Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1877-08-22
EVA, MICHIGAN WEDNESDAY Y, AUGUST o. 1877

seemed just then recovering from
the effects of a "spree," so bis
application was refused. But he
had seen me in the shop,
and, probably to console himself
for his ill-luck, denounced me as a
prison Bird at the same time
greatly exaggerating the offense
l had been declared guilty of.
81 was Immediately discharged,
and the boss said to me that he
would be doing but the right thing
to withhold my wages, as a penalty
for having imposed upon him as
an honest man. He called me a
'rascally thief and hinted that
the sooner | left the city the better
1t would be for my safety. This
was discouraging enough, and 1
scarcely knew which way to travel |;
but after serious thought it occur
red to me that my best plan, after
all, would be to go back to Cincin-
natl, and, by a strict and honorable
course of life, live down the false
charge against my character.
III arrived here about four
months ago, and at once sought
employment at my trade, but was
driven from every shop in the city.
l. then attempted to engage in
some other pursuit, and even
employment as common laborer !:
but various accidental encounters
with former acquaintances continu-
ed to disclose the fact that | was
discharged convict, and l have been
denied even the most menial en-
ployment. How / have subsisted
is a mystery to myself, but it is a
fact that / have not partaken of
one good wholesome meal since
my return to Cincinnati. An old
who was my washer-woman
during my apprenticeship, gave
me something like a dinner two
days ago, since then l have not
tasted food. Breaking into this
house was really my first attempt
of crime, as God shall judge me |;
and starvstion alone goaded me to
this. l rejoice that l am here,
and that l did not accomplish my
original purpose. for now l feel
that / can lie down and die in
(having told my tale to
willing ears and a believing hearty
ia the sweet consciousness that,
whatever may be the verdict of the
world, l am innocent of positive
crime"
"God bless yon !" responded
Joshua. "But now," he continued,
'you shall fast no longer. 1t is
near morning, so we may as well
dress, aud we'll talk up some plans
for the future over an early break
fast. You have had a poor show
for your time of life, my friend,
and / am sure there is better fortune
in store for you"
Poor John McMasters was over
rome at such an exhibition of gen.
erosity, for it disclosed phase of
the human heart he had never
before witnessed, and he wept
tears of joy; but Joshua went
vigorously to work to feed and
clothe this new subject of his
bounty, for he was convinced of
the mans truth, and saw a promis-
ing germ of good in him.
These events happened in the
second year of the war of the
rebellion, and before breakfast was
over, McMaster's patron suggested
to him the finest opportunity to
regain the reputation so unjustly
filched from him, could be found in
the service of his country. He
declared himself anxious to enlist,
and in three or four days SUBJ
sequent to his attempt at burglary
he was enrolled as a private in an
Ohio regiment.
The real gist of this sketch is in
Its sequel, and is more than usual
ly interesting for the lesson it
teaches. The man who was falsely
accused, unjustly convicted and
subjected to a punishment that
threatened to stamp him with ever
lasting disgrace, proved to be
brave and trustworthy when trust
was reposed in him; within twen-
ty months from the date Of his
enlistment rose through the differ
cnt grades in rapid succession, to
the rank of Captain of a company.