Weekly Trinity journal., 1877-09-08
THE RASH VOW.
~ FREDERICK HASTINGS.

Arriving one day, q few years ago, at
Aguapo.i, in Nova Scotia, wished, with
several other iiiond,, to cross the PENN
sulu. We hired two vehicles for the
journey Of seventy miles. Six Of our
number rode IN the larger, two-horse We.
licie. and two in the ema. Ter, one horse
irnp OF old Tomhins, the carrier Of Her
Msje,ty's mails. O}a Tompkins led the
way at fr,i, until bis horse becoming
weary, hewas obliged TO drop behind
lie told US go go ahead, but said, Don't
leave me too far" On we went, but he
coud not keep up. We found ourselves
at II O'clock at night waiting in dense
wood for him to come up. Oae or two
wen, baak To find him. After an hours
detention be came up. We then learneGa
that one Of the hinder wheels had come
oii. owing 10 the los, of the lnchpn. The
old u'an hid pat the wheel in the cart.-
lie then fastened by cords (of which be
always carried ~ good supply) a yonng
mrch tree, cut from tie forest, in such
way that, trailing behind, it kept the We
hcle from upsetGug. We had to relieve
hn of bis p1s.pugpr and drive on. Ere
we reached the rude inn where we were
TO stop that night, the driver or our vehi-
Gle gave d >o'ne accounts Of old Tom
kius. It ,enm. that FOR many years be
had cnrfied the mt,ls, and wa. known as
g strong, determined old man. He prid
e1 Lim-eIfon never breaking his word.
H. wa, "a very stern hgsband.and futuer.
one dny be went home much earlier than
usual and, because his dinner was not
rmdr, be began 10 uptad his wife. She
answered him wafm y aud he went out
saving, "I'A meyer speak to you again
aud. - said The driver, "he has kept hi,
word"
~ suppose he does not live with bis
wife, noU ?'
Yes, they live together just The same,
bat hc never speaks to her."
What iot 1T the table ?"
mo. Hp docs not even say How are
you' when be comes home, or C lod-
night when he hes down by her side in
bed"
"lIae he then learned tie dumb alpha
bet and does he hecusnmuuicate his wishes
by finger ign. ?"
mo, he has q slate always hanging by
the frc,ide, on which he writes his wants
and wishes. II he desires to have meat,
or any article of apparel, or wishes to tell
ler aug;hinu, be writes ildowna and hands
IL to her. Gaueraily there is no need for
her touse the slate, rs hi. wite anticipates
ucrriy aII bis wants. and he gives her
certain allowance OF money. lie comes
and goes, time after time, and never opens
his mouth TO her,"
"HoV long has this )astod %
"About seventeen years.
"Aud has be any sons or daughters P"
Ye>, AND ha speaks to them, Dat new
10 thcjr molher.'
lpw pamfh for them "
Yes aud ,hoy have ali gone wrong
though.his ucatncnt.'
"Doy thiuk he will preserve tAis
resolve 70 the end OF ifeY
"Mo,t iholy and when be is jolicd
about h- rash oath by other, be only re
tprls, better no talking than iqces-ant
qaarrci.ag.
Themes morning We passed the house
Of old TumkIns Il wa- a plcasnut look
ing wooden house, pointed bacl,, with
b,ae .hu,tefs. The Old man halted and
entered fora few moments only. Whca
h. cene bt,a the dsiyef said
" low the m.ssis ??
Alright
90 lla. ,ha gained her voice yct7'
"D i've abead, and don't ak stupid
questions. ieto,ted old Toml,Ius. And
theo.d man gave a smart stroke with the
whip to his own poor horse ana dashed
away.
lie would not -poa., again all taot jour
nry 10 the driver Of ouryolicle and hard.
Iy to any Of our party.
Returning to Annapolis after an alb
~enee o. several ycnis, nude Inquire.
for the old mau. lie was SIN driving
mails, bur hi, poor wife mo- longer lived.