The Placer herald., 1871-03-18

we're advantage of every little slip that they
made. BY these reflections his soul was
chastened. Though good man, naturally,
revolving them through his mind made him
much better one, and he resolved upon a
new course of life, which should be daily
marked by the dispensation of a charity.
Early next morning Angel was astir.
Without waiting for his breakfast, he called
to John, serving-man, and told him to
hitch up his job-wagon for atrip to the city.
Into this he put one of the coveted hams,
several pieces of bacon, lot of tea, coffee
and sugar Now john said he, Jump in
the wagon. John obeyed. Angel took
seat beside him, and told him where to drive.
The wagon logged along till it reached the
alley through which Angel had traced the
puroiner of his hams. Stop here, said he
to John, and wait my return. The occu-
pant of the humble dwelling was in the act
Of putting a fry of stolen ham on the fire
when angel entered, without the ceremony
of knocking. The culprit turned, recogniz-
ed the man he had wronged, imagined the
swift avenger had overtaken him, and grew
pale as a sheet .....
what is your name +? asked Angel in a
voice anything but harsh or hostile.
The astonished thief gathered courage
from its gentle tone, end faltered out:
'Mi-cha-el Michael Kelly, sir
And this is your familv?'
1T is sir
How many children, Michael, have YOU
got?'
-Four, sir. ....
And wife?
Yes, sir; the poor crather you see there,
sick in bed.
Michael, YOU have been helping yourself
to my hams.
Before God, sir
There, don't add moral perjury to your
crime. | saw you take them, but have
come neither to accuse or arrest YOU. On
the contrary, pity you, and have brought
some provisions to your relief.
Angel then advanced to the sick bed, and
administered few words of consolation to
the poor woman who occupied it, by this
time very much excited and alarmed. She
had in fact, broken into wall and the ut
terance of pous CALCULATIONS which it was
painful for Angel to hear. His words of as
surancc soon alayed her feverish anxiety.
Follow me, Michael said he, as he
turned in the direction of the door,
Michael obeyed mechanically. He had a
world OF msgivings. The wife, in spite of
Angels words of comfort, partook of the
same feeling, and uttered groan of agony
as her husband passed out from her pres
ence. This bitter sorrow was but moment
airy, for soon Michael returned, staggering
under the weight of good things which An
gels generosity had provided him. John
followed with a load also; and it seemed to
the bewildered Kelly, his wife and children
as if they were either in dream or that
wrought in their presence.
Michael, why did you steal my hams {?
'Oh, sir; it was the last resort, but as
sure you my first crime. Bridget ang and
the children starving. / had no money and
but little work saw the opportunity and
Satan tempted me to act. But, my God
sir, | deserve punishment for robbing so good
a man. 0, if you will forgive me, sir,
shall never be guilty of the likes again.
could not leave my wife and children to
hunt work. Who would take care of them
if -
'That will do, Michael. Only keep your
word; and promise me if you get into trouble
again you will let me know of your distress
You look like an honest man. Youl pun
ishment has been sufficient, and accept
your contriton The police shall never hear
of this affair." But beware Of the future
Honesty, you know, Michael, is the best
policy,
Michael was dropping big tears, his sick
wife was sobbing and the children huddled
in one corner of the room were crying as if
their hearts would break. They wept be-
cause their parents set the example. Be-
yond that, they knew not why. The scene
was now becoming too painful; so Angel ex-
tending his hand to the trembling Kelly,
had it clasped tightly and shaken fervently.
Remember your promise, Michael, said
he, as he stepped out of the house. closed
the door after him, sought the wagon, got
up along side of John, and drove home to
his breakfast
Who could not have envied him his ap-
petite, as he partook of that meal
If there were more Angels in the world
there would be fewer police officers.
SICK OF HIM-The community is becom-
ING sick Of Horace Hawes and his bumh, O.