while conversng with legal friend,
heard the name of John Anderson called.
There is hard case," remarked my friend.
looked upon the man in the prisoners dock
He was standing up, and plead guilty to the crime
of theft He was tall man, but bent and intrm,
though not old. His garb was torn, sparse, and
filthy his face was all boated and 5loodshot; his
hair matted with dirt, and his bowed form quivered
with delirium Certainly, never more pitia-
BILE object Surely, that man was not born villain.
moved my place to obtain fairer view of his face
He saw my movement and he turned his head. He
gazed upon me single instant, and then covering
his face with his hands, sank poweress into his seat
GOOD God! involuntarily CALCULATED, starting for
ward "Win"-
had half spoken his name, when he quickly
raised his head, and cast upon look of such
imploring agony that my tongue tied at once.
Then he covered his face again. / asked nv legal
companion if the prisoner had counsel. He said no.
then told him to do all in his power for the poor
fellows benefit, and would pay him. He promised,
and left. | could not remain and see that man
tried Tears came to my eyes as gazed upon him,
and it not until gained the street and walked
some distance that | could breathe freely.
John Anderson! Alas! he ashamed to be
known as his mothers son. That not his real
name; but you shall know him by other. | will
call him by the name that stands upon the records
of the court
John Anderson my schoolmate, and it
not many years ago-not over twenty-that we left
our academy together; he to return to the home of
wealthy parents, to sit down for few years in the
dingy sanctum of newspaper office, and then wan
der off across the ocean l was gone some four
years. and when returned found John married
man. His father was dead, and had left his only
son princely fortune.
"And c." he said to me, as he met me at rail-
way station "you shall see what bird have Gagged
My Ellen is lark, robin, very princess of all
birds that ever looked beautiful or sang sweetly."
He was enthusiastic, but not mistaken; for
found his wife all he had said, simply emitting the
poetry She was one of the most beautiful women
ever saw. And so good, too; so loving and kind.
Ay, she so loved John that she really loved all his
friends. What lucky fellow to find such wife, and
what lucky woman to find such q husband; for
John Anderson was as handsome as she TALL
straight manly hgh-browed, with rich chesnut
curs and face as faultesslv noble and beautiful
artist ever copied. And he good too, and kind,
generous, and true.
spent week with them, and I was happy all
the while. Johns mother lived with them, fine
old lady as ever breathed, and making herself con-
slant joy by dotng on her darling boy" as she
always called him. / gave her an account of my
adventures by sea and land in foreign climes, and
she kissed me because loved her darling.
did not see John again for four years. In the
evening reached his house. He was not in but
his wife and mother were there to receive me, and
lhO curly neaueQ OOyS were dL play douuI EheH .
chair. knew at once they were my friends chill
dren. Everything seemed pleasant until the little
ones abed and asleep, and then | could see
that Ellen troubled She tried to hide it, but a
face used to the sunshine of smiles could not
ceal a cloud
At length John came. His face was flushed and
his eyes looked infamed. He grasped my hand
with happy laugh, called me "old fellow" "old
dog" said must come and live with him, and many
other extravagant things. His wife tried to hide
her tears while his mother shook her head and said
"He will sow these wild oats soon My darling
never can be bad man."
"God grant it!" thought to myself; and knew
that the same prayer was upon Ellen's lips.
1t was late when he retired and we might not
have done so even then had not John fallen asleep
In his chair.
On the following morning l walked out with my
friend. told him was sorry to see him as saw
him the night before. .. --'-
"Oh," said he with laugh, "oh, that was moth
ing, only little wine party. We had glorious
time. wish you had been there"
At first thought would say no more, but was
1t not my duty? knew his nature better than he
knew himself His appetites and pleasures bound
ed his own vision. / knew how kind and generous
ne was-alas too kind too generous.
John, could you have seen Elen's face last even-
Ing, you would have trembled Can you make her
unhappy| ..s
He stopped me with-"Don't be a fool; why
should she be unhappy T' .s.-, s.-. '.r.. :
Because she fears you are going do1on hail."
told him.