Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 January 1887 — All But One. [ARTICLE]

All But One.

The most generous men have received injuries which they can never forgive. Peter Bluelock, of the Gum Springs Circuit, having resolved to lead a better life, joined the church. As he stood near the altar, receiving’* the congratulation of friends who had long p ayed for his reformation, he was so completely subdued at the touching tenderness of the occasion that he exclaimed: “I love everybody and forgive everybody.” ; A lank man stepped forward and asked: “Can you forgive me, Peter?” “Yes. You shot my father, but I forgive you. Give me your hand.” They warmly shook hands. Then another man came forward, hesitated a moment, and said: “I don’t reckon you can forgive me, Pete. ” “Yes, I can.” “What! ai ter I waylaid you an’ broke your leg with a load o’ buckshot?” “That makes no difference, Andy; give me your hand.” They embraced e#ch other, and the friends who formed a circle about them wept for joy. “Don’t reckon you can forgive me!”, exclaimed a fellow who slowly made his way through the throng. “Yes, I can, Dan.” “\Vhat! air ter I stole the girl that you was about to marry ?” “Yes.”

“Airter I told lies on yon an’ got you to drink some pizened licker ?” “Oh, yes, Dan.” They folded each other in a long and close embrace. “Let me get up to him,” said a man, shoving his way forward. Peter’s eyes blazed when he beheld the new-comer. “Stand back!” he exclaimed. “Keep him away, brethren, or I’ll jolt the life out of him.” “Peter, can't you forgive me?” “No, I can’t. You are the only man in the world that shall not take my hand. No use talking to me,” lie continued, when some of the brethren began to expostulate with him, “no use in saying a word, for I cannot forgive him. Ah, you’d better go away. ”. “What did he do, Peter, to incur your everlasting hatred?” some one asked when the man had gone. “What did he do, Peter ?” Now, the question is, what had the man done? Our readerswill readily recognize this life-like story as the work of Mr. 1 rank R. Stockton, who has peen engaged by the great magazines to leave their readers in the “lurch.”— Arkansaw Traveler.