Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-01-29
GOING WIN HILL.
A LIPE PICTUR

Not long since had occasion to visit one of
our courts and while conversing with a legal
friend, heard the name of John Anderson
called.
eThere is hard case,'' remarked my friend.
| looked upon the man in the prisoners dock
He was standing up and pleaded guilty to the
crime of theft. He was tall man, bent and
infirm, though not old. His garb was torn,
sparse and filthy his face was all blooted and
bloodshot; hair matted with dirt, and his
bowed form quivering with delirium. Ger
tainly / never saw q more pitiable object.
Surely that man was not born william.
moved my place so as to obtain a fairer
view of his face. He gazed upon me a single
instant, and then covering his lace with his
hands, he sank powerless Into his seat.
"Good God - l nvoluntarily calculated
starting forward, "Wil-''
1 had half spoken his name, when he quick
ly raised his head, and cast at me such "a look
OF agony, that my tongue was tied at once.
Then he covered his face again.
asked my legal companion if the prisoner
had counsel. then told him to do all in his
pow Ut for the poor fellows benefit and l would
pay him. He promised and left. l cou Id
not smaIn and see the man tried tears came
into my eyes as gazed upon him, and it was
not u til gained the street and walked some
distance, that could breathe freely.
Johr Anderson Alas he was ashamed to
he known as his mothers son. That was not
his real name, but you shall know him by no
other. will call him by the name that stands
upon tht record of the court.
John Anderson was my school mate, and it
vas not many years ago-not over 20-that we
lett our Academy together; he to return to
the home Of his wealthy parents, to sit down
Tor few years in dingy sanctum of news
paper off e, and then wander Oft across the
ocean. | VAS gone some four years, and when
I returned | found John was married man.
His father was dead and left John princely
fortune.
"And c. he said 10 me as we met at
railroad station,' you shall see what bird L
have Gagged. My Ellen is a lark, a robin, a
very princess of all birds that ever looked
beautiful or sang sweetly.''
He was enthusiastic, but not mistaken for
found his wife all that he had said, simply
Omitting, the poetry. She one OF the
most beautiful women | ever saw. And SO
good, too, SO loving, so kind. Aye she so
loved John that she really loved all his friends.
What lucky woman to find such a husband.
John Anderson was as handsome as She
tall, straight. manly, high browed, with ches-
nut curls, and face as faultlessly noble and
beautiful as art ever copied. And he was
good, too, kind, generous and true.
l spent week with them and was happy
al the while. Johns mother lived with them,
a fine old Lady as ever breathed and making
herself constantly joyful by doting on her dar-
ling boy, as she always called him. | gave
her an account of my adventures by land and
10y sea in foreign countries, and she kissed me
because loved her darling.
did not see John again for four years. In
dhe evening reached his house. He was not
III but his wife and mother were there to re-
ceive me-, and two curly headed boys were at
play about Ellen's chair. knew at once they
w"re my friends children. Everything SEEM
ed pleasant until the little ones were abed and
asleep and then could see that Ellen was
troubled. She tried to hide it, but face so
used to sunshine of smiles could not conceal
cloud.
At length John came. His faee was flushed
anu his eyes looked inflamed. He grasped
my haud with happy laugh, calling me sold
ieilo"," sold dog" said l must come and
n1e with them, and many other extravagant
,nings. His wife tried to hide her tears, while
MS mother shook her head and said:
>. "He'll sow these wild oats soon. Ny dar-
ing could never be bad man.''
'God grant it,'' thought to myself, and
hnew that the same was upon Ellen's lips.
IL was late when we retired and we might
,Hot have done so even then, had no John fallen
asleep on his chair.
on the following morning l walked ont with
my friend. l told him was sorry to see him
as saw him the night before.
"Oh," he said with laugh, ssoh, that was
Hothing, only a little wine party. We had a
glorious time. L wish you had been there.''
AT first thought would say no more but
was 1t not my duty7 1 knew his nature better
man he did himself. His appetites and pleas
ure bounded his own vision 1 knew how kind
ana generous he was-alas--too kind, too gen.
eross
John, could you have seen Ellen's face last
night you would have trembled. Can you
make her unhappy7'