igerritseT, Tubtister.
Vistellantons.
II v : • 4 :)),:tili VI tq M 0 *1441
Fria well known to , all in any degree fa
miliar with the history of Mexico, that kreg
-ular system of highway robbery exists ih
.every section . of that 'lnisentbly govefroid
country; }end that through a want of inter
ference or the authorities this has grown up
into such a regular land formidable shape,
that every, traveler moist prepare to put" his
lifiTat hazard at every stage, or be provided
- with-a suitable contribution for tat baba/feria
del ammo, (the knights of the road,) who in
the event of finding you - prepared.andoirilling,
will make their levy with a politinets only
equaled by the smiling landlord, when
he receives your overcharge fare for your last
night's entertainment. Why such systematic
boldness of robbery Is allowed—it not with
the connivance, at least with rarely any in
terference, of the government or state au
thorities--is -one of those mystical matters
- which among many others,so'puzzles and per
plexes the intelligent foreigners, 'but that
.uch is the disagreeable truth every traveler
rhkniglk-that wretched country can bear am
ple testimony.
-Some years ago, .having business wl4c11:
first Called me to the capital or Mexico, -and
thencethrough iheinterior 'of the eon ntry'tO
the northti•ard, I met with Beretsl thrilling
adventures, which I have recorded for the
benefie of Whomsoevor may take an interest
therein, omitting-only the date•, they being
non-essential to the interests of the narrations
themselves. .
The fitst of the Fel ies occurred on the route
be-ween Vera Cruz and the city of Mexico.
In the regular_ diligencia running between
the places ju-t mentioned, .1 had taken pas
sage; and had passed through beautiful
city ofJalapa, and entered the ghionly town
of Peret . e, without meeting with any unusual .
incident, though being continually warned .
to be on my :guard against the dangers of the
road.- At Peyote, where we baked for a re
-lay and refiesbmcnts, all my fellow passengers
too'k leave_of me, very solemnly - assuring toe
that, if assailed by the Emirates, or robbers,
it mould be much better fOr me to take mat
teri quietly, and suffer myself to be genteely
plundered, than to_ tun--the risk of having
my throat cut for resistance, as I had some
what boldly proclaimed it was my intention
of doing. thanked , them for their advice,
and replied that I would take the matter into
f.erions consideration.'t.
.At Perote, I repeat, all who liadlieen my
cJimpanions - from Vera qruz took leave t of me,
Ibis being the end-of
,journey in
dilection, but, there wall new - passenger
here to go forward, whom,. - to my agreeable
surp:i4, I found to be a bettptiful young lady,
tnne twenty' years ofage.
Senorita Paula, as I subsequently taxlned
Ler name to. he; was indeed one of those rare,
beatifies seldom met with except in at:As of
- tiction-tall, graceful!,with a profusion:Of
'lung, black hair--soft,:clear, melting (Jail
.elet—features.aS pevfect . as ever came from
ibe hatids of the Sculptor, and withan ant
siltation the most. fascinating, varying in ex
. .
pls..sion with every ehingibg mood of the in
, ellectual pos , essor. A glance at her.. hie
ssitcling dark eyes showed me that - she's:as
who was naturally of ioeial dispositiou;
and as "We rat:led away room the gloomy
o n, I took the liberty of 'opening a comer
_
" They, tell me." saiA " that the route be
oxeen bete , and Mexico is a very dangerous•
ore to travel. `
There is little to fear,' she rallied, with a
sheet smile and in a melodious yoice; "ei
erpt from the professional robber., and they
selbni harm any oue who makes no
-" It seems strange to rd*," I rejoined, " that
you •Alesicarts should take such things as 'a
matter of court,.and deem resistance a very
:irapolite.nav of treating the knights of the
told, instead.-of boldly asserting yo it rights,
ana ahatiwr the evil by a manly spirit of re
' sistance.- For myself, - I
must consider it the
most cowardly of proceeding., for any ; re
fireetable party to set out prepared-to quietly
gratify the cupidity of the ladrones, and 'un-
Frepared to-treat them to their just deserts.'-'
" Every traveler, Senor," she 'replied.
''Nhould before setting out, count the cost of
.his journey, and as a matter of course he .
Oi . ould value his life highly, it seems to me
natutal-timt he should pay a certain sum
_for
Iro , :iirve safety rather than ptit that life in
. i , .topardy.._ For instance, in traveling from
'VeraCruz to Xlezicog he Will fir.t reeardiat
so inuch:is the fare by diligencia, and that
so much will be required for entertainment
on the way,and so much for the contingency
vou - speak of, be will then have-the egact - cost•
between the_, two points; and if he will look
at the whole as the sum total of his journey,
he will not seem to be robbed by any one
party more-than another. - -
"Tnat," I replied, "may be, 1 believe is,
theVexican mode of doing business, but does
not tally With the preconceived idea of us
' foreigners."
"But every one," repliedkhe fair speaker,
" should cord - win to the customs of the coun
try be visitr." . .
. .'"
And do you then- , o prpared foi:l:'this
highway robbery/ and . .have you , no fear hi
' thus journeying by yourseifl"
" Well, Senor, what !'can I do 1 I am as
- you pereeive an unprotected lady ; who, for
certain reasons,- am required •to • make the
journey bet.ween Perote and the Capital some
twice or thrice a year, and you certainly
could not expect me to , go prepared to resist.
