Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-02-28
g Selettel Shiny,
TIE STONE-MASON.
BY WM. HENRY PECK

A few years ago, in New York, and after
the sun had set in the month Of June, a
young and honest-hearted stone-masou was
returning homewards 10 the upper part of
the city; walking slowly, as one much wear
ied,with day-long toll; but with an eye, front
and step that showed his native. born wealth
of heart and mind He had u bold and
handsome manliness of face and air that
seemed moreproud of the great sweat. drops
standing upon his barred brow, all stained
with stonc.dust, than if they had been dia-
monds set in gold; and the CLEAN of his
clear, brown eyes was as steady and obser-
want as an cagle's He carried his coat up
on his arm, and, cap in hand, sowly pursued
his way, regardless of the clouds of dust
often driven into his face, by the rising even.
ing breeze, as some exquisite dashed by in
the stylish vehicle, to partake Of the pleas.
ures of the Bloomingdale road and if he,
for moment, turned his glance upon the
dandy, or the purse proud man of money,
it was not to envy or esteem the human,
but to admire the animal forced to admins
ter to his pleasures; though at times as some
well.known and praise worthy person, in the
enjoyment of the riches gained by patience,
industry, and honesty, rolled by in the even
ing drive, George Useted's manly face
would smile his approval, and his lips MUIR
mur his favorite motto: " Time, Faith,
and Energy" lie was as l and I may
be as rich and esteemed as he." And grasp
ing his heavy hammer in his strong right
hand, he drew himself more erect, and for.
got the fierce struggle of the sons of toll,
for food and home, in this crowded city.
Thinking of the future, and much toe Of
the present, his attention was suddenly fixed
upon carriage hurried towards him by
two frightened and unmanageable horses,
as they snapped the reins in the terrified
clutch of the driver, and dashed furiously
along the avenue at fearful speed.
1t was an open carriage, and George could
almost see the ashy pallor of mortal terror
whiten the faces of its inmates who, besides
the liveried driver, consisted of an elderly
gentleman, a young lady, apparently his
daughter, and fashily dressed young man.
He had not time to follow his first im-
pulse, which was to throw himself before
the maddened animals, for they were hurl-
ing by, straight as an arrows flight and al
most as fleet, towards newly excavated eel
lar, deep and rock. pointed, when he hurled
his massive hammer, with an aim so true
and strength so great, that the iron head
smote the skull of the nearer horse, and,
crushing deep into the brain, laid him dead
within few feet of the rocky pit.
The weight of the dead animal checked
the other, until George Useted had sprung
tc the bit.
acct out" he exclaimed, "or this horse
may yet drag you into the pit"
His advice was hastily followed by the
inmates of the vehicle; the young lady say
ing, as her feet touched the ground:
awe owe our lives to your courage, sir,
and cannot be too grateful" at the same
time offering her hand.
~ would take the pledge with great pleas
ure," said George, with frank smile, as
he glanced from the tiny-gloved palm to
the lovely face of the owner; "but this
brute is ready to dash away in an instant,
and will surely plunge into the cellar"
A few moments suficed to calm the ami
NAL and, as the party stood viewing the
narrow escape from painful and bloody
death, the elder gentleman said:
"My daughter speaks truly, young man.
We owe our lives to you. May | ask your
name? Anything that we can do in re-
81 ask nothing in return, Mr.. Wheaton,
and my name is small matter. [ am am.
ply rewarded in being the means by Hea.
yen's desire, to save you from an ugly fall"