Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1891-01-22
QUAKER AND HIGHWAYMAN.

a Quaker named Elias simpson, ne ndu
only one chiId-a daughter, named
Mary-a charming blonde Of Is years;
she had several suitors for her hand,
among whom was young artist, Edward
Weresford by name, who had won her
heart. Edward was not wealthy, but
he earned enough by his profession to
support family comfortably, and Mr..
Simpson could see no reason to oppose
the natural inclination OF the young
people. The elder Weresford Gather
of Edward) had been a merchant. but
had retired with large and rapidly
acquired fortune, at which many people
marveEed. Weresford was rough and
churlish in manner; he lived alone with
his servants in one of the suburbs of
London, never troubling himself about
his son. but leaving him at liberty
to do as he pleased. The
course Of true love ran smoothly
with these young lovers, and Mary's
father only put off the happy day until
he collected his midsummer rents (now
due) which were to be used to defray
the expenses of the wedding. His
tenants houses were In the country, a
few miles from London; SO, bidding his
daughter goodbye, he mounted his
he was returning in the evening he saw
at a short distance before him a man,
who was on horseback, who barred his
passage; he stopped, uncertain whether
to continue his route or return to the
village. During this time the rider adj
vanced. Mr.. Simpson knew that there
was no use to try, he felt sure he could
not escape; he composed his coun-
tenance and walked his horse slowly.
He saw, as he approached, that the
man wore q mask, and held pistol,
which he pointed at Mr.. Simpsons
breast, demanding his money. The
Quaker did not lack courage, but his
disposition was peaceful, and his re-
ligion made hun averse to bloodshed;
SO with great GOODNESS he took from his
pocket purse which contained a few
guincas: the highWayman took it and
let the Quaker pass on. But the rob-
Der, seeing that there had been no re-
sistance and thinking that his victim
might have something else of value,
soon reioined him, and again directing
his pistol to the breast Of the unfortu-
nate traveller, cried:
'Hour watch.
Mr.. Simpson took his watch from his
vest pocket, looked at the time, and
placed it in the robbers hand, saying:
NO" / itOp6 ILltt WIN AilON IIS ~ ~
my way IN peace"
Zone moment" said the highway
man. ''Swear to me that you have no
more
II never swear" replied the Quaker.
''Well, then, affirm that you have no
more money"
The Quaker reflected a moment, and
then said quietly; "Whoever thou art,
thou hast OWNED that [ am q Quaker,
and will not tell an untruth, even if it
were to save my life; therefore, | de-
clare to thee that | have under my
saddle 600"
1.-TWO hundred pounds!" cried the
man.
eyes," said the Quaker; "but if thou
art human thou wilt not deprive me of
it, I am about to marry my daughter
10 a worthy young man, and [ need this
money for the wedding expenses. If
thee takes this money from me the
wedding will be delayed"
"What do [ care for your daughter, or
her lover sand their marriage? |
must have this money. You need not
remove it from under the saddle; dis
mount, your horse is vigorous, my mare
is not strong. Quick, descend, you can
have the mare it you wish" 1t was too
late to resist, although the Quaker felt
ttlUt patience Iittt CCdSStt 70 NC a. VII tILS :.
so he dismounted and took the tired
mare.
eff l had only known" thought he,
as he mounted, ~ could have galloped
away from this rascal, and he could not
have overtaken me-"
On his way home he had leisure to re-
feet He felt sure that the money was
irrevocably lost, Tor he had no means of
recognizing ethief. Suddenly an idea
struck him.
yes. said he. Gin that way, if this
man lives in London, | shall perhaps
find him
On his return he ate supper with his
daughter, but said nothing OF his advent
ure. The next morning he brought the
mare out OF the stable. and letting her
birdie lie loosely OF her neck, let her go
into the street, hoping that the animal,
guided by habit, would go to the mas
ter's stable. He let her wander at her
own will, following her as she amhled
along. first to the right then to the left;
stopping aW bile, then rensWing her zig
gag course. The Quaker felt desperate
My rohber," thought he, did not
live in London. What folly for me to
wander after this animal instead of 60
ing to q magistrate"
His thoughts were interrupted by the
screams OF some children. who had al
most been run over by the mare, which
had started Off on gallop.
stop that horse" cried the people
on all sides
Don't stop her" cried the Quaker,
let her 90 on - and runDipp after her