“No, indeed I was not,” he replied.  “God be my witness, I want to lead an honest life, and be at peace with all men.  But what good will that do me?  Everybody will say, he has been in the State Prison, and that is enough.”

His friend did not ask him twice; for he felt assured that he had spoken truly.  He advised him to go directly to the mayor, deliver himself up, and declare his innocence.  This wholesome advice was received with deep dejection.  He had lost faith in his fellow-men; for they had been to him as enemies.  “I know what will come of it,” said he.  “They will put me in prison whether there is any proof against me, or not.  They won’t let me out without somebody will be security for me; and who will be security for an old convict?”

“Keep up a good heart,” replied Friend Hopper.  “Go to the mayor and speak as I have advised thee.  If they talk of putting thee in prison, send for me.”

Patrick acted in obedience to this advice, and was treated just as he had expected.  Though there was not a shadow of proof against him, his being an old convict was deemed sufficient reason for sending him to jail.

Friend Hopper appeared in his behalf.  “I am ready to affirm that I believe this man to be innocent,” said he.  “It will be a very serious injury for him to be taken from his business and detained in prison until this can be proved.  Moreover, the effect upon his mind may be completely discouraging.  I will be security for his appearance when called for; and I know very well that he will not think of giving me the slip.”

The gratitude of the poor fellow was overwhelming.  He sobbed till his strong frame shook like a leaf in the wind.  The real culprits were soon after discovered.  For thirty years after and to the day of his death, Patrick continued to lead a virtuous and useful life; for which he always thanked Friend Hopper, as the instrument of Divine Providence.

THE UMBRELLA GIRL.

A young girl, the only daughter of a poor widow, removed from the country to Philadelphia to earn her living by covering umbrellas.  She was very handsome; with glossy black hair, large beaming eyes, and “lips like wet coral.”  She was just at that susceptible age when youth is ripening into womanhood, when the soul begins to be pervaded by “that restless principle, which impels poor humans to seek perfection in union.”

At a hotel near the store for which she worked an English traveller, called Lord Henry Stuart, had taken lodgings.  He was a strikingly handsome man, and of princely carriage.  As this distinguished stranger passed to and from his hotel, he encountered the umbrella girl, and was attracted by her uncommon beauty.  He easily traced her to the store, where he soon after went to purchase an umbrella.  This was followed up by presents of flowers, chats by the wayside, and invitations to walk or ride; all of which were gratefully accepted by the unsuspecting rustic; for she was as ignorant of the dangers of a city as were the squirrels of her native fields.  He was merely playing a game for temporary excitement.  She, with a head full of romance, and a heart melting under the influence of love, was unconsciously endangering the happiness of her whole life.