Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1869-01-27

pretor Of handsome house and large landed
estate, including several tenements which he
rented out. In the poorest of these lived
john Walton and his mother. They lived
poorly enough, how it would be hard to tell.
but at all events they lived, aud never sought
help.
When John told the story Of his encounter
to his mother, she was disturbed, fearing that
trouble might come Of it, So, indeed il did.
The next morning Squire Ronalds, with
his stiff erect figure was seen approaching
the widows cottage.
Mrs. Walton opened the door.
% Wont you come in. Squire Ronalds." she
said neryousy.
" No madam, have but word to say,
and that is soon said Are YOU aware that
your boy gro sly insulted my son Oscar yes.
terday ?"
" He told me that Oscar called me names.
and he knocked him down. He has has'y
temper"
" Your son is a ruihan. ma'am."
Not SO bad as that. He Is good boy to
me, Squire Ronalds"
" II is a pity he cannot treat Others with
proper respect"
" DO you think he was wholly to blame 2"
" Certainly he was. My son caught him
trespassng on my land, and very properly
ordered him Off don't care to argue the
matter If he will apologize to Oscar, will
let II pass. Otherwise as your months up
to day, | shall require you to leave this ten
ement"
John who had been inside aud heard what
had been said came forward, looking resoluie
and seli-sustained.
=" | shall not apologize to Master Oscar.
sir, he said 1t she who should apologize
to me-"
Apologize to you That would look we'll.
would il not?' said the Squire scorn6lly.
" II would be right, said } ohn firmly.
iou are an impudent young rascal"
" Mother said John quietly, - there is no
use listening further. shall not apologize,
and am ready to take the consequences -
Don't be alarmed III take care Of YOU
You must leave this house tomorrow"
roared Squire Ronalds, in very undiruified
rage, stamping his gold-headed cane upon the
ground
50 Very WELL" said John. Good day.
SIR" and closed the door, leaving the Squire
under vague impression that he had got
the worst Of the encouter.
-" What shall We DO John ?" said Mrs.
Walton dismally.
"Ill tell you, mother" said John There
is nothing for me 10 do here. Well 20 to
Brandon, where there are WOODEN mills
Then | can get chance to work, and I'll
rise, never fear 1t is best for Us to CO."
The next day Mrs Walton's tenement was
empty, and no one knew where the family
had gone. Oscar exulted in what he regard.
ed as his triumph
Twenty years passed. To the barefooted
boy they brought wonderful changes At
twenty four he found himself superintendent
of the mill where he had entered as poor
operative earning a salary of five thousand
dollars a year. He had built handsome
house, over which his mother presided with
matronly dignity. His sister Lizzie was the
wife Of a young physician in successful prac-
ice in the same town.
One winter evening they were all seated
in luxurously furnished room, before a
glorious fire. His sister had come to spend
the afternoon, but was prevented by the vio-
lent storm from returning to her own home.
/" What a storm it is J" she exclaimed won-
dering. a" pity those who are out in it,"
" Yes" said her brother, it is the most
violent storm of the year The snow must
be two feet deep at least But we need not
feel troubled. 1t is summer indoors"
" Who would have thought, John, we
should come to live in such comfort ?" said
his mother. Twenty years ago we were
poorly off"
81 well remember it. 1t was u lucky
thing we came to Brandon"
" So it has turned out But was alarm
ed when you quarreled with young Oscar
Ronalds"
81 have forgiven him. The harm he in
tended has only done us good"
:" Have you heard anything OF him lately2"
d" Not lately. His father died ten years
since, and | am told that Oscar is very ex-
travagant. That is ALL" b,
The storm increased in violence, shaking
the house, firm and strong as it was. All at
once the door-bell rang sharply.
I'm go myself" said John. The serv.
ant may not be able to close the door again"
He opened the front the door, and sharp,
cutting wind entered with furry of snow