An armed band !, As to fear, I. will not deny ;
' I have any share of that; but, so far,_have_
never met with any rough treatment, and of
course I trust to the saints that illy •fertune
•.. . .
will ever be propitious."
"And have . ydu really been robbed_ oti_yrzur
journey back and forth T I .enquired. . • -
"I- think I have paid' my share to the
_ &drones for my transit through their coun
try!" she laughed..• s -
...
"And von expect to continue a repetition of
the same for the -rest of pour lifel"
" Who knows?" she replied. '
- Lope to be always prepared." .
•"-And your fellow-travelers; said I "have
• .
citt never- seen- any disposed to resist these
unlawful acts I". ,
"Ooce, Senor, art - American and an Pig-
Fishman, who were in the satnadiligenCia
with me, fired upon-She robbers, killing one
awl wounding two." - j.
And did the robl:ere ere I:snlc ?" -'
"Yea, but fl
jured none of
" As I shoul
"-tau . we'rei ao
suppose r
" We were
eigners subse.
resistance; for
both were kill
times, near t.
crosses by the 11
" I Intvesobs
they seem to
plied, looking
"Each eta,
has met a viol
w
as e,go,alon ,
those where th e
"Do you krill
to emulate diet
ces he what the
"Holy saint
you are not i . 1
• "Seriously sJ
"You,woul.
us both."
"Say ratherl
of the jour. - •
[ understand r.
you yourself h
sistanee put th l
" But there
Senor, and youl
"But fortun
• volvers, which
to some, ten
have relieated
marksman."
" ! Sant
of this, Senor
terrifies men
" But nut th
"Because I
lence."
We contin ed to converse in a similar
stminAr-some time longer—my fair compan
ion grad wally , changing the_ sulject, and
seerning_mucb interested in myself. 1 learn
ed that her fa Wily name was Valerde, that
bbe was untnaMed, and that her father and
brother were officers in the army, and so forth,
and au on; and in return I gave her my, own
cime, stating something of h'story, busi
ness and prospects, and altogether became
more communicative titan 1 would advise
any friend to be with any stranger of either
sex in .a strange country,
_
As we cocain
cation gradua l's
another, - Senor , 1
back to the two
"We are c
of the road," ,
to_defend your,'
' " With your
• " I - don't, t
.bbut.still if so
do nt ore ;than.-
atance to to
my risk of (lard
" And,have
to defend your
If I had th,
" l [have ta•
Accept of one
You are v
.. With ease,
of my revolt' r.
ner in %jell L
" And this;
dozen times'!"
• " I think it
ges out of the s'
" A tery for
replied; "and
we are safe
Zile this. r
I produced i
"What a
sexed, raaeliia
hand. Then
.Jevolves in e
like this one
against st host
mar.tler r' ',he
weapons as t
ward the road.,
" Have a of
Ebarge
The ivrkirds
her finger pies
barrels was exi
minute after,
her, we heard
and several sl
next moment
suddenly, and
by some eig
them in a lou
" Yield you,
" Quick, Se
hand;:" quic
.ne °Caren
for decisive a
"Nay," ah= replied, putting the weapons
behind her, " be too hasty ! Let there
suppose we-yirl I—let them open.the door !"
"Oh, no! it will then be. too late!" -
As spoki the door was suddenly throWn
open, and t.ree , or four swarthy, heavily
bearded me , presented themselves to my
view.
"Quick, Senorita, for the lore of God !" I
cried., grasping at her attn. _.
" Hold " She exclaimed, instantly pressing
one of my revolvers to my head. "Redstacce
is useless--ydu are our prisoner P'
id
" exclaimed ; perfectly as
tonished; " r prisoner did you say I Is it
possible thato ne so fair and lovely as your
self, is in au matiner,connected with these
banditti'!" •
"It is even so, Senor," she replied with one
of her most bewitching smiles,_ still. keeping
one of my ovvn weapons turned against my
self,. and significantly. pointing the other to
the door., " " , au will oblige us by stepping
forth and- gi lug yourself tato the care of
these goal _ • ntlemeo, who will see that you
are treated , a brave man should he,-but
1 who will tr.°. ble you meantime for any little
ebange and v luabletlyou might have to sparer
I - There see. ed to be do help for it , ---tbe
[beautiful Senorita Paula Valerde was a spy
, and accomplice of the ladrones, She had en
tered the dilbgencia at Perote for so_ other
purpose than to ascertain the exact contri
tion of thing inaide, and be able to signalize
her . issOciates Ad she passed along, so that
they
_might 'Mow exactly in what manner to
conduct then and ;lake their work sure
D
a s
without ris By a simple stratagem she
had obtii my arms, just at the point
where she w the attack would be made;
.
; and ber discharge of.the pistol, as if by ac-
"At least I
KWE JOIN: OliliSkr.YES TO 'NO PARTY THAT DOES NOT CARRY Tilt FLAG AND • KEEP STEP TO TIIE MITSIt OF Tilt ENFON."
immediately, fortunately
ur party,"‘
have expected," returned I.
robbed oni that occasion, 'I
ot '
Senor; but the two for
!nen tly paid dearly for their
in journeying back and forth,
separate
,and at different
same spot. You see those
tide of the road, Senor f"
rved them frequently, but here
• much more numerous," I re
orth from the vehicle.
s on the spot where some one
nt death," shi rejoined ; "and
I will call your attention to
• foreigners met theiri."
im," said I, " that I am resolved
ir example, let the consequen
t' may /'
defend us I" she exclaimed;
. 1 earnest, Senor !"
assure you."
