The Daily empire. (Dayton, Ohio) 1865-1867, 1866-06-30
The Quaker and the Ilighwayman

titled by the presence of his daughter Mary.
She was scarcely seventeen, beautiful
blonde with blue eyes, and possessing ~,
much wisdom MS beauty, was sought after
by all the young men among her fathers
acquaintances. Those Of the nelghborhood
tried In vain TO win smile Mary was not
Il coquette, aud so far from turning to ac-
count the effect produced by her charms,
she felt so much annoyed by Il that she
could hardly treat with civility her many
admirers, one only excepted - Edward
Weresford-a young artist who was inti-
mate 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
aud beauty, and he, wishing to perpctuate
the memory of one so dear to him. had
called painter TO her death-bed. It was
there that Edward first met the afflicted
daughter-there, between the tears of one.
and the sacred employment OF the other.
grew up serious attachment. The wear
passed since that event had only served to
strengthen the bond formed under such
circumstance, and the young man had al-
ready ventured to declare his hopes and
desires.
TOBY had no reason for opposing the in
clinations of the young people. Without
being rich. Edward earned. by means of
his brush and palette. enough to honorably
maintain family. His father, Mr.. Wcres-
ford, an old city merchant, had retired with
an immense fortune; "A rare example of re-
peated successes In speculations, so rapid.
even, that very few persons had been able
TO follow their progress. Mr.. Weresford.
being of quick, stern disposition. lived
alone in the west end of London. without
troubling himself about his son, and leav-
ing him TO shin for himself. lie was one
of those obliging egotists, who troubled
no one, in order not to be themselves
tronbled-one of the most perfectly com
plaisant, provided nothing is asked of them.
Edward, then, had nothing to hinder his
courtship of the fair Quakeress. well know
ing that her father would not oppose her
marriage.
The situation of the lovers was most
prosperous, and old Toby waited for nothing
to fix the wedding day. save the back rents
due from his farms, intending to set anart
that income TO defray the expenses of the
occasion. With this view he left for his
country seat few miles from London. in
order TO arrange his affairs. He was all
sent from home but Il single day, ana re-
turning at night on horseback, he per-
ccived, little in advance. horscman who
blocked up the road. He stopped for n mo-
ment, uncertain whether to proceed or
turn back. While in this prcdcament the
| stranger ADVANCED toward him. Ii was too
late to think OF escaping. and putting the
best possible face upon the affair, he started
his horse again. As he approached the
| troublesome stranger, he perceived tEat he
was masked, an unpleasant augury of what
was soon confirmed.
The unknown drew pistol. and pointed
| u to the traveller demanding his nurse.
| The Quaker was not Il coward. but calm i'm
character, inoilensive in religion and una
bic, being unarmed, to resist an armed man.
with the greatest GOODNESS he drew from,
his pocket his purse containing twelve
| guineas.
The highwayman took it, counted ont
the money, and let the Quaker pass, who
believing himself cleared, quiekened his
| way to a trot. But the highwayman, see
| ing how little resistance had been offered.
and hoping for more booty, soon rejoined
honest Toby, and again blocked up the way,
and pointing his pistol, cried ont ~Yoar
watch !"
The Quaker, although surprised. did not
snow II IN the least, and cody taking out
ms watch, and noticing the time, placed the
jewel in the hand of the thief saving:
"Now pray you let me 90 home, for NV
daughter viii feel uneasy at my ahsencc.n
zone moment" replied the masked caya-
lier, growing more hardened by his con
tinned doeility, 'swear that you have no
other sum- E n
II never swear" replied the Quaker.
wei, affirm then that you have about
irosey, nsid'+t1,ett ti.t4->re4sl-a4
u highwayman, who will not resort to yio-
lence toward Il man who will yield with so
much grace, | will no further molest Won. y
Toby reelected moment, and shook his
head. whoever thou art" said he grave
ly, ''you have noticed that am Il Quaker.
who would not conceal the truth, although
at the risk ofmy life. In my saddle bags
have the sum of two hundred pounds
Two hundred pounds -sterlingyp cried
the highwayman, whose eyes glistened
through his mask.
III you are good, If you are human" re-
Piled the Quaker, you will not take this
money, my daughter is about being mar
ried, and this sum is necessary for the oc-
easion; II would be long time before |
could get together a similar sum the dear
child loves her intended, and it would be
leNceeuihgly cruel to deny their union. You
have heart, perhaps you have loved Won
would not can not do SO wicked an action. s.
what has your daughter her lover. or
thelr marriage got to do with me? Fewer
words and more promptress; give me the
Toby, signing, raised the saddle-bass.
TOOK out heavy sack and handed it slowly
To the highwayman, and then attempted To
sHold on, my Quaker friend,n said the
highwaymaD, seizing the bride. ,gThe
moment OF your arrival you will denounce
me TO the magistrate; that Is usual, and
have nothing TO says but | must, at least,
be beyond pursuit tonight. NV mare IS
feeble enough, and what is more she is IA
tigued; your horse, on the contrary, an
pears vigorous, for the weight of the sack
did not cucumber him. Now dismonnt and
give me your horse; you may take mine, If
you wish"
II was too late to think of resisting. and
although the increasing demands were of n
nature TO heat the bile OF the most patient
man, good Toby dismounted. and with res
ignation accepted the sorry Jade that was
left In exchange. Had / known this, he
contented himself with thinking, | should
have rap away when | first met the rascal,
and certainly he would never have over
taken me with this eouTser
Meanwhile, the masked man. thanking
him, ironically, for his complaisance, hurry
ing his rowels, disappeared.
Before arriving in London, the plundered
traveller had time TO reflect upon his situa-
tloh 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 IRE
yOcablg lost; there was neither means To
lind orfecognize the audacious thief: never
theless, as though struck by sudden idea.
A. a.l ~