Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1867-06-12

2 a capital cup of tea. There we're no excuses.
no apologies, only we were requested TO help
ourselves. While we we're eating, the rain
ceased falling, but the weather was by no
means clear, though just as we moved from
the table CLEAN of light shot through the
windows from the setting sun.
IL may have been an hour after this when
wagon drove up to the door, in which
we're two men. The old man had Just come
IN from the barn, aud it was not so dark out
what we could see the faces Of the men in the
wagon. They we're middle aged men, one
OF them habited in sort Of jockey hunting
garb and the other in black clothes, with tho
peculiar style Of hat and c,avat which marks
the officer. turned toward our host for the
purpose Of asking him II be knew the new
oomers, and saw he was very pale and trem-
bling. A low deep groan escaped him as he
arose from his chair. He in the jocky coat
came first, and his eyes rested upon Lsem a
aud myself
"only some travellers, Mr,Vsughan, said
our host.
SO Mr.. Vaughan turned his gaze elsewhere
about the room, and at length it fell upon
4 the old man.
Well, what about the rsnti :" said he
"We haven't penny Of it yet" answered
the host, trembling.
"Not penay' Then how'll you pay me
twenty pounds p
Twenty poundsl" murmured the old
man painfully. "Alas cannot pay it.
You know Walter has long been sick, and
what we have earned has been paid the doe
tor. You know he was to have earned the
rent if he had been we'll"
81 don't know anything ABOUT it," return
ed the landlord doggedly; for Mr.. Vaughan
owned the little farm as it afterwards appeared.
=" ALI | know is, that you have had ho1se
and land for two years, aud haven't paid me
penny. You know | told you m lnth ago
that you should have just one month more.
II you haven't had time to move iu month,
then you must look out for the consequences
To night you move II you want shelter
you may go into the old house at the horse
pound"
But there is not window in it,"
Beggars should not be choosers,' ro-
marked Mr.. Vaughn. elf it wasn't for
hunting up the officer | shoull have been
here this morning. But it isn't my fault
Now | can have good tenant right off, aad
he wants the house tomorrow. So thece is
not word to be said | shall take your twl
cows and your sheep. aud if they go. for more
than f2O after taking out the expenses, you
snail nave the balance back"
The poor peasant gazed for a moment half
wildly into the landlords face, and then sank
into chair and covered his face with his
hands.
my cows my sheepI' he groaned spas
medically. 80, kill me, and have done with
itw
In Gods name, Mr.. Vaughan" cried the
q. ~
cottage, aud we will work with all our might
until we pay every farthing, but do not take
away our very means of life. Ny poor boy
will die o, sir, you are rich and we are
poor"
"Nonsense |" uttered the unfeeing man,
" am used to such stuff. | make a living
by renting my farms, and this is one of the
best have. good man can lay up more
than ten pounds year here"
Bat we have been sick" urged the wo-
man.
That isn't my fault If you are paupe-s
you know wnere to 90 and get taken care Of.
Now | do not want another word about it,
Out with you to night unless you pay me the
twenty pounds, and your cows and sheep go
too"
l was Just on the point Of turning to my
the sum, for | was determined the poor folks
should not be turned out 80. The woman
had sunk down, and she too, had covered her
face with her hands. At that moment Lee
man sprang to his feet His face wa, very
pale, and for the FIST time saw that tears
had been running down his cheeks.
Look ye, sir, he said to Vaughan, how
much do these people owe you
Twenty pounds" returned he regarding
his interrogator sharply.
"And when did this mount come due in
the year"
1t was just due month ago. The rent is
twelve pounds, bat allowed him four pounds =
for building bridge on the river"
"Show me the bill"
The maa pulled ou! large leather pocket
book aud from it took bill Il was receipt
ed. Leeman took out his purse and counted
out twenty gold sovereigns. He handed
them to the landlord and took the bill.
- believe that settles the matter, SIR"
my companion said, exerting all his power
to appear calm.
"Ye, sir" he repeated, " This makes it all
right"
Then | suppose they may remain here
now undisturbed."
But have no surety Of any pay for the
future month has already run on an un-
paid term"
Il is right that you should have your
pay, surely. Come to tomorrow, and | will ar
range it with you-1nly leave US nov"
Mr.. Vaughan cast one glance about the
room but without speaking further he leh,
and the officer had to follow him without
having snything wherewith to earn fee. -
As soon as they had gone, the old man start
ed to his feet.
Sir" he uttered, turning towards Lee
man, ca what means this Do you think
can ever pay you back again :"
Sometime you can, perhaps" returned
my companion.
"Yes John, said the wife, sometime we
will surely pay him"
Alas when 7"
"Any time within month will answer"
said Lseman.
Both the people looked aghast.
80 you have only planted more misery
for us, kind sir, cried the old man. I" We
could have borne to be stripped Of our good'
by the landlord better than we can bear to
rob noble friend You nut take our stock,
Our cows and sheep
~ But not vet " resumed Leemen - have