1 only Lying certain death 'von
I should lighten the expenses
for your knights of the road.
ittreat as well as advance—and
re acknowledged that firm re
•m to flight for once."
ere nu tntrers opposed to-them,
afe only'one."
•
:ely I have a couple of re
in two good blinds; amount
1 dozen shots, add my friends
v told me I am not a bad
Maria! you will think better
the very, idea of resistance
I• idea of robbery V' _
have never yet met with vio
mei our journey, the-oonver-
Lmv , changing from one thing to
o ut Paula soddenly brought it
nt where it first opened.
ing upon a dangerous part
said.; "are you still resolved
self if assailed I"
Permission, Sinorita I"
ink • it advisable," she replied,
•h is 'our intention, I think it
l ight that you should give me
e a part in my defence, 1-ioce
er will be as great as yours!"
cou really , the iierves, after all,
'elf!" I inquired.
e means, Senor."
pi4.t014," said I, "if you will
ftlierii, it is at your .servlce !"
fry- kind, Senor—butcau I fire
Senorita;" and producing one
, I explained to her the man
! as. to be used.
cir say; will 31100 t some half
l afe to calculate that five cliar
x will explode, Senorita."
...iclable weapon, indeed !" she
with such t can alitOst fancy
You have another, you say,
attifdlinvention r the oh
fi over and taking it'from my
xtending her hands, one of the
oh, she continued' " Art:tied
ll ,iirht alinoit count himself safe
+2'
-
You say this is fired in this
proceeded cocking one of ti.
l e apOte; and
.pointing it to-
re, Senorita, or you will dis-
wore -scarce ly uttered, when
sed the trigger, and one of the
loded with a sharp report. .A
nd while 1 was gently chiding
la loud,-quick tramp of lidhies,
arp rapid exclamations. The
our conveyance was stopped
we saw ourselves sarrounded
t or ten mounted men, one of
I I voice, exclaimed: .
I rselves prisoner or die!"
rlnrital" said I, extending my
in lleaven's name! give me
!;apons! for , now is our time
don r
.
Sentrest, cSasquellanna sVnufa i E . 4ursbag, Wanting, goiumber.ll, 1850
ardent, was the sign to show them that all
ras secure.
" I acknowledge myself conquered by be
ing outwitted !" said I, bowing to Is Senorita.
Then tuining to the robbers, who bid now
collected in a body, in front of the door of
the diligencia, I continued : •
' "Gentlemen, will you permit the to alight.
and make yciu some valuable presents! in
the language of your
\ coutry, all I have is
yours."
The !eider of the party owed politely in
return, and said; with a grim smile:
"Si; Senor, we shall be Most happy to re
ceive anything which so distinguished a trav
eler may have to beitio*."
_ .
With . this I quietly stepped from the vehi
le; and, one quick, searching glance put me
In possession of the whole state of affairs. The
diligencia had been stopped in a wild,
gloomy place aid tb dilVer was sitting
Carelessly on his t.ok, taking everything as a
matter of course. He might also be an ac-
Complice Of the robbers, or, he might not, but,
either case, there was little hope of assis
tance froth hitia—any attempt of tile kind
iveu.td certainly bring upon him a severe
punishment, sooner or later. I glanced up
and down.,the road ~ where it Wound between
dark, overshadowing trees, but discovered
nothing to give me any hope. The robbers,
4ome eight or ten in number, and all armed,
Were., collected around me, ran of them
Mounted and others' standing oil their feet,
. holding their mustangs by the bridle : Look
ing upon my case as a desperate one, so fat
as being plundered wee concerned, I still re
{rained my presence of mind, and not wholly
despaired. True, I bad been outwitted, and
disarmed, aid now stood singly between
cumbers; but the idea of yielding tamely to
this outrage was repugnant to my very nature,
and I resolved to put the least favorable op
iortunity for defence and retaliation to the
Strongest, test.
" Will you accept this purser said I , pro
ducing one that held several gold coins, and
handing it to the chief of the ladrones.
"Thank vou, Senor I you area very kind I"
he said, as he took it in his hand, with a po
lite bow, and chincked the money.
" This diamond pin may prove acceptable
to your friend r/i added, as I quietly remov
ed it from the bosom of my shirt, and handed
it to the-gentleman on his, left, who received
in the same polite manner. " This diamond
Ong I trust you will retain as a keepsake!"
I continued; drawing the jewel from my fin=
ger, and presenting it- to a third. "I beg
your pardon, Senores," I pursued, glancing-at
the Senorita Paula, who, with my pistols
still in ber_posse.ssion, was quietly standing in
the diligeterai regarding the wbole.proceed
,
ings with one or her sweetest smiles. " I must
riot forget this biautiful lady I have here,'
went on i at the same time producing the
rtiele, "ulestuti(pl 04111nutr-Imr—let as
- You perceive, with diamonds—will your lad v
ehip honor'me by accepting this arra slight
token of my regard for the pleasure afforded
the by your company and conversation."
"_You area very gallant gentleman, Senor!"
Ore laughed, taking the two revolvers in one
fair hand, and presenting the other.
I reached the box toward her—but my
hand trembled a little—and- just as the pres
ent was about to touch her finger, it slipped
and fell between us.
• "A thousand• pardons, Senorita,•for awk
wardness I" I said,asil bent down to pick it up.
