Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1868-12-10
Toby. placed himself anew in his way, and
presenting his pistol as before, cried out to

presenting his pistol as before, cried QUIT
him:
.Your watch ~
The Quaker surprised. was nevertheless
unmoved. He coolly took his watch from
the fob, looked at the hour, and put the
costly article into the hands Of the robber,
saying:
"Now. heseech thee permit me to 60
to my dwelling my daughter will be un-
easy at my absence"
"A momen. more," replied the masked
cavalier, the more and more hardened by
this docility swear to me that you have
no other sum-"
Il never swear" said the Quaker.
Every well. Affirm that you have no
other money, and on the faith of an honest
robber, incapable of taking by violence
from man who yields with so good
grace, I will let you continue on your jour
ney."
The Quaker reflected moment and
shook his head.
"What thinkest thou" he said gra-ely;
''thou hast discovered that I am Quaker,
and ill not betray the truth, tho at the
peril of my life? Thus I declare to thee
that have under my saddle-cloth sum
of two hundred pounds sterling"
1.-Two hundred pounds sterling p cried
the robber while his eyes sparkIed through
the mask
''But if thou art good as thou art kind,
replied the Quaker, 'thou wilt leave me
this money. / wish to establish my daugh-
ter. and this sum is necessary for long
time [ shall not have a similar sum at my
disposal. The dear child loveth her in
tended, and it will be cruel to delay this
union. Thou hast loved peradventure,
and thou wouldst not commit this wicked
act"
What care I for your daughter, and
her lover. and their marriage? Less talk
and more promptitude of execution! !
must have the money"
Toby, with sigh, lifted the cloth, took
heavy wallet, and passed it to the mask
man. His intention then was to gallop off
"Stop again, friend Quaker" said the
other, laying his hand upon the bride; "as
soon as you arrive you will denounce me
to the magistrates This is according to
your order. have nothing to say but
I must have the advance of the process Of
tonight at least My mare is feeble, and
is Besides, fatigued. Your horse, on the
contrary, appears vigorous, for the weight
of this bag does not incommode him
Alight and give me your beast; you may
take mine, if you WILL
He was slow in beginning to comply,
becase these cross exigencies were of ma
ture to raise the cboler of the most patient
man. The goo! Toby, however. descend
ed, and resignedly took the sorry jade
which was left him in exchange. IF [
had known" he continued to himself in
thinking, Il would have fed at the first
encounter with this rogue, and certainly
1t is not'with this courser he would have
gained in the race"
During :his time the masked man was
ironically thanking him for his complai-
sance, he applied both spurs and disap-
peared.
Before he reached London, Toby had
time to reflect on his misfortune, on the
chagrin of the two young persons who
loved, and whose happiness would be put
off. The sum taken from him was ire
coverably lost. Not the least of it could
be regained, nor could the audacious rob-
Der be recognized. Meanwhile, as a sud-
den idea struck him. be stopped.
Eyes" said he, "this means may sue
coed. If this man lives in London, may,
peradventure, meet him again. Heaven,
no doubt, hath willed that he should have
been so very imprudent.
Somewhat consoled by I know not what
hope, Toby went home without showing
any trouble, or saying aught of his adven-
ture. He did not 60 to the magistrate.
but embraced his daughter, who suspected
nothing, and lay down and slept. His
faith was in God
Next day he secretly thought of co-ope-
rating with Providence in making research
He 1t the mare out of the stable where
she had passed the night. and threw the
bride over her neck, in hopes that the an
imal, led by habit, would naturally 20 to
the house of her master. He, therefore.
sent off the poor beast, which had been
fasting, to wander at large through the
streets Of London, and followed her.
But he supposed her to have more instinct
than she had; for long time she went
right aud left, making thousand turns
and returns without aim, without direction;
sometimes at a stand, then making con-
trary course.
Toby dispaired "My robber." thought
he, ''dotb not live in London. What fol-
ly in me! Instead of going to the magis-
trate when had time, to have suffered
myself to be led away by this wretched