East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1863-04-02

Eastman is poor, and must feel such a
loss very much"
al knew il was mean trick, and ]
would not join them in it," said Nathan.
But you stood by and saw them do itY'
"Yes. sir; beause i didn't want TO
come home alone"
"I understand it, Nathan; and let me
assure you that the best way to avoid
coming home alone is never to go in
company with any one who may do that
of which you may DO ashamed. just
as sure as you continue in this way, and
to be seen in that company, just 40 sure
will you be judged with them. Now !
am going to give you bit of informa
ton. Only yesterday 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 informed me
you were with the party that tore down
Eastman's fence and did other things
of equal sin and shame. He did not
know that you lived in my family, and
only asked for information, as he had
seen you often and supposed you to 6e
fine young man. hope you will not
GO out this evening.
"Of course | shall not go 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, you mean?'
Eyes, sir."
81 am sorry for it, for Joseph Cooper
| know is at heart generous, modest
youth, aud he ought not thus to ruin
his reputation. You look surprised,
but l speak the truth. No man, be he
ever so pure, can associate long with
evil companions without losing hisstand.
ing among respectable people. Why,
you are looked upon by some as having
had hand in the mischief of which |
have spoken"
"But people who know me would
know better" uttered Nathan, quite
confidently.
"How should they know better? You
seek those evil companions, and are
present at their evil work. You know
who pulled down Eastman's fence, of
course. | don't mean to ask you who
did it, but saw you know"
ayes, sir, do"
"And you, We're you asked who did
it, would not tell"
"Of course not would not expose
a companion"
$50 l supposed. And now look at
it. You were in the company-one OF
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 as
sociate are evil disposed; and you know
too, that, if they go over to Mac
Wayne's tonight they will be up t.
some sort of mischief I think L have
told enough to enable you to under
stand the rest Now you may spenC
the evening with Mable, or you may g
over to the back village, just as you
choose"
Nathan Wilder started as he heard
these words; but before he could make
a reply, his master was gone. But he
was not long left alone, for in moment
more bright-eyed, lovely girl, of some
ninteen summers, came tripping into
the room. She was Mr.. Clark's only
child Long had the youth loved that
fair girl, and ho knew she loved him in
return but he had not yet had the cour
age to mention the subject to his mas
ter, for ho was only an apprentice now
though few short months would sci
him free. But strange hope started
to life in his bosom now. Those last
words Of her parent, and the peculiar
tone in which they were spoken, and
the look which accompanied then, meant
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
Cooper called for Nathan to accompany
him, but his mission was fruitless. He
urged, and urged, but Nathan said No
"Never again on any such scrapes,
and | advise you to follow my plan"
Cooper at length found that the youth
was in earnest, and, with derisivt
laugh, he went his way.
We need not tell how Nathan spent
the evening, nor how happy he was
But one thing we will state. Very late
Very late, after very many meaningless
things had been talked about, Nathan
arrived at point where be found cour
age to ask Mable if she though, he'
father would ever consent to receive hin
Cor son in.law.
"He has spoken with me on the sub
licct," answered the maiden, frankly anf
firmly, aud he told me that if you mad,
as good man, morally and socially, al
you had thus far been 10Y aud youth
he should be happy to see me your wife.
For some moments after that, tn,
youth thought more than he spoke; an,
the glistening tears that stood in his eye
told how deem were his feelings.