Now was thealbimportant mcment—the
Moment Of life and death I All were in a
measure off.thekguard ; and one quick, fur
tive glance showed me that the gist still held
My weapons carelessly in one hand, with the
other remaining extended for the prize. I
lifted the box carefdlly ; but as I raised my
elf, I gave a wild, startling yell ; and as the
Senorita started back, I, with the quickness,
Of lightness, seized both weapons, and Wrench
ed them front ber.
• To wheel , and commence firing upon the
party, was now only the work of a Moment.
The first shot, fortunately, stretched out the
Chief; the second the one near
-43t to min; and by the - time the third had
ecen Sent to its mission, there arose one aim.
'Oltineous yell of dis May, and the astounded
robbers began to scatter in every direction:
I had no disposition to follow them;however,
another minute they might - rally and turn
upon me ; and spiinging forsiarti, I grasped
the reins of a fieesl mustang, and vaulted into
the saddle. One more glance around me
ihowed me the Senorita Paula upon the body
of the chid, her laughter Changed to grief.
and some of the scattered cowards bringing
their weapons to bear upon me:
" Adois Senorita; and Senores!" laid I
bitterly ; " he laughs best who laughs last l"
The next moment 1 was dashing awaydocia
the road, the half-rallied robbers pouring af
ter me a volley, but fortunately not touching
their mark. They would doubtless have.
followed me in licit pursuit, but for thnwhol,-
Some dread they had of,my still undischarged
ts.eapon. As it was I escaped, and entered
the town of Puebla in triumph; where it is
almost Deedless to add, a.narlative of my ex
-Iloit. made me ut hero and a lion fur the time.
:Here I sold my captured mustang and trap-
pings for enough to indemnify me for what I
had disposed of in the way of presents, and
the next day saw the an inside passenger
"of the same diligencia, en route for Mexico,
'where I arrived in safety without any further
event worthy of note.
What bc.irne of the - robbers and their
;beautiful accomplice I never learned ; but the
'lesson taught me on that journey I have
never forgotten ; and diirtng the remainder
,
of my stay in that country, no pretty woman
ever had the honor of being my business con
fidant, or of getting possession. of my trusty
'and unfailing revolvers.
Os 6mi - tam—Punch slanderously says:
. r 4 The sun is called masculine, from iti sup
porting and sustaining thikmooo, and finding
her the wherewithal to shine away as she
!does of a night, and from his being obliged
to keep such a family of stars. The moon
is feminine, because she is constantly chang
ing, just like a ship blown about by every
wind. The church is feminine, because she is
married to the State; and time is masculine,
because Ve is trifled With by the ladies."
Sat A man came into a printing olftee to
:beg a paper, qteeituse said_ be, Ise like to
!read newspapers very -much, but our neigh.
ibon are all to stingy too take otie."
isr. Who 11111olged the .first piped Pro ,
:methetia when he stole the Ike from heaven
to light Iris clay.
§atent.
The °Nines which the last twenty years
have wrought in Illinois, would be incredi.
blest° any one Who had ecitiitnessed them.
At that time the settlements were few, and
the spirit of enterprise, which now pervades
every corner of the state, had not awakened.
The bluffs of the beautiful Illionois river had
never sent back the eclui of the steam-en
gine. Without a market for their produce,
the farmers confined their labors to the wants
of their own fareilies. Corn was, nearly the
only crop raised, and from the time it was
"laid by,' near the end *of June, till "pulling
time," in November,' was a holiday, and 'the
intervening period was passed in idleness,
except Saturdays. On that day, duly as it
arrived, the settlers` t the distillery, amused'
themselves with shooting at a mark, trading
nags, and too often, when the tin cup passed
freely round, in fighting.
This is by no* means a picture of all the
rettlements of that early period, -but that it
is geographically true of many, none of the
oldest settlers will deny.
On Saturday afternoon, in the year 1819,
a young mum_ was seen approaching, with
slow and 6eriry steps, the house, or rather the
distillery, :of Squire Crosby, of Brent's Prairie,
an obscure setrtement on the Military Tract.
As ustial oa thiit ay; a. large collection - of
people were amusing themselves at Crosby's,
who owned the distillerY iii that region, and
being n magistrate, was regarded by. the
settlers as rich, and consequently a great
wan. ,
.
The youth, who n o w came up to the
group, was apparently about twenty years of
age, and of slender form, fair and delicate
complexion, with the air cf one accustomed
to good society,andit was evident at a glance
that he was not innured to the hardships of
the frontier life or labor of any kind. gut his
dress bore-a strange contrast with hie appear
ance nod-manners. Ile wore a hunting coat
of the coarsest linsey woolsey, a common
straw hat, and a pair -of doeskin moccasins.
A large pack completed his equipment.
Every- one gazed with cutiosity upon the
new comer. In their eagerness to learn who
he was,_when be came, and what was his
business, the horse swap was left N unfinished,
and the title laid aside, and ev6 the busy tin
cup had a temporary-respite.
The young man approached Squire Cros
by, whom even a stranger could distinguish
as - the principal person among them, and, an.
xioustyrnqurrettiorwireuse wnere he could be
accomodated, saying that he was extremely
ill, and felt all the symptoms of an approach
ing fever.
Crosby eyed him closely and su-piciouslv
for a moment without uttering a word.
