Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1868-12-10

ing his eyes towards heaven in thanks to
Providence
"What! have you never been in these
parts, was the answer, .'that you do not
know that this is the dwelling of the rich
merchant Weresford 2"
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, my friend, excuse me-
replied Toby.
He could not recover from his stupor.
"Wereforl, the father of Edward,
man of note. my robber!'
| He believed he was dreaming, and de-
sired to come to himself Meantime many
examples occurred to bis memory, of many
respectable persons who were in league
with bandi:ti. 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 in l;cation of night
of fatigue! The Quaker insisted on being
introduced, and soon found himself in
Weresfords bed chamber. He, not used
to being disturbed, rubbed his eyes, and
demanded. with some impotence
"Who are you, sir? What do you want
with me Y'
The sound Of the voice was recognized
by Toby and thoroughly convinced him
He TRANQUILITY drew chair and seated him
self at the bedside, his hat Oh his head
do you remain oovered?" cried the
merchat, in surprise.
Il am a Quaker" answered the other,
with much calmness, ''and thou knowest
that suc|: is our usage"
At these words of the Quaker, Weres-
ford sat up in bed and eyed the stranger.
He doubtless recognized him, for he turn
ed deadly pale
"Well." demanded he stammering.
"What is tiff you please-the-the-
subject that you are about?"
Il ask thy allowance for appearing so
pressing" answered Toby; ''but between
friends it mattereth not much, and | come
without ceremony, to ask for the watch
that thou borrowedst of me yesterday"
"The-watch p
ri value it much it belonged to my
poor wife, and | cannot do without it. My
excellent friend, the Alderman, would
never forgive me were I to fail for one
day to return the jewel to his sister,
The name of the Alderman appeared to
make some impression upon Weresford.
Withot waiting for an answer, Toby con-
tinued:
Thou wilt do me the pleasure to return
also the thwelve guineas which [ lent thee
at the same time Nevertheless, if thou
art in need of them, I consent to LET thee
have them for some time, on condition
that thou give me a receipt"
The scheme of the Quaker so discon-
certed the old merchant that he could not
deny the possession of the articles, but,
not liking to acknowledge his crime, he
hestated to answer, when Toby added :
Il wish thee to participate at the ap-
preaching marriage of my daughter Mary
had reserved the sum of two hundred
/ pounds sterling for the bridal of the es-
poused, but an accident happened to me
last night on the road to London-I was
completely robbed so come to pray thee
to give thy SIN a portion. which otherwise
l would not have asked of thee"
"My SOM"
eyes. Dost thou not know that he is
AIary's lover, and tits he that is to marry
herr"
Edward Wcresford," mildly replied
the Quaker, while quietly taking pinch
of snuff; Come, do this thing for him
would not, verify, that he should know
aught of what passed last night. and if
thou dost not furnish him with the sum
that l promised, it will be we'll for me to
tell him how | lost it."
Weresford ran to bureau, ard drew
out casket with triple lock, opened it,
and returned successfully, to Toby his
purse, his watch. and his bag of money"
Very WE'LL said the Quaker. as he re-
ceIved them, Il see that bad reason 20
count on thee"
Is that all that you need % demanded
the merchant, with one of his blunt airs
''Nay, / yet need something of thy
friendship"
'Speak"
Thou wilt disinherit him. I see not
but that some one may say have specu-
lated on thy fortune"
In finishing these words the Quaker left
the chamber.
mo" murmured he, when he found
himself alone, children are not answera-
BILE for the faults Of their parents. Mary
shall marry the son of this man, but the
stolen money he shall never touch"
When he reached the court, he called