The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1844-08-15

with mockery on their ipsand empty pur
ses. Others came 10 purchase, but not
one among the crowd showed the least
desire to aid, assist or sympathizc with the
distress of the family. This is the world,
we laugh at the misfortunes of our fellow
creatures, and even mock their distresses,
by Witnessing in silence their sufferngs,
The ouctioneer was making his ar
engagements, by Aourishing his hammer
rolling his eyesand using his tongue. The
molly crowd gathered around him.
The house was put up first, it was accu-
rately described free from all incum-
brances, and subject TO but very small
ground rent. 1t was started at five thou
sand dolars.-There were several bid
ders all whom seemed anxious to pur-
chase it. Seven thousand five hundred
dollars was at last bid, upon which the
auctioneer dwell for moment, Mr.. Sun
derand compressed his lips together, and
and muttered to himself. 1t cost my faith.
er fifteen thousand dollars Seven thou
sand five hundred dollars, going-once
twice, three times; for the last time,
going--eight thousand, thank you sir -
going at light thousand once-eight thou
sand twice-eight thousand three times !;
going, gone, what name? Clifford, was
the response; and all eyes rested on a tall
noble looking young man, who had re.
manned silent during the rapid bidding of
the spectators. and who, as The whisper
went round was pronounced total stran-
ger. .
1t is gone, whispered Mr., Sunderland
to his wife as he pressed her hand In
silent grief. We have no home now.
Now, gentlemen, cried the auctioneer,
we will now sell this side board, in regard
10 which [ am requested by the cred,
,ors TO say that it is an old family piece,
| and il is the wish OF the owner 10 retain it
if possible merely mention this as it
is known 10 you under what peculiar cir
cumstances the things were sold.
This had the desired effect; no one
seemed willing to bid against the unfortu>
nate man, who started it at len dollars
Twenty was bid by Mr. Sunderland, fifty
from Mr. Clifford silenced the anxious
parent, and the family piece of furniture
was knocked down 10 the new owner OF
Inc house. A gentleman who stood by
remarked that the act was cold hearted
one Was it2 sarcastcalIy asked Mr..
Clifford, then, sir, why did you not buy it
for him?
MI Sunderland was much affected at this
little incident. He little knows how
much he has lacerated this heart. But |
will purchase the piano for my child
He stepped up to Mr. Clifford; and told
him the desire he had 10 purchase the pi.
ano for his daughter, and he hoped he
would not bid against him.
Sir said the stranger, will not deceive
you. As much as | respect your feelings
and the sympathy of this good company
| cannot, nay, will not, alter the delermi.
nation made when | first entered this
house?
And pray, sir, what may that be2
To purchase every thing in it; and by
heaven I'll do it; though | pay double
the price.
The stranger fulfilled his promise and
actually bought every thing from the
house ITSELF to the very axe in the cellar
After the sale was over, and the COM
pany had retired, Mr.. Clifford requested
the auctioneer 10 walk with him into an
adjoining room. After the lapse OF few
moments they both returned to the parlor
where the family still remained. The
auctoneer looked round, gave kuo wing
smile; wished them all good day -
and as he left the room was heard to say,
never heard of such thing; a perfect
romance, ha! ha ha
You are now, observed Mr. Sunderland
10 Mr.. Clifford, the owner of this house
and furniture; they were once mine; let
that pass.
am sir, but for the time being your
landlord.
understand you sir, but will not long
remain your tenant; l was going 10 OBJ
serve, however, that there are two articles
which am anxious to purchase that
sideboard, for instance, is family relic
| will give you the fifty dollars. the price
that you paid, and | feel assured that un.
der the circumstances,you will not refuse
me this IaVOr
cannot take it, sir.
Obdurate, ungrateful man.
Will you let Pa buy my piano: sir ?
humbly asked Ellen. He will give you
the price at which it was sold.
1t is painful to me, young lady, to re-
fuse even this | will sell nothing not
even the wood-saw in the cellar.
Then Mr.. Clifford, exclaimed Mr..
Sunderland, we have no further business
here; come, my dear, Ellen, get your
bonnet; that's your bandbox, let US quit
this house we are not even free from in
suit Where is Mary!
lam here, sir; the key OF my trunk is
lost and | am fastening i, with rope.
Stop my girl; but me thinks pur-