Knaves and swindlers had been recently a
broad, and the language of the youth be
trayed-11;kt be was-a snUe," a name at
that time associated in the minds of the ig
norant with everything that is base. Mis
taking the silence of Crosby (or a fear of his
inability to pay,lbe stranger smiled and said,
"I am not without money," and putting his
band in his. podret to give . occu tar proof of
his assertion, he was horror struck to find
that his pocket book wasgone. It contained
every Cent of his money, besides pay)ers of
great vahie to him...
Without a farthing, without even a paper
or letter to attest that his cliteracter was
honorable, ii a strange land, and sickness
rapidly cording upon him, thirs - e feelings
nearly drove hith to deipair. The Squire
who prided himself on'his sagacity in detect
ing villains, now found the use of his tongue.
With a long and sneering voice he said :
"Stranger, tau are barking up the wrong
tree, if you thin:: to hatch the with that are
Yankee trick o'yourn."
He proceeded in that icliunt6 strain sec
onded' by nearly every one present, for the
"Squire" Oras powerful, And few dared to dis
please bid. - The youth felt keenly his dis
consolate situation, and casting his eyes a
round the group, and in - a tone of deep anxi
ety, inquired :
"Is there ni:lne here who Will be-so kind as
to receive me I" -
"Yes, I wilt," cried a can among the
crowd; "yes, poor, sickstranger,l will shelter
you." Then in a lower tone he added : "I
know riot whether you are deserving, but I
do knori you are a fellow being: and in sick
ness and in want, and. for`the sake of Him
who died for the guilty, if not for your own
sake, will I be kind to you; poor stranger."
The Enda who stePpid forth end offered a
home to the youth in the hour of suffering,
was Simeon 'Davis, an elderly man who re
sided near Crosby. and the latter was his
deadly enemy. Uncle Simeon, as liciwas
called, never retaliated, and bore Many perse
cutions of his vindictive neighbor williout
complaint. His family consisted of himself
and daughter,shis only child, an affectionate
girl of sesenteen.'
The youth heard the offer cf Mr. Davis,
and beard no moie,• for overcome by his feel-
ings and eitreme illness, he sank. insensible
to tile ground. Lie was conveyed to the
house of his benefautoroind a physician called.
Long.was the struggle between life and death.
Though unconscious, he called upon his
mother and sister, almost constantly, to aid
him. When the youth was laid upon the
bed, and she heard him calling for his sitter,
Lucy Davis wept, and said to him.;
"Poor young man,your sister is far distant,
but I will be to you a sister."
Well did this dark eyed maiden keep hi
promise. Day end. night she watched over
him, except during the short intervals,
when she yielded her post at his side tcrher
father.
At length the crisis of the disorder arriv
ed—the - day was to decide the question of
life or death. Lucy bent over hint with in
tense anxiety, watching every expression of
his features, hardly daring. to breathe, so fear
ful was she of awakening , him from the only
sound sleep he had enjoyed (Or ninelong days
and nights. lit length . he awoke, and gazed
up into the face of Lucy Davis, and
faintly inquired, "Where am LT" There was
intelligence in that look. Youth and good
•constitution bad obtained the mastery. Lucy
felt that he was spared, and bursting into a
flood of tears rushed out or the room.
it was two weeks more before he-could sit
up even for a short time. Re had already
acquainted them with his nameand residence,
but they had no'cariosity to -learn :anything
further, and forbade him giving his story un
tit he became stump:. His name was
Charles Wilson, and his paternal home, Zoe
, ton.
A few days afterwards, when Mr. Davis
*as absent from home; and LuOy engaged
about her household affairs, Wilsowsaw close
beside his head his pack,• and recollecting
something that he ,wanted, he arose and
immediately "opened it. The &it thing
he saw was the indentical pocket book,Whose
loss had excited so teeny regrets. lie recol
lected having placed it there this morning be
fore be reacted Braila's Prairie, butt in te
confusion of the rniiment 'the circumstan ce
was forgotten. Ile examined it and found
everything as he leftit.
The discovery fleetly restored him to health,
but he resolved at present to conEne the sec
ret to his own- bosom. It was gratifying to
him to witness the entire confidence they re
posed in his hotior and itite e ,ority as a stranger,
and the pleasure with which they bestowed
favors upon one who they supposeff, could
make no return but thanks.
Night caine,and I.lavis'aid not return,
Lucy passed a sleepless night. In the thorn..
ing she watched hour after hour for his com•
lug, and when sunset - approached he was still
absent ; terrified at his long and- unustial
stay, she was setting out to Procure si neigh
bor to go-in search of him, when became in
sight.. She ran to meet him, and was be
stowing upon him a thousand endearing ex
pressions of affection, when his haggard, wo
begone cotutenance startled her.
Ile uttered not a word, and , went into his
house and seated Limself in silence. It was
in vain that site attempted to cheer him:
After a long peuse,during which there was
a powerful struggle going on in his feelings,
he rose and took his daughter by'the baud
and led her into the room where Wilson was
seated.
. "You must know all," he said, "I am ruin-
; I an, a beggar. In a few days. I must
quit this house; the farm which I have so ,
highly improved and thought my own."
Ile proceeded to state that a few days be
fore, Crosby, in a fit of ungovernable tnalicei
taunted him with being a beggar, and told
him that he was now in his power, and ho
would crush him under his feet. When Mr.
Davis smiled at what he regarded as only an
impotent threat, Cidshy, to convince him,
told him, tbat the patent of his farm was a
forged one, and that he, Crosby, knew the
pint] owner of the i tand ; had written to pur
chase-it; and expected a deed iii a few days.
