I will tell you a true story about a robber. A gentleman was once
travelling through a very unfrequented road, alone in a chaise, in the
latter part of the day. There was no house nor a sign of a human being
there. It was a very lonely road. Presently at a sudden turn in the
road, directly towards his horse's head, a man came out of the woods.
The gentleman was convinced by his appearance that he came for no good
purpose. He immediately stopped his horse, and asked the stranger to
get in and ride. The man hesitated a moment, and then stepped into the
chaise. The gentleman commenced talking with him about the loneliness of
the road, and observed that it would be an admirable place for a robbery
if any one was so disposed. He proceeded to speak of robbery and
criminals, and how he thought they should be sought out and instructed,
and if possible reformed; and that we ought to try to convert and reform
them; and then he began to tell him what course he should take with a
man who should attempt to rob him. He told him that he should give him
all his money first, and then begin to talk kindly to him, and show the
evil consequences of his course of life. He then said:
"Yes, I would die on the spot rather than to injure a hair of his head."
They soon came to another road, when the man, who had silently listened
to all the gentleman had said, desired to get out, saying that his home
lay in that direction. The gentleman stopped his horse, and the man got
out, took his adviser by the hand, saying:
"I thank you, sir, for this ride and for all you have said to me; I
shall never forget any part of it. When I met you, it was my intention
to rob you. I could easily have done so, but your kind act and your kind
words put better thoughts into my heart. I think I never shall be guilty
of the crime you have saved me from committing this afternoon. I thank
God for having met you; you have made me a better man."