The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1879-12-24
THE AGATE RING,
"A CHRISTMAS STORY.

/.
Evenings shadows were closing in
over q great and populous Western me-
tropolis. Without, the orm-king
reigned supreme; the wind blew it's fit
full, violent gusts; the snow-fakes fell
thick and fast, and the air was sharp
and chilling. To an interior scene.
where none of the accessories to comfort
and content existed save warmth and
light, we would conduct the reader this
cherries wintry night, the fourth even
ing preceding that most joyous of all
merry seasons in the year, Christmas
night.
While without, despite the falling
snow and general inclemency of the
weather, a thousand merry sleigh-bells
keep time to the happy harmony of
cheerful hearts and intensity the smiles
of hopeful anticipation Oh joyous faces,
within the walls of the city prison COM
paratiye silence and gloom alone exist.
Here, with no hope of participation in
the gay festivities of the season. moody
or sullen under restraint, orreckless and
phlegmatic under long usuage to incar
cerations, the hundred and more prison
era behind the iron barred doors either
converse in low, dreary undertone, or
stand gazing at the few late visitors in
the corridors importuning them for Pc
cuniary or other favors. To one of the
cells, where its two occupants are seated
on the iron bed engaged in earnest dis
course, let turn our attention.
The elder of the occupants of the cell
is a young man not more than thirty
years Of age, and whose manner, words
and dress betoken the gentleman. The
prison register tells US that this man is
held on charge of forgery. His COM
panion is mere boy, whose pale, sad
features tell story of suffering and
want more than of vice or crime. 1t is
he who is speaking.
Eyes, Mr.. Vane, they tell me I can
leave here tonight, free man. After
keeping me here for nearly month,
until the weather is too cold to tramp it
far without freezing to death, they say
that, as the only charge against me is
vagrancy. / am free to leave here, pro-
vided I leave the city within twenty-four
hours. A dreary lockout, indeed. I
nave no home, no friends. Except your
own, I cannot remember kind voice for
years. l shall leave when the turnkey
goes the evening rounds. Is there any
thing can do for you outsides"
A look ofthoughtfulm meditation crosses
the others brow at the query. Then a
quick flush comes across his face, sue
ceeded by one of intense pallor.
"It is hopeless to try iti' he mur-
murs, g and yet. Yes, my friend, you
can do me a favor. I am held in this
prison on q false charge of forgery.
Since l have been here systematic
bribery and influence have rendered ny
Incarceration complete isolation from
all my friends. ] have sent letter after
letter from here to the woman whom
[ have loved--to the woman who pledged
herself to become my bride Guilty in
the eyes of the world, condemned by the
silence of nay own lips, must atone for
the crime of another, unless she gives
me permission to speak. Oh, but to
see her for one brief hour! Then, with
her avowed sanction to the sacrifice,
knowing her to be still true to me (for
II she knew all she eonld not but love
me the stronger). / could suffer in the
blessed belief that when my period Of
punishment was ended she would be
miner
The tramp gazed upon his companion
with genuine sympathy in his eyes.
What can / do for you?n he asked,
| impetuously. Il do not know your
story beyond the few words you have
;ust told me, but know you are an in
| nocent man, and your friendship for a
poor vagrant has won my heart to you.
Command me in anything in my power,
will do it for your
Thank you, my friend,n said the
other in sui dued tone of voice. My
story will not tire you with. Suffice
it i..at it is in the interest of a certain
| man to procure my conviction speedily,
and to prevent me communicating with
the woman / love. am satisfied that
| not only have my letters to Inez Saltore
been detained, but that his misrepresen-
| tations to her have prevented her COM
ing to me. See here" he said, produc-
ing a letter, sealed, addressed and
stamped. When you lesve here will
you place it in the most convenient let
| ter-box? And here,n taking from his
| finger u ring, plain circlet containing
q peculiar agate setting, is a slight re-
mem brance from me- No. Take it. 1t
was her ring, but It is all have left OF
value, and it may save you from starva-
ton. y
The tramp took the missiye, but de-
lciined the ring.