The Shasta courier., 1866-12-15

ran away when first met the rascal, and
certainly he would never have overtaken me
with this courser.
Meanwhile, the masked man, thanking
him ironically for his ccmplaisance, bury
ing his rowels. disappeared.
Before arriving in London. the plundered
traveller had time to reflect upon his situa-
ton, and upon the disappointment of the
poor young folks, who loved each other so
much, and whose happiness would be post
poned. The sum taken from him was irrev
ocably lost; there was neither means to find
or recognize the audacious thief; neverthe
less. as though struck by sudden idea, he
stopped short.
" Yes ~ cried he, may succeed by this
mems. If this man resides in London
pc aaps l shall be able to find him. II feasi
has doubtless determined that he should be
imprudent"
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 magistrate, but embraced
his daughter who, doubling nothing, as usual,
retired and slept with pleasant drea MS
Next morning he commenced his researches.
Bringing out the mare from the stable where
she had passed the night, he placed the bri-
die upon her neck hoping that the animal
guided bv habit, would naturally go to her
masters house.
He let the unchecked beast 90 free in the
streets of London, and followed her. But
he overrated her instinct; for long time she
walked about. making thousand turns or
curves, without objection or direction some
times stopping, then starting in a contrary
course. Toby despared the thief, thought
he, never resided in London how silly was
not to notify a magistrate before it was too
late, instead of depending upon this animal
to find the vagabond.
He was interrupted in his reflections. by
the cries of the children who had been near
ly trod upon by the mare which moment
since so quiet, now started to run.
"Sop her! stop her!' cried every
one.
'' Let her go" cried the Quaker, in the
name OF heaven do not stop her !"
And following, with anxiety, the course of
the animal, he saw her rapidly enter the
half open gateway of splendid residence at
the West End.
'Ts here, thought the Quaker, thankfully
raising his eyes to heaven. Then, in pass
ing before the house, he saw a servant in the
yard patting the beast, and conducting her
to the stable; he then asked of the first per-
son he met, the name of the proprietor of the
house.
s. What are you a stranger in this part of
the town, that you do not know the residence
of the rich merchant Weresford ?'
The Quaker stood petrifed
i" Weresford," repeated the man, believing
himself IN sunderstood /; 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 thief!
He believed himself the butt of dream
and wished to return home. Nevertheless,
he called to mind several instances of respect
able men who had be n connected with
bands of malefactors. Then this immense
fortune, the source of which was so uncer-
tain then this mare, which seemed to be
going to her master. Toby was determined
to solve the mystery. He went boldly into
the yard and demanded speech with the mas
ter, who, although it was nearly noon, was
still in bed-another indication of night of
fatigue The Quaker insisted upon being
introduced Immediately, and soon found him
self in Weresford's bed chamber. He had
just Wakeu. anu, ruDDiIlS his eyes, dSheu d
little out of humor
"Who are you, sir, and what do you
want?"
The sound of his voice awakened Toby's
recollection and completed his conviction
Quietly taking chair, be posted himself
near the bed, without removing his hat.
:. You remain covered ?" cried the surpris.
ed merchant.
I l,o1 h.
much calmness, "and you know that such is
our usage
At the first words of the Quaker, Weres-
ford sprung up and closely examined his
visitor Without doubt he recognized him
for he turned pale.
Well asked he, stammering. " what is,
if you please, the-the-subject which brings
you hither?"
81 ask pardon for having shown so much
haste" replied Toby, " but among Friends
it is not usual to stand upon ceremony, and
am come, without fyrm, to ak for my
watch you borrowed yesterday"
The-watch !"
81 value it much-it was my poor wife's
and l cannot do without it. My brother
in law, the Alderman, never would pardon
me for lett ng a jewel which recalls to my
mind his sister, to pass from my hand a
day"
The name of the alderman seemed to make
some impression on Weresford. Without
waiting for a reply Toby continued:
81 You will much oblige me by returning
those twelve guineas which lent you at the
same time; nevertheless, if you are in want
of them, | consent to lend them to you, on
condition you give me a receipt"
The GOODNESS of the Quaker so much dis
concerted the merchant. that he dared not
deny the possession of the stolen articles ;
but. not wishing to acknowledge it, he hesi-
tated to reply, and Toby added:
Il have told you of the projected marriage
of my daughter Mary. had reserved a sum
of two hundred pounds sterling for the
brides portion, but have met with an ac
eident last evening, on the London road,
| was completely robbed. so completely,
that 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 son !"
"Eh 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; do something ior him. | should dislike
to have him know what passed last night
and If you do not furnish the sum | have
All