Davis immediately went borne for his paten' - ,
and, during his long- absence, had visited the
land office. Crosby was right. .T.huzatent.
dispute, was a forged one, and the
claim of Davis to the farm was not worth a
fat thing.
It may be proper to observe that counter
feiting soldierepat•zi:s was a regular business
in some of the eastern cities, and hundieds
bad been duped.
"It is not for myself," said the old man,
"that I grieve at, this tuisfortune. I run rid
vanced in life, and it. tnatters not Where ur
how I pass the remainder of my existence.
I have a little home beyond the stars, where
tour mother has gone before me, and where
i would have loved to protect her child, My
own affectionate Lucy."
The weeping girl threw her arms around
the neck of her father, and pouted her tears
upon. bis-bosorn.
We can be happy still," said slie,"for I am
young, and can easily support us both."
A new scene followed, in which another
individual was the _principal actor. I shall
leave the :ender to form his own opinion of
it, and barely remark that at the close, the
-old man took the hands of Lacy and young
Wilson, and joining them, said :
"My children, I cheerfully consent to the
union. Though poor,with a good conscience
you can be happy. I know, Charles, you
will be kind to say daughter, for a few nights
ago, when you tho't that pm [lnman ear 'could
hear you, I heaid you fervently iinplore the
blessing of heaven upon my gray baits, and
that God would reward my child for all her
kindness to you." Taking down his family
Bible, the venerable old wan added, "It is
a season for efffiction,but we and not forsaken.
Let us look for support tollim who promised
tb sustain Ate
le then opetled the hook and I egan to
read :
"Although the fig tree shall not blossom,
neither shall' fruit be in the vines, the labors
of the olive Shan fail, aild the field yield no
meat ; the flocks shall be cut otr froni Abe
foil, and there shun be no'herd iu the stall,
yet 1 will joy in the God of my salvation."
Chillies and Lucy knelt beside. the vener
able old man, and while he prayed they
wept teats of grateful emotion. It was- -a
sleepless; but not unhappy night to•the three
inhabitants of - the neat and cheerful dwelling
they were abou, to leaie, and go they kdew
nut where.
It was then that yonug Wilson learned the
real value of money. By means
,of be
could give shelter to those who had kindly
received him when every other door was clos
ed upon him.
All night long he had thought of the forg
ed patent. There were a few words dropped
by Mr. Davis which Eel could not banish from
his mind ; that Crosby had written to the
real owner,of the land, and bad now obtained
the promise of the deed. e
It is now time for the reader to become
fully acquainted with the history of the young
stranger.
His father, Clotiles Wilson, seniot, was a
merchant in lioston who bad acquired an
immense fortune. At the close of, the war,
when the soldiers received from the govern . :
went their bounty of one hundreds and silty
acres crf land, many of them offered - their
patents- to Mr. Wilson for sale. Finding
that' they were resolved to sell them, he re ,
solved to save them fronr the sacrifice of their
hard earnings, and he purchased at a fair
price all that was offered. In three years no
small - portion of the Military Tract :genie in
to his possession.
On the day that Charles hecanic of age, he
gave hitrka deed of the principal part of his
land in Illinois, and insisted that he should
go out and sea it., and if be liked the country,
settle there._ Wishing bum to become in
dentified with the people,' be recommended
his son to lay aside his broadcloth, and'clreis
like a back-woodsman. •
ID compliance • with the, suggestiOn, the
yoUng min hid assumed a rude and rustic
drescso inappropriate to his appearance and
manners as to 'excite some suspicion,, that
he bad motives for concealing his real &rai z.
On the morning of his son's departure,
Mr. Wilson received a letter from a man io
Illinois, who had freinentiy written. He
wished to .purchase a cer t ain section of go
vernment laud, which Mr., Wilson promised
he should have the land.
the
he
forwarded a.certificate . from the judge of the
circuit court . thai the land was worth no
more: The letter just received, inclosed the
certificate, in question. Ifr. Wilson had
liven this tract to Charles, slid - pitting the
etter and *certificate into liiishand, enjoined
upon him to deed it to the writer, ac
cording to promise, upon his arrival • in rni.
nois. •
The retnarks of Mr. Davis forcibly remind
ed young Wilson of this:incident, and on the
next morning after he bad become acquaint?
ed with the plan of Crosby, With a trembling
hand he examined the letter and certificate.
It was writteti by Crosby, end 'the land he
Wished to purchaie, the• itidentical farni of
Davis. ~
Astotiislied that his friend the..! udge should
Certify that the land Wis Worth..no more,
Mr. Davis asked to see the certikate, and
after a moment's examination, unhesitatingly
pronounced its signatuie a forgery..,
An 64:dentition froin the:young man now
became necessary, and calling Lucy into the
room, be told them his story,
and laid before
them a Pile of patents, and bank notes, one
after another, till the sum reached thousands:
It was a day
.of thankful happiness to Sinieon -
Davis and daiightei,',and not kis f 0 to
young Wilson.
• Not lung after this'scerie; Crosby entered.
His air was that of a man who has an enemy
in his power, and intends to trample upon
him. He scarce noticed young Wilson ex
cept with a look of After pdiii
ing out all his Maledictions upon his family,
the old man inquired if he would not give
anything for improventents titctle., The answer
"Not a cent." •
"You certainly Wdiild not," said Wilion,
"drive out this man and his daughter penni
less into the world I"
"What's that to you I" replied Crosby,with
a look of malice and contempt.
