Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1868-10-30
a grace, will let you continue on your


and will not betray the truth, though at
the peril of my life. Thus I declare to
thee that have under my saddle cloth a
sum of two hundred pounds sterling"
1.-TWO hundred pounds sterling" cried
the robber, while his eyes sparkled through
his mask
"But il thou art as good as thou art
kind" replied the Quaker, "thou wilt leave
nae this money. ] wish to establish my
daughter, and this sum is necessary; for a
long time shall not have a similar sum
at my disposal. The dear child loveth her
intended, and it will be cruel to delay this
union. Thou hast loved, peradventure,
and tbnn wouldst not commit this wicked
act"
"What care for your daughter, and
her lover, and her marriage? Less talk,
and more promptitude of execution! l
must have this money"
Toby, with sigh, lifted the cloth, took
bag heavy enough, and passed it slowly
to the masked 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. I have nothing to say !;
but must have the advance Of the pro-
cess 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, be-
cause these cross exigencies were of ma
ture to raise the choler of the most patient
man. The good Toby, however, descend
ed, and resignedly took the sorrow jade
which was left him in exchange. off
had KNOWN" he continued himself in
thinking, IL would have fled at the first
encounter with this rogue, and certainly
it is not with this courser that he would
have gained in the race"
During this time the masked man, iron
ically thanking him for his complaisance,
applied both spurs and disappeared.
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-
ber be recognized. Meanwhile, as sud-
den idea struck kim, he stopped.
eyes," said he, "this means may sue
ceed. If this man liveth in London,
may peradvcnture meet him again.
Heaven, no doubt, hath willed that he
should have been so very imprudent."
Somewhat consoled, by know not what
hope, Toby went home without showing
any trouble, or saying aught of his adven-
embraced his daughter, who suspected
M nd uic
faith YTas in God. ------------
Next day he secretly thought of CO.
operating with Providence in making re-
search. He let the mare out of the sta
tion where she had passed the night, and
threw the bride over her neck, in hopes
that the animal, led by habit, would ma
turally go 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 fol-
lowed her. But he supposed her to have
more instinct than she had; for long
time she went right and left, making a
thousand turns and returns without aim,
without direction, sometimes at stand,
then taking a contrary course.
Toby despaired. "My robber," thought
he, "doth not live in London. What folly
in me instead of going to the magistrate
when had time, to have suffered myself
to be led away by this wretched animal !"
Suddenly, however, the beast pricked
up her ears and set off on q brisk trot,
followed closely by the Quaker.
Stop! stop! was the cry on al. hands.
"Detain me not !" cried the Quaker; 81
entreat you detain me not -
And anxiously following with his eye
the course of the animal, he saw her rapid
ly entering the gate of dwelling in the
suburb.
"'Tis here" thought the Quaker, raising
his eyes toward heaven, in thanks to Provi-
dence
He made inquiry of neighbor as to the
occupant of the dwelling.
"What, have you been in these parts ?"
was the answer, that you don't know
that this is the dwelling of the rich mer-
chant Weresford ?"
The Quaker stood petrifed.
Weresford," repeated the neighbor,
who believed that he had not understood
him, "the man who made SO rapid for
tune"
Excuse me, friend, excuse me-" replied
Toby.
He could not recover from his stupor.
Weresford, the father of Edward, a
man of note, my robber !"
He believed he was dreaming, and de-
sired to come to himself Meantime many
examples occurred to his memory, of many
respectable persons who were in league
with banditti. Toby resolved to investi-
gate the mystery.
He entered boldly into the court, and
demanded to speak with the proprietor,
who had just gone to bed, though it was
near mid day-a new indication of night
of fatigue! The Quaker insisted on being
introduced, and soon found himself in
Weresford's bed-chamber. He, not being
used to be disturbed, rubbed his eyes and
demanded with some impatience,
"Who are you, sir? What do you want
with me ?"
The sound of the voice was recognized
by Toby, and thoroughly convinced him.
He TRANQUILITY drew chair and seated
himself at the bedside, his hat on his head.
"Do you remain covered?" cried the
merchant in surprise.
at am Quaker" answered the other.
with much calmness, and thou knowest
that such is our usage
At these words Of The Quaker, Wcres-
ford sat up in bed ard eyed the stranger.
He doubtless recognized him, for he turned
deadly pale.
"Well," demanded he, stammering.
"What is tiff you please-the-the
subject that you come abouts"
II ask thy allowance for appearing So
pressing" answered Toby; "but be-
tween friends it mattereth not much, and
! come without ceremony, to ask for the
watch that you borrowedst of me yester-
day"