Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1891-01-21
QUAKER And HIGHWAYMAN.

Many years ago there lived in London
a Quaker named Elias Simpson; he had
only one child-a daughter, named
Mary-a charming blonde of Is years;
she had several suitors for her hand,
among whom was ayoung artist, Edward
Weresford by name, who had won her
heart. Edward was not wealthy, but
he earned enough by his profession to
support a family comfortably, and Mr..
Simpson could see no reason to oppose
the natural inclination of the Young
people. The elder Weresford Gather
of Edward1 had been a merchant, but
had retired with a large and rapidly
acquired fortune, at which many people
marveIed. 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
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
horse and went to collect his rents. AS
he was returning in the evening he saw
at 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, be felt sure he could
not escape; he composed his coun-
tenance and walked his horse slowly.
man wore a mask, and held a 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 him averse to bloodshed;
SO with great GOODNESS he took from his
pocket purse which contained a few
guineas: 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:
Your watch
Mr.. Simpson took his watch from his
vest pocket, looked at the time, and
placed it in the robbers hand, saying:
Now [ hope thee will allow me TO go
my way in peace"
zone moment" said the highway
man. "Swear to me that you have no
more"
Il 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 Quaker,
and viii not tell an untruth, even if it
were to save my life; therefore, | de-
clare to thee that / have under my
saddle goo"
Two hundred pounds % cried the
man.
''Yes," said the Quaker; shut if thou
art human thou wilt not deprive me of
it. [ am about to marry my daughter
to a worthy young man, and [ need this
money for the wedding expenses. If
thee takes this money from me the
wedding will be delayed
s'What do [ care for your daughter, or
her lover sand their marriage? I
must have this money. You need not
remove it from under the saddle; dis
mount, your horse is vigorous, my mare
rs not strong. Quick, descend, you can
have the mare if you wish" 1t was too
late to resist, although the Quaker felt
that patience had ceased to be a virtue:
so he dismounted and took the tired
mare.
IF had only known" thought he,
as he mounted, II 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, for he had no means of
recognizing the thief. Suddenly an idea
struck him.
eyes, said he, ain 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
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 ambled
along. first to the right, then to the left;
stopping awhile, then renewing her zig
gag course. The Quaker felt desperate.
my robber," thought he, did not
live i'll London. What folly for me to
wander alter this animal instead of 60
ing to 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.
''s,top that horse" cried the people
on all sides
Don't stop her." cried the Quaker,
let her 60 on, and running after her
he saw her rapidly enter a stable yard,
the door OF which bad been left open.
1T is here" thought the Quaker,
and looking IN, he saw servant patting
the mare, and leading her to the stable.
ELIAS asked the first passerby the name
Of the owner Of that house.
'.Weresford" said the person ad-
dressed. The Quaker was almost petri-
fed.
THANKS, friend; thanks said he.
He felt dazed Could it be Edward S
father! Can he be the man who robbed
him? He felt like one in a dream. and
thought it best to return home. Then
several examples REQUIRED to his mind
of men who had been thought to be
wealthy, and had been we'll thought of,
~.zl,o had affiliated with malefactorS.