Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-03-18

angry NOtuh, that tbe poor cnilu fusneO INTO
the house in an agony ofterror. But this ex
pertinent failed also. The boy was soothed
by his mother. and told not to 90 near the
pear-tree again and there the matter ended
This imperturbable good nature vexed Reu-
ben more than all the tricks and taunts he
met from others. Evil efforts he could under
stand, and repay with compoud interest, but
he did not know what to make Of this per-
petusl forbearanoe. Il seemed to him there
must be something contemptuous in IT, He
disliked Simeon more than all the res, Of the
town put together, because he made him feel
30 uncomfortable in the wrong, and did not
afford him the slightest preiext for complaint.
1t was annoying to see everything in his
neighbours domains looking so happy, and
presenting such bright contrast to the for
ornness Of his own. When their wagons
passed each other on the road, it seemed as II
Simeon's horse tossed his head higher, and
flung out his name, as If he knew he was GO
ing by Reuben's old nag. He often said he
supposed Green covered his house with roses
and honeysuckles on purpose to shame his
bare wall. But he didn't osTe-not he He
wasn't going 60 be fool enough TO rot his
boards with such stuff. But no one resented
his disparaging remarks, or sought to provoke
him in any way The rose smiled, the horse
Weighed and the calf capered but none Of
them had the least idea that they were insult
ted by Reuben Black. Even the dog had no
maliace in his heart, though he did one night
chase home his geese, and bark at them
through the bars. Reuben told his master
the next day, and swore he would bring an
action against him if he did not keep that dog
at home and Simeon answered very quietly,
that he would try to take better care Of him.
For several days a strict watch was kept, in
hopes Trowzer would worry the geese again (;
but they paced home undisturbed, and not
solitary b1w-wow furnished excuse for law
suit.
The new neighbors not only declined quar-
relling, but they occasionally made positive
advances towards a friendly relation. ST.
moons wife sent Mrs. Black large basket
full Of very fine cherries. Pleased with the
unexpected attention, she cordially replied
Tell your mother il was very kind of her, and
l am very much obliged to her. Reuben,
who sat smoking in the chimney corner, lis
tened to this message once without any i'm
patience, except whiting the smoke through
his pipe little faster aud fercer than usual
But when the boy waS going out of the door.
and the friendly words were repeated, he ex-
claimed, Don't make fool of yourself Peg
of our pears that's the upshot of the BUSH
ness. You may send EN- basket, when they
are ripe for | scorn to be under obligation,
especially to your smooth tongue folks Poor
Peggy, whose arid life had been for the mo-
ment refreshed with little dew of kindness,
admitted distrust into her bosom, and the halo
that radiated round the ripe glowing cherries
departed.
Not long after this advance towards good
neighborhood, some laborers employed by
Simeon Green, passing over bit Of marshy
ground, with a heavy team, stuck fast in a
bog, occasioned by a lons-continued rain.
The poor oxen were unable to extricate them
selves, and Simeon ventured to ask assistance
from his waspish neighbor, who was working
at a short distance. Reuben replied gruffly I,
I've got enough to do to attend to my own
business. The civil request that he might
be allowed to use his oxen and chains for a
few minuets, being answered in the same
sur1y tone, Simeon silently walked off, in
search OF more obliging neighbor.
The men, who were left waiting with the
patient suffering oxen, scoded about Reuben's
ill-natuIe, and said they hoped he would get
stuck in the same bog himself. The employ
or rejoined, III he does we will do our duty
and help him out There's such a thing as
being too good -natured,' they said If Reu-
ben Black takes the notion that the people
are afraid of him, il makes him trsmple on
them worse than ever
oh, wait WHILE. replied Mr.. Green,
smiling, Il will kill him before long. Wait
and see il don't kill him
II CHANGED soon after that Reubons team
did stick fast in the same bog, as the work
men had wished. Simeon noticed it from
teighborng field, and gave directions that
the oxen and chains should be Immediately
conveyed to his assistance. The men laugh
ed, shook their heads, and snid II was good
enough for the old hornet. They, however,
cheerfully proceeded to do as their employer
requested. you are in bad situation, neigh
bor,' said Simeon, as he came alongside the
foundered team, Bat my men are coming
with two yoke of oxen, and think we shall
soon manage to help you out you may
take your oxen back again, replied Reuben,
quickly. 4 don't want any Of your help. In
a very friendly tone Simeon answered, Il can
not consentto do that; for evening is coming
on, and you have very little time, but it is
still worse in the dark Light or dark
don't ask your help replied Reuben emphat-
ically Il wouldn't help you out of the bog
the other day when you asked me-
The trouble had in relieving my poor
oxen teaches me to sympathize with others in
the same situation. Don't let us waste words
about it, neighbor. 1t is impossible for me
to go home and leave you here in the bog
and night coming on.
The team was soon drawn out, and Simeon
and his men went away, without waiting for
thanks. When Reuben went home that night,
he was unusually thoughtful. After smoking
awhile in deep contemplation, he gently knock
ed the ashes from his pipe, and said with a.
sigh, Peg, Simeon Green has killed me!
What do you mean : said his wife, drop
ping her knitting, with look OF surprise.
You know when he came into this neighbor
hood, he said he'd kill me- replied Reuben
and he has done it. The other day he asked
me to help his team out of the bog, and told
him had enough TO do TO attend to my own
business. To-day my team stuck fast in the
same bog, and he came with two yoke of oxen
to draw it out. felt sort of ashamed to
have him lend me hand so | told him
didn't want any Of his help but he answered
just as pleasant as if nothing contrary had
happened. that night was coming on, and he
was not willing TO leave me in the mud
He is a pleasant spoken man, and always
has pretty word to say to the boys. His
A 4