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


ana 1t would be exceedingly cruel to deny their
union. You have heart, perhaps YOU have
loved you would not, cannot do SO wicked an
action
W nat has your daughter, her lover, or their
marriage to do with me Fewer words and
more promptness ; give me the money!"
Toby, signing, raised the saddle-bsgs, took
out heavy sack and handed it slowly to the
masked man, then attempted to gallop off
Hold on, my Quaker frend,' said the
other, selzng the bride. "The moment of
your arrival you will denounce me to the mag
istrate; that is usual, and | have nothing to
say but L must, at least, be beyond pursuit to-
night My mare is feeble enough, and what
is more, she is fatigued; your horse, on the
contrary, appears vigorous, for the weight of
the sack did not cucumber him now give me
your horse; you may take mine, if you wish. "
1t was too late to think of resisting, and al
though the increasing demands were Of nature
to heat the bile of the most patient man, good
Toby dismounted, and with resignation accepted
the sorry jade that left in exchange
Had known this" he contented himself
with thinking, " l should have ran away, when
L first met the rascal, and certainly he would
never have overtaken me with this courser."
Meanwhile, the masked man, thanking him
ironically for his complaisaDce, burying his row.
els, disappeared
Before arriving at London, the plundered
traveller had time to reflect upon bis situation,
and upon the disappointment Of the poor young
folks, who loved each other so much, and whose
happiness would be postponed. The sum taken
from MIN was irrevocabiy lost there was nei-
ther means to find or recognize the audacious
thief; nevertheless as though struck by sud
den idea, he stopped short.
Yes! cried ne, may succeed by this
means. Ii this man resides in London, perhaps
l shall be able to find him. Heaven has
doubtless, determined that he should be I'M
prudenti -
A little consoled by some hope, Toby went
home without appearing the least troubled, and
without speaking of his adventure. he did not
go to d magistrate, but embraced his daughter,
who, doubling nothing, and as usual retired and
slept with pleasant dreams.
Next morning he commenced his researches.
Bringing out the mare from tue stable where
she had passed the night, he placed the bride
upon her neck, hoping that the animal, guided
by habit, would naturally 20 TO her masters
house.
He let the unchecked beast 20 free il the
streets of London. and followed her. But he
overrated her instinct; for a long time she
walked about making thousand turns or
curves, without obeot or direction sometimes
stopping, then starting in a contrary course.
To0y despalred the thief, thought be, never
resided IN London, how silly | was, not TO no.
tlfy magistrate before il was too late, instead
of depending upon this animal to f1d the vag-
abond.
He was interrupted in MS reflection bysthe
cries of the children who had been nearly trod
upon Dy the mare-a moment since so quiet,
now she started to
Stop her stop her . cried every one.
Let her go" cried the Quaker " in the
name of Heaven do not stQp -
And following, with anxiety, the course of
tie animal, q her rapidly enter the half
open gateway of splendid residence at the
West end.
It's here thought the Quaker, thankfully
raising his eyes Heaven. Then, in passing
before the house, he saw servant in the yard
patting The beast. and conducting her to the
stable; he then asked of the first person he
met the name OF the proprietor of the house.
What are you stranger in this part OF
the town, that you do not know the residence
of the rich merchant, Weresford J."
The Quaker stood petrifed.
eresford,' repeated the man, believing
himself misunderstood; "you well know the
man who has made so great fortune"
Thanks, my friend, thanks" replied Toby.
He was unable to recover himself "Weres-
ford, Edwards father-a respected mamie
my thlefi
He believed himself the butt of dream, and
wished to return home. Nevertheless, he
called 20 mind several instances of respectable
men who had been connected 18th bands of
malefacJors. Then this immense fortune, the
source of which was so uncertain then this
mare, which seemed to be going to her master.
Toby determined to solve the mystery.
He went boldly into the yard, and demanded
speech with the master, VINO, although it
nearly noon, was stil 10 bed-another ndica-
tion of night of IA que. The Quaker in
sisted upon being introduced Immediately, and
soon found himself in W eresiord's bed cham
Der. He had Just Waked and rubbing his eyes,
asked little of humor:
Who you, sir, and what do you want ?"
The sound of his voice awakened Toby's rec
objection, and completed his conviction. Quietly
taking a chair, he posted himself near the bed,
without removing his hat.
"You remain covered ?" cried the surprised
merchant.
al am a Quaker" replied the other with
much calmness, sand you know that such is
our usage"
At the first words of the Quaker, Weresford
sprung up and closely examined his visitor.
Without doubt he recognized him, for he turned
pale.
"Well," asked he, stammeringly, "what is,
if you please, the-the-subject which brings
you hithers'
haste" replied Toby, /" but among friends it is
not usual to stand upon ceremony, and l am
come without form to ask for my watch which
you borrowed yesterday"
"The-watch ]"
NJ value it much-it was my poor wife's-
and | cannot do without it. My brother-in-
law, the alderman, never would pardon me for
letting jewel which recalls to mind his sister,
to pass from my hand day
The name of the alderman seemed to make
some impression upon Weresford. Without
waiting for reply Toby continued:
"You will much oblige by returning
those twelve guineas which | lent you al the
same time nevertheless if you are in want OF
them l consent to lend them to you. on condi-
ton you give receipt"
The cooiness of the Quaker so much discon-
cerlsd the merchant that he dared not deny the
possession of the stolen articles but not wish
ing to acknowledge it, he hesitatsd to reply,
and Toby added
al have told you OF the projected marriage
of my daughter Mary. had reserved sum
of two hundred pounds sterling for the brides
portion, but l have met with an accident last
evening, on the London road, L was completely
robbed, so completely that l am come to pray
you to give your son a marriage portion, which
had it not been for that, should never have
asked of you"
My sonp" -.
En- yes; don't you know that it Is him
that is in love with Mary and is to marry her !"
Edward - cried the merchant, throwing
himself at the foot of the bed.
edward Weresford," calmly replied the
Quaker, taking pinch of snuff. " Let US see |;