4,22 THIRTIETH EVENING.

prison. The distress which this brought upon the
family was greatly mcreased by his wife being at that
time confined. He had been almost four weeks in
prison, without any prospect of release, his friends and
relations having been tried and found unable to assist
nim, when one evening the keeper of the prison came
ip to him and said, “ You are free.’ The poor man
scarcely could believe what he heard: his surprise and
toy were so great that he nearly faintedaway. Before
lcaving the prison, he was anxious to know his generous
benefactor; but all he could learn was, that the debt
nnd all expenses had been paid by a gentleman whose
aime was unknown to them, but whose face was fami-
iiar, as he had often before been there on similar busi-
ness. “QO,” cried the tailor, “that I knew him, that I
and my family might thank him!” He hurried home,
where his unexpected appearance almost overcame his
poor family. On talking over the matter with his
wife, she informed him that the servant of Mr. More-
land had called a few days before, and was very parti-
cular in his inquiries. This naturally led them to con-
jecture that 14 was to him they were indebted, which
was confirmed by the keeper of the prison, who
had learned the name, from Mr. Moreland having
appeared m behalf of the lame man taken up on
suspicion.

‘The tailor was overjoyed at this intelligence, but was
still at a loss to know in what manner he ought to
cxpress his gratitude. He was afraid to offend Mr.
Moreland; but it was necessary to give vent to the
fulness of his heart. He took his wife and two of hig
thidren and called at his house, désiring to speak with
nim. When admitted, he was unable to cive utter-
ance to the expressions of gratitude he had prepared,
and bursting into a fit of erying, he fell on his knees,
sclaing one hand of his benefactor, which he kissed
with the utmost fervency ; while his wife and children
fell also on their knees, lifted up their hands, and