Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1866-08-08
3flisrellullD.

EIle Quaker and highway
Toby Simpson, q pattern to Quakers, inhab-
tied neat little house in London, beautfed by
the presence If ms daughter Mary She was
scarcely seventeen, beautiful blonde with blue
eyes, and possessing as much wisdom as beauty
vas sought after by all the young men among
her fal hers acquaintance. Those of the neigh
bOrhood tried in vain to WIN a smile. Mary
was not coquette. and far from turning to
account the effect produced by her charms she
felt so much annoyed by it, that she could
hardly treat WITH ctvility her many admirers,
only sxcepted-Edward Weresford-a
young artist who was intimate with the family.
a sim pie occurrence was the cause of this in
timacy. Premsture death had taken away that
sie of the Quaker, still in her youth and beauty,
aud he, wishing to perpetuate the memory of
JHe 80 dear TO him, had called painter to her
IeathbeG. Ii there that Edward first met
TIE afflicted Gaughter-there, between the tears
of one. and the sacred employment of the other,
grew up a serions attachment. The year passed
since that event had only served to strengthen
the bond formed under such circumstances, and
the young had already ventured to declare
ais hopes and desires.
Toby had no reason for opposing the inclina
rlo1s OF the young people. Without being
rich. Edward earned, by means Of his brush and
palette, enough to honorably maintain a family
Ills fltheT, Mr.. Weresford AN old city merchant,
Lad retire. with an immense fortune rare
Example Of repeated successes in speculations,
SO capld, even, that very few persons had been
able 70 follow their progress MIR. Weresford,
being e a quick, stern disposition, lived alone
ln the west end of London, without troubling
himself about his son, and leaving i'm TO shift
Tor himself. He was one of those obliging
VSoIsts, who trOu' lied no one, in order not to
De themselves troubled-one of the most per-
iectiy ecmplaisant, provided nothing is asked of
Them Edward, then, had nothing to hinder
lz courtshIp Of the fair Quakeress, well know
NJ that her father would not oppose her mar
rage.
ihe situation of the lovers was most prosper
Gus, a1d honest Toby waited for nothing to fix
tne Wedding day. save the back rents due from
4-7 !efGls, intending to set apart that income to
leiEay the expenses of the occasion. With this
view, ae left for his country seat, few miles
iTom London, in order to arrange his affairs.
lie was absent from home but single day,
and turning at night or horseback, he per
ceIveC, q little in advance, horseman who
0iccked up the road. He stopped for a mo-
ment, uncertain whether to proceed or turn
back. Wnlie in this predicament, the stranger
advanced toward MIN. Ii was too late to think
oi escaping, and putting the best possible face
upon the affair, he started his horse again As
ne approached the troublesome stranger be
perceived that he was masked, an unpleas-
ant augury OF what soon confirmed. The
unknown drew pistol, and pointing il to the
traveller, demanded his purse. The Quaker
was not coward, but calm in character, inof-
ienslve IN religion, and unable, being unarmed
10 resist an armed man, with the greatest cool
ness he drew from his pocket his purse, contain
Ing twelve guineas. The highwayman took it,
counted out the money, and let the Quaker pass,
VITO believing himseif-cleared, quickened his
pace to d trot- But the highwayman, seeing
now little resistance had been offered, aud hop
lng for more booty, soon rejoined honest Toby,
ana again biockaded the way, and pointing
ms pistol, cried out, Your watch ~
The Quaker, although surprised, did not
Sno" II lu the least, and coolIy taking out his
watch, aud noticing the time, placed the jewel
IL he nand of the thief, and saying:
VOW pray you lei me go home, for my
laughter viii feel uneasy at my absence"
"One moment," replied the masked cavalier,
growing more hardened by his continued do
9liltl 'swear tha: you have NO other sum-"
never swear," replied the Quaker.
ell, affirm ti.en, that you have about you
ho more money, and upon the word Of a high
"ayman, who will not resort to violence toward
Z man VINO yields with 50 much grace, l will no
iurther moest you."
IOUy reflected moment, shook nls head.
Whoever thou arc" said ne, graveiy, :" you
nave noticed that am Quaker, who would
not Conceal the truth, although AT the risk OF
my lie. In my ssddle-bags have the sum of
TWO hundred pounds sterling"