The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1866-07-24

have nothing to say; but must, at least,
be beyond pursuit tonight. Ny mare is
feeble enough, and what is more, she is
fatigued; your horse, on the contrary, ap-
pears vigorous, for the weight of the
sack did not cucumber him. Now dis
mount and give me yeur horse; you may
take mine, if you wish"
It was too late to think of resisting,
and although the increasing demands
were of nature to heat 3he bile of the
most patient mar, good Toby dismounted,
and with resignation accepted the sorry
jade that was left in exchange. Had
known this, he contented himself with
thinking, l should haverun away when
first met the rascal, and certainly he new
er would have overtaken me with this
courser.
Meanwhile, the masked man, thanking
him ironically for his complaisance, bury
ing his rowels, disappeared.
Before arriving in London, the plum,
dered traveller had time to.reAect upon his
situation, and upon the disappointment
of the poor young folks, who loved each
other SO much, and whose happiness wo d
be postponed. The sum taken from him
was irrevocably lost; there was neither
means to find or recognize the audacious
thief; nevertheless as though struck by
a sudden idea, he stopped short.
"Yes!" cried he, II may succeed by
this means. If this man resides in Lon
don, perhaps I shall be able to find him.
Heaven 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 60 to magis-
trate, but embraced his daughter who
doubted nothing,an as usual retired and
slept with pleasant dreams. Next NOR
ming he commenced his researches
Bringing out the mare from the stable
where she had passed the night, he placed
the bride upon her neck, hoping that
the animal, guided by habit, would natu-
rally GO to her masters house.
He let the unchecked beast go free in
the streets of London, and followed her.
But he oYerrated her instinct; for long
time she walked about making thous-
and turns or curves without object or di-
rection; sometimes stopping, then start
ing in contrary course, Toby despaired;
the thief, thought he, never resided in
London; how sillyI 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
9early trod uponby the mare-a moment
Since so quiet, now she started to run.
''Stop herl stop hern cried every one.
"Let her go'' cried the Quaker; Gin
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 resi-
dence at the West End.
'Tis here, thought the Quaker, thank
fully raising his eyes to Heaven. Then,
in passing before the house, he saw SER
want patting the beast and conducting her
to the stable; he then asked of the first
person he met the name of the proprie-
tor Of the house.
"What! are you stranger in this part
of the town, that you do not know the
residence of the rich merchant, Weres-
ford?"
The Quaker stood petrifed.
"Weresford,' repeated the man, be-
lieving himself misunderstood; s'you we'll
know the man who has made so great a
fortune"
"Thanks, my friend, thanks, replied
Toby.
He was unable to recover himself -
Weresford, Edward father-a respected
mamie my thief
He believed himself the butt Of a
dream, and wished to return home. New.
ertheless, he called to mind several In
stances of respectable men who had been
connected with bands of malefactors.-
Then his immense fortune, the source Of
which was SO uncertain; then his mare
which seemed to be going to her master,
Toby was determined to solve the myste
ry. He went boldly into the yard ano
demanded speech with the master, who
although it was nearly noon, was still
abed-another indication of night O.
fatigue. The Quaker insisted upon be-
ing introduced Immediately. and soor
found himself in Weresford's bed-cham
Der. He had just walked, and rubbing
his eyes, asked, little out of humor:
"Who are you, sir, and what do yol
want?"
The sound of the voice awakened To
by's recollection and completed his con
viction. Quietly taking chair, he post
ed himself near the bed, without remov
ing his hat.
"You remain coveredl" cried the sur
prised merchant.
aI.am a Quaker" replied the other
with much calmness, sand you know sucl
is our usage?"
! At the first words Of the Quaker
Weresford sprung up, and closely exam
ined his visitor. Without doubt he re
cognized him, for he turned pale.
"Well," said he, stammering, "what is
If you please, the-the-suhject whicl
brings you hither2"
II ask pardon for having shown S
much haste" }" replied Toby, "but anon
friends, it is not usual to stand upon Gel
emony, and am come, without form,
ask for my watch which you borrowe
yesterday
"The-watchl''
] "I value it much-it was my poe