"I will answer that question," said Wilaon,
and he acquainted him, with What the reader
has already leitned.
Crosby was at first petrified with astonish
ment, but when he•saw that all his schemes
of villainy were defeated, and proof of his
having committed a 'forgery could be estab
lished, his assurance forsook hitt!, and
. be
threw himself upon his knees, and begged
first ,mold man, Aura Luoy and Wilson, to
sparehim. •
Much as they pitied, it rifts iniposisible.for
thern not td diripise the meanness of this ap
plicatkn. •
Wilson told Lim he deserted .no inercy.
That a Mon:tent since he would haVe driven
the family Of Davis froth their Lome without
even meanS of temporary support,—lle would
pay Crosby a fair price for his property and
forbear prosecuting him on condition of his
instantly quitting the country.
Crosby accepted the offer. The writings
were made out that .day, and before, morn
ing he and- hit family were on the way to
TexaS.
' Why should I spin oat tiie narrative ;
Lucy and Charles were marrieA, and though
a •ple'tdid mtnsion soon - rose upon the farm .
of Mr. Divi4, both love far better the
room in which she hid so anxiously watched
aver The sick bed of the homeless stranger.
Mr. Wilsss was rich; but teVer forgot those
who were in want.
Cheered by the kind and affectionate at
tention of his children, Simeon Davis alinost
seemed to have renewed his existence.
lie lived many years, and-long enough to
tell the bright eyed ECM of Charles and r.ncy
the story, of the forged deed. And whet be
told the listening boy how his -fathEr, when
poor and friendless, was taketi home and
kindly treated, and in turd became their
benefactor, he impressed upon the mind of
his grandchild that even a : cull) of cold wa
ter given.froM a good, &cake; smoi vet lase
its reward.
litcationaL
If ydu would leim,—mtu'dy. It you %toiilft
becorno learcoo,—pmefico'what you rearti.
Functuaiio.
We present to the readers of the Journal
in this article a more remarkable instance of
the effect of .punctuation in changing the
meaning of The sentence
.than *int' pretiont•ly
given." . lt is'taken froth.Colegrone'sGrammAr,
published in Cleveland, in 1852.
Richt:rid Green Parker says Janus Russell
Lowell is a great genius.
In giving, the different punctuations which
this sentence may have, we shall not follow
the Order adopted by Mr. Culegrot e, nor tue
italics as'he has done.
1. Richard, Green 'Parker .ay s; " James
Russell Lowell is as r,reat genius."
2. Richard Green; Parker hays, " James
Russell Lowell is a great genius."
3. Richard Green Parker says, "James
Russell Lowell is a great genius."
4. " Richard Green' Pal ker," says Jlllllal
Russell L'Owell, " is a great i'tviitri."
5. Richard, ".Green Pal ker,".says James
Russell Lowell, " is a great genius."
6. Richard Green, " Pasker," says James
Russell Lowell, "is a grew. genius."
7. " Richard Green Parker," says James,
"Russell Lowell is a great genius."
8. "Richard Green Parker," says James
Russell, " Lowell is a great genius."
9. -Richard Green Parker says, "James,
Russell Lowell is a great genius."
- 10. Richard Green Parker says, "James
Russell, Lowell is a great genius."
11. Richard ; Green Parker says, " Jame.,
Russell Lowell is a groat genius."
, 12. Richard, Green Packer We, "James ßussell, LoWell is'a great genius."
13. Richard Green, Parker says, "James,
Russell Lowell_is a great genius."
14. Richard Green,•Parker says, "James
Russell, Lowell is a great genius." •
15. "Richard Green," Parker says,"James
Russell Lowell is a great genius."
16.- " Richard," Green Paiker says,"Jatnel
Russell Lowell is a great genius." _
We have Imo two .more readings that,
!dr. deletrove : Whether others may not he
be given we leavathareader to , ascertain.
It is evident that etteh one of the above
examples will admit it several elocutionary
readings, which will add to the number of
ideas that may be conveyed by the sentence.—
Indiana School Journal.
lumber 4
Patiiinz
Agr
cultutah
Cultivate Fa
er, tut well u the F
Calendar of
ye
eratiorie for
ber, 1858-.
Is in atl latitudes, e
attention pricaie'
Fattening auim
now receive tbucli
for early slAtighte .
Buildings of all
ly inspected last .
now. an made st.
ing m' y very .
season.
kiiidethat were not
•
°nth- shouldbe look'
I In - nii ‘ i cold proof.
r'clierly Ile done_ a
receiving most ofl
',end should not bee ,
eat of Winter. Meal
t nothing be wasted,
'nip, tops to decay u
she good food for !
Ws intended for beef sal
cold weather cow
be bodged during
Cattlsi are nom
food from the bare
at the comm.enceu
or hay cutter, that
no cabbage or, tut
ground. They nil
Fatten those stuinc
as posSible, befor
Let all animals
nights. .
Celhlrecon'tieu tegreceise intuortant
Arriinge the fruits, rots and,Veg,etsibt
neat convenient n4hner,atid keep the al
phere dry . rind iiiil Cool as can well Nil
tained without [diluter of fr / ost. A
especially
_need a Felt airy cellar.
