The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-07-18
selected story.
How a Convict Won Pardon.

"Will you never give up those trips, Ter
renee? 1t is so lonely staying here nights,
and besides. am fearful that some one will
break in and rob the house and murder us
all. Inever say my prayers and 30 to bed
without trembling for my own life and that
OF the children" and the little woman hung
upon the arm of the strong man, and begged
him with fearful eyes to give up his war.
dering life THAT of pedlar) and settle down.
GAS soon as 1 have gathered enough to-
gether to buy me bit of ground, or what
would be better still, to emigrate to Ameri-
Ca, that blessed land of freedom, where, as
the song says "there's bread and work for
all, and the bright sun is always shining,
I'll gladly give up carrying the pack, for it is
no easy work at the best"
"Only think of the money you have in the
house now, husband dear! Surely there is
enough to take US across the sea-you and
I and the children, and Bridget, too. of She
likes to 60. a ea
Bridget was the servant girl who helped
the vile OF the pedlar and was her sole COM
panion when he was away, and her ewes
snapped with perfect delight when she heard
the proposition. But she said nothing, and
the master continued:
1t IS true for you, Kathleen, that l have
matter OF hundred pounds or SO, which l
snail leave Tor you to take care of; and if have
luck this time promise on to remain at
home or go to America, bless her. It's a
good friend she has been to Ireland and
many is the poor soul she has kept from
starving. So take care of the children. Kath-
leen-you and Bridget until / come back, .
and be kissed his wife and frightened, cur
iey-neaded babies, gave Bridget the good
bye, shoudered his pack, and strobe stoutlv
away, whistling merriIy si.8 zaasasIa6 -
Terrence O'Brien was pedlar by profess
SION, and what was called forehanded man.
His family consisted OF the good wife. two
chi oren, BOY OF scarcely three years, a babe.
and the girl of all work, Bridget. At the
start OF his married lite he had rented a little
cottage that stood in lonely out-of-the-way
place; although he had increased his stores.
NC nau letalned possession of it on the score
economy.
brave, athletic man. and one who feared
nothing human, be could not understand the
terrorS OF his wife, Kathleen-in fact. gave
them little thought. Besides, robbery was A
thing almost unknown among the peasant
ry, and who would ever dream OF his having
large amount of money in his wretched
CABIN? But it was not his custom to do SO.
Usually ne deposited it in secure place. So
ne gave the matter no further thought than
to promise himself that this should be his
last Journey (if he did as well as he antici-
Pated and tugged around fattering the rosy
checked girls into purchasing finery with
which to dazzle the eyes OF their beaux at
the next fair 6ni r.. 80 ~
His heart was light, his form strong. he
mad none of the fears of his wife, and was
looking forward joytully to the time when he
would have little home, "a pig and patch
OF pratees," that would belong to himself
alone, and of which no hard hearted steward
or nonresident landlord could claim control.
although he would willingly pay his tithes to
the church.
With Kathleen, however, it was far differ
ent. As the night began to draw near and
the wind to creep around the corners of the
cabin and whistle down the chimney with a
mournful sound, she betheeght herself of the
soVereigns her husband left, and taking the
bag in which they were kept from the little
cupboard over the fireplace, she tucked it
between the beds, remarking at the same
time to Bridget, shat no one would ever
think OF looking for it there"
NO." was the reply. sit would be smart
man shure, that would be looking under the
children to find gold."
Inc Tea over, for they were early sleepers
and early risers, the girl requested that She
might be allowed tc pass the evening with
neG sist'r,z7mha- resided about mile distant
ana the ANXIOUS wife and mother, although
sorey iotn 70 do so, at length consented, in
sist,ng uron an early return.
Du'. you will be back early, Bridget?"
after frettin'." And the girl departed.
The lone woman hused herself as best she
might until late hour, but the glrl did not
return. In fever of anxiety, she watched
until about sixty minutes had passed although
it appeared to her like half day; and then,
considering it useless to remain up longer.
sought her own pillow, after commencing
herseli to Him who is the protector of the
WIDOW and the fatheIless. But she had not
closed her eyes before there was loud rap
upon the door. 433 sFc f -
is that you Bridget?" she asked hopefully.
NO., was the answer, and her heart sank
like lead within her. No; | am stranger
nave lost my way; you must let me in"
cannot-cannotl am poor lone wo-
man. dare not let you in"
You need have no fear. As there is :,
God in Heaven will not harm YOU. I am
an escaped convict-an innocent one-and as
door," oren 'l'
when was such an appeal made to an Irish
heart in vain? An escared convict and
wanting succor? That is talisman to open
every door-to have the best potato or piece
VI Dread forced INTO the hungry mouth. Yes
1t is truly the open sesame to an Irish heart,
and it operated so in this case.
The woman arose, opened the door. gave
the fugitive food, and having again received
the assurance that he would do her no harm
put on the contrary protect her, and having
also seen him stretch upon the floor before
the remnant of the peat fire, she again sought
the side OF her sleeping children.
Dul even then she was not allowed to
rest. At first her fears kent her awake
Taea came another loud rap for admission
and both she and her stranger visitor arose
TINS part OF your gang?' she asked in
trembling whispers.
II call heaven to witness.n he answered
solemnly, that such is not the case. ASK
them what they want" -
ohe did so, and was told that they knew
sne nad money in the honse, and were de-
termined TO have it.
iell them, whispered the stranger. s:tbat
you have friend with you, and that if will
be dangerous for them to enter"
have friend here" she said oo;nr
close torshe door, man who will protect
me and you had better not try to get in"
know better" laughed female voice
that OF Bridget, the servant girl; II know
dren." p' 'ie el rp
what shall I-shall do ?" asked the NOR
woman, wringing her hands. -
Ieli Them" again said the stranger, "that
1 nave pistols and will shoot the first one that
oares step his foot within the door. God helm
mel would not have blood upon my hands:
Dut promised to protect you with nv life
and will. Warn them yet once more"
Bridget shouted Mrs. O'Bren, "the
ta;,iu -, nave mere has pistols, and will GER
tainly XII you. | warn you to 90 away.S
AGAIN the bold, bad laugh of the servant
grI rang out, and her voice could be heard
urging them on w "'"'u
=, ITS only talking they are: Diyil a one is
tnere I'D the cabin but the children. Breal
down the door and be done with it. teH
yon there is more than hundred pounds hid
between the BEDS" 81
stand back" whispered the convict to his
heads" "Pon Olon o"h
scarcely mad the words been uttered be-
fore heavy blows fell upon the door and nada
1t tremble upon its hinges, The selEappoint-
ed protector stood little one side, calm and
nrm. In either hand he held pistol, and
his manner showed that he was no stranger
to their use. .s
Down with the door, shouted Bridget,"or
else stand aside and give me the AK"
r A shower OF heavy blows and it fell The
ant ri