Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1870-04-28


fathers. Remove them from the paths
OF vice on which their fathers have
entered. l know not by what method
you are to attain this result, but your
motherly affection will doubtless dis
cover way One thing at least you
can do-send these poor little ones to
the Ragged Schools, where Mr.. A. has
plenty Of accommodation for them. and
will only be to glad to see them.
The majority of the mothers burst
into tears; even in their depraved
hearts the maternal chord vibrated to
the appeal. Mr.. Mursell was trying to
bring smile to their faces. when all
at once disturbance was heard in the
room below. Every face turned toward
the trap-door. and anxiously awaited
what was to follow. a noise was heard
on the ladder, as heavy foot assembled
the steps; the trap-door was raised.
and the head Of policeman became
visible through the opening. A ghost
could scarcely have more thoroughly
transfixed the assemblage. The police
man silently ran hls eve over those
present till it rested on a sturdy Young
fellow, who Immediately turned very
pale. The policeman made sign with
his hand, and the young thief rose
without word. biting his lips to re-
press mis- emotion. A young woman
threw herself on mis- neck. exclaiming
amid her tears, Harry Harryi"
Harry softly cxtricated himself from
her embrace, kissed her tenderly, and
consigning her to the arms Of one of
the old women, said in philosophic
tone What does it matter? haven't
a chance" After shaking hands all
around. he disappeared through the
trap, in company with the officer, fol-
lowed by cries Of Good By, Harry
Keep up your spirits, my hoy. Never
say die
The poor girl who had thrown herself
on the neck Of the thief continued to
weep bitterly. The woman surrounded
her and tried TO console her. and finally
carried her out of the room.
The Vice-Presilent, leaning toward
Mr.. Mursell and his two companions.
whispered, Poor Harry bad affair
he will get seven or eight years hard
labor"
This incident dampened for little
the enjoyment of those present. but
The careless disposition of the thieves
soon gained the ascendent. Speeches,
dances and songs proceeded gaily as
before. At this point we rose 10 take
leave of our entertainers. In spite OF
the disagreeablc things which Mr..
Mursell hal said. his departure was
the signal for three formidable cheers,
and the thrice repeated refrain;
For he right good fellow.
And 20 say all Of rs.
DR.. Mursell extended his hand 10
right and left with u cordialitv which
went To the heart of the wretches pres
ent. God bless YOU. sir said the wo-
men in voice full of gratitude. One OF
them whispered in his ear, showing him
the man who took the tickets at the
bottom OF the stairs. ASK him for
leave TO come back Mr.. MurseIl went
strrighi up to the individual, and said
10 him. smiling:
Good night. sir, and thousand
thanks. May come back some other
time:
We will always be happy to see you.
replied the thief. Is it not SO, bows Z
Yes. yes was the reply. and the
hurrahs continued louder and louder.
Good night, gentlemen. said Mr..
Mursell. proceeding towards the door.
Good night said the ticket collector,
adding in lower tone, 'iou may
thank your stars, reverend sir. for es-
Gaping so we'll. You see this fist? Well,
you were in hairs breadth of having
it on your jaw. When you begin you
don't mincc your words. However,
YOU are brave fellow all the time,
1and | swear TO you that no harm shall
Come 10 you among us. Good night.
1t may be added that next day the
ragged school superintended by Mr.. A.
was too small to accommodate all who
applied for admission.