Forest Leaves+-OolleCt a Janie- ilm
for present use in the yards and a bles
also to dry for wittier bedding. Be ides,
til
isbing the elernetiii 'of an,excellent‘
mil
they make a beitiii absorbent than 'lira
Hogs—Pay . particular attention to
fattening. Ilavelthem ready for killin
fore the cpld wea`tber, when they take,
alOwlY. Allow the Male,. to rim with
ing sows, if earl? pigs are wanted. ,
Manures—Reso l ive to make a large
of your own for another year,mthey th
away money for ',an imported artitare:
have no muck, marl or peat deposits
your own land, luy the privilege of di
upon a neighbor' p7mises. Keep the
suppli..l with tur:f frOni the road side
leaves from forests. Look about for a
factory of some kind and see if there
a 'teapot rbhuure going to waste—wool,
offal, fish, bides, leather„ashes, lithe,tan
&e., aro all capable of ting. , compost
applied,to the so I with advantage. i i
Permanent improvements niay n w be
Made to good advantage while wai l g for
the approach of 'Winter. A few rock need
sinking or blasti'ag, and stumps taking out.
Stones may be kicked aed laid into perma.
dent fence.; liedges - cleared up, &c. These
labors can proflahly ~use up ail the tpale
time.
• i _
• Plow '.1.:. , .:tvv lanrhbefote the grmlnd I
twits tuiningupltlie soil' (arid grubs) t
infitienee s of frosti. siff clays are Lett<
in ridges for' lie 'fjo.t to act upol
Aides: •
. nclioc4l+ are latent Commencing-I'i
Winter, in inauf places _ Have the ou
work in c-.nditinn to sp"are the boys
beginning; to take their places at once
classes.•
Tools- T Put ray; under cO+er, as
they are put of use. Keep thenl co
each night, espPcially where- there ii
of anon'.
Wintei• - •Grein—Permit none of it
eaten off at
. ttilets" season. The lets"
is needed fur pr'reeting the root*. 6
no water stand „ ur can stand aeon
—Amer. Apr.
N't'Anm B/irtir.—Cold and open •1
botiated bartis Carpeasily be- made w I
boarding them up on the inside and
up the space between the oatside. and
/ 1
weather board ttg silth straw.or coa : •
hay. And di? cab be done at a very
.efpe.nes bb ,sitiub ai cannot afford to bill
barns oi ihoritughly repair their 01.
For a few dollars tvortb . of boards an
and a litile wtirk, which you can d.
5,4, is'all that it 4 necessary to prevent
. 4r , ,54 of the shitrp wind and cold, Eros
And he wha neglects or begrtidges thi
merciful to 114 poor 'shivering beast'
%mild soon tell him of his want of an
they could.
How TO Ptiansmr. SUPERIOR. Mum.
von PrEs.-1 4 ,ake stoned raisins, cu
sugar, and su4 of each
.two pouttds;,S
raisins, boiled thee(' (lean and tender) .
One polled; Sem. or tart apple 4, four p.
the juice of twn lemons; the titid (Vine
chopped very, flue; Mixed spice,. 1-
candied citron and lemon piel, of eticlil
and dial; die ifrhOle very fine. The p
tion may he varied by adding other a
flavoring,: nna the addition of egga.l
substitution ot ehoppcd fowl or veal,
accoiding to fancy or convenience.
Mita WEris.—Pulling milk' It.,
preservered in wilt destroy them—
them will riot; Take, hold of the wei
the ground, and the stalk Will coup
en inch ci two below the surface, leav
root to perish iwholly or in part. Th
four years sino the writer pulled'up 2
a lot near my house the twit ye
number was ,rLduced more than hat
veer not over \twenty or thirty were
The labor is Very light.
JI
FEED FO!i . Cows:'-!—A Maine dairytn . finds
closer much better than the low=land tastiest
for - producing{ mill:--Testing the matter by
accurate experiments. He says he never
made as much milk with any kind of feedms
with a mixture of oats and potatoes,the milk
rag alsO of gdod qua!ity. Potatoes, it ii well
known, incretise the quantity of Milk at , the'
expense of quhlity--:-,perhaps oats are gust tbi
grain needed to make the amendment. '
TO/ 4 •DRESSIN G• , WMC AT.—The
"Farmer" giviyi a successful esperim!
topAreming-ti wheat field with fine
harrowing; it lin with the seed.— I .1
heavy soil, wii have no doubt this i
cellent practice. Clayey soils are at
most latnefitted by top-dreWing,as t. •
[
serves to heti' the surface 'soft,and ••
prevent.crust og, and-the
. chty ttgiv:
absorbs the v _
tattle parts. 1
it takes fly pounds of corn,to for
beef. Three; and a bait pounds
meal to form! one of pork.
A Oubio foot of arable laud will
Founds of water.
their
bated
straw
How
.-
t n the
attlA.
early
on.
lorb.
ins
PPI"
their
_ be
e fat
reed..
the
left
the
r%be
door
t the
u the
aNt *i
lezted
ger
t 9 4*.
rowth
that
- field.
•
nation
rm by
filling
inside
refuse
riding
!Id nen,
It ones.
nails
your
' be in-
Sara -
Vice
or
'or the
II -
: .9, If
cuing
d Dear
p from
ng the
1 ? ea Of
Ouo in
r the
--this
e came
et with
11100 TO,
clay of
attlet- ,
ays tbe
Cfllllll2re
.iat, to
readily
otia cif
booked
bold , 44Q
\