Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1863-06-05


there were mutterings of wrath at the table,
Cries Of unfair, unfair play" were met by
contemptuous sneers from the successful men
who pocketed the gains.
Samuel's little roll Of bills still laid upon
the table, and he could not bear to leave it
there. It seemed sacred money. How lit
tie my father thought when he left me the
farm, with only this mortgage as an encum.
brance, that I should prove SO recreant to
my solemn engagement to take care of my
dear mother. Oh, God forgive me, and spare
me, that may do better in the future" And
at that moment a softer emotion sprung up
in his heart. He felt a loathing for sin Of al
kinds that he had never felt before, and .
determination to shun even the smallest de.
Walton from duty, If its retribution was 80
dreadful. This was . more desirable state
of mind; and . humble spirit breathed its
blessing over him, as he rose up and button.
ed his thin coat over his breast, again to face
the cutting wind Of the wintry night.
About this time handsome sleigh had
driven up to the door of the tavern. The
horses were aecked with foam, and the frost
hung about their trappings, showing how
quickly they had travelled. Two strong men
had leaped from it, and hastily entered the
house. The host came obscquiously to the
door. They drew him aside: ~
We have tracked two notorious black
legs from Boston here, and thinking they
might be making little mischief, have come
down. Indicate, I say, the room where they
now are, or we shall arrest you as an accom-.
plicel QUICKLY" as the gleam Of revol.
yer shone in the cold moonlight. :" In there.
in there |" stammered the landlord, trem.
bling with alarm. The detectives came very
softly, but not SO gently that the gamblers
did not listen intently. One said: !" Throw
the cards in the Gre; raise the window |
bark just then the door was thrown vi
olently open. "Ah, my hearties, we'll met |
We have had quite a drive for you )" adjust
ing hand cuffs oil the time, as though they
were used 10 the business, in spite Of the des-
perate struggles Of the two men. Now,
my birds, we will see what you have Gagged I"
said these minions Of the law, and forthwith
began to pick their pockets, having laid them
at length on the floor. = st g..
Counterfeit bills in plenty, some golden
eagles, silver! Get pen and paper, landlord,
and state the amount. Now, young mon,"
the sheriff said, addressing Samuel Grey and
his friends, who stood in silent amazement
beholding the scene, :" we might consider
you under arrest for gambling, but presume
you were just green enough to be entrapped
by these Boston youths. Didn't understand
the ways of our wicked city. However, I
will just advise you to beware of bad com.
pany for the future; itdocs not lead to pleas,
ant results"
How much have you been robbed Of this
night" rlaa ~ a4..H ., fa.
There is my money" said Samuel, as
each one stated the amount, and pointed to
the roll upon the table.
Well, take it, and go instantly" said the
men. H9s' Ht7 @T~ E..A f"'.
Samue, abeyed; and when once more in
the silent fields, and within sight of his
cottage, he fell on his knees and
wept aloud, giving thanks to God, as he never
had done before. He was not yet twenty.
one life was before him hope again dawn.
ed let us trust that the sad lesson was not
in vain. The old mother could not knit the
long, blue woolen sock that evening. She
paced the low room with prayers and tears.
Never in her lonely widowhood had sorrow
come SO heavily upon her heart and when
the door opened, and Ellen stole gently in to
inquire what was the matter, missing her
lover, Aunt Rachel threw her arms about her
neck, and gave way to grief. So Samuel
lound them when he returned. most unex.
pectedly, to charge their tears to joy. l..r,.
"I do believe" exclaimed Tom, who had
listened attentively, that this is the very
cottage where we are visiting grandma. l
mean to ask Uncle Sam when he comes home
lo-night from the woods; for grandma's name
is Rachel" ....r. ...', -,.f..s. .....
There was q general shout, and the cards
we're voted out unanimously, and consigned
to the fire with much merri,ncnt, while Aunt
Mary hoped secretly that her nephew had
earned lesson that he would not soon for
get, from the story Of his uncle's one sad
ault. ta e"sF@0 1'o ~ 'sla "0. t'"i NJ. III.