The Shasta courier., 1866-12-15
SH ASIA COURIER.
THE QUAKER AND THE HIGHWAY
MAN.

habited IA neat little house in London, beauti-
fed by the presence Of his daughter Mary.
She was scarcely seventeen, be lutitul
blonde with blue eyes, and. possessing as
much wisdom as beauty, was sought after by
all the young men among her fathers ac
quaintances. Those of the neighborhood
tried. in vain. to viii a smle-Mary was
not c~9, sctte. and so far from turning to
account the effect produced by her. charms,
she felt so much annoyed by it that she
could hardly treat with civility her many ad-
mirers, one only expected Edward Weres
ford-a young artist who was intimate with
the family.
A simple occurrence was the cause of this
intimacy. Premature death had taken away
the wife of the Quaker, still in her youth
and beauty. and he. wishing to perpetuate
the memory of one so dear to him, had called
"a painter TO her death-bed. 1t was there
that Edward first met the afflicted daughter
there, between the tears of one, and the
sacred employment of the other, grew up a
serious attachment The year passed since
that event had only served to strengthen the
bond formed under such circumstances. and
the young man had already ventured to de
clare his hopes and desires.
Toby had no reason for opposing the incli
nations of the young people. Without being
rich, Edward earned, by means Of his brush
and palette, enough to honorably maintain a
family. His father Mr.. Weresford an old
city merchant, had retired with an immense
fortune; a rare example of repeated successes
in speculatious, Sd rapid, even, that very
few persons had been able to follow their
progress. Mr.. Weresfore being of a quick.
stern disposition, lived alone in the West
End of London, without troubling himself
about his son. and leaving him to shift for
himself. He was one of those obliging
egotists. who trouble no one, in order not to
be themselves troutled-one of the most per
iectly complaisant, provided nothing is
asked of them. Edward, then, had nothing
to hinder his courtship of the fair Quakeress,
we'll knowing that her father would not
oppose her marriage. The situation of the
lovers was most prosperous, and honest Toby
waited for nothing to fix the wedding
day. save the back rents due from his farms,
intending to set apart that income to defray
the expenses of the occasion. With this view,
he left for his country seat, a few miles
from London, in order to arrange his affairs.
He was absent from home but a single day,
and. returning at night on horseback, he per-
ceived little in advance a horseman who
ment, uncertain whether to proceed or turn
back While in this predicament the stran-
ger advanced toward him. 1t was too late to
think Of escaping. and putting the best pos
sible face upon tie affair he started his horse
again. As he approached the troublesome
stranger he perceived that he was masked
an unpleasant augury of what was soon
confirmed The unknown drew pistol, and
tn cd
purse. The Quaker was not a coward but
calm in character, inofensive in religion.
and unable, being unarmed, to resist an
armed man, with the greatest coolness he
drew from his pocket his purse, containing
twelve guineas. The highwayman took it,
counted out the money, and let the Quaker
pass who. believing himself cleared. quick
ened his pace to trot. But the highway
man, seeing how little resistance had been
offered, and hoping for more booty. soon
reioined honest Toby, and again blocked the
way. and pointing his pistol cried out,
- Your watch ?" The Quaker although sur
prised. did not show it in the least, and
cooly taking out his watch, and noticing
the time, placed the jewel in the hand of
the thief, saying:
Now pray you let me go home, for my
daughter will feel uneasy at my absence"
lone moment, replied the masked cava-
lier, growing more hardened by his continued
docilIty: Swear that you have no other
sum-"
9 I never swear" replied the Quaker.
= Well, affirm then, that you have about
you no mere money, and upon the word of
a highwavman. who will not resort to vic.
lence toward a man who yields with
much grace, l will no further modest yon."
Toby reflected moment, and shook his
head, Whoever thou art" said he. gravely,
9 you have noticed that | an. Quaker, who
would not conceal the truth. although at the
risk of my life. In my saddle bags | have
the sum of two hundred pounds sterling.
1.-Two hundred pounds pounds sterling -
cried the highwayman, whose eyes gllstened
through his mask.
"If you are good, if you are human"
replied the Quaker. you will DOT take thi.
money my daughter is about being married
and this sum is necessary for the occasion
it would be long time before could get
similar sum the dear child loves her intend
ed, and it would be exceedingly cruel to
denv their union. You have heart. per
haps you have loved you would not, cannot
do so wicked an action"
What has your daughter, her lover or
their marriage 70 do with me? Fewer words
and more promptness; give me the mon
ey !"
Toby. signing. raised the saddle bags, took
out heavy sack and handed it lowly to the
masked man, then atuemp ed to gallop
off
Hold on. nv Quaker friend" said the
other. seizing the bride. The moment of
vnuy arrival YOU will announce mo to the
ma magistrate that is usual, and | have moth
ing to say but must, at least, be beyond
nursuit tonight. My mare is feeble enough
and what is more she is fatigued your horse
on the contrary seems vigorous, tor the
weight of the sack did not cucumber him |;
disrnount and give me your horse; you may
take mine if you wish.
II was too late to think of resisting, and
although the in reasing demands we're of a
nature to heat the bile OF the most patient
man. good Toby dismounted, and with res
:..,;,,, ,.eapted the sorry Iade that was