The Columbian fountain., 1845-11-25

cided upon. A melancholy pause in the
conversation plainly told how severe was
the allernative--for the law never studies
the feelings Of its victims when exaciing the
penalty OF a bond. ,..., ae l,s faisJo1o9
"Go, Mary" said Mr.. Sutherland, az
dressing the servant ego and request the
sherih,s officer, who is watching the prop
erty, TO walk into the parlor; he is only do
ing his duty--no doubt it is as painful to
him as distressing to u.s. Let him have
seat at our fire, for it is severe night.''
( !" IT is, indeed, fearful night" observed
Mrs. Sutherland, and we have behaved rude
to this man. lio APPS iaue epo4 no 99h
Smother, have a fire in the room where
"Speak out child--it was with the last
stick.'' fa5l lHa tA# aa i''''
'l." Father it was ----" lai' f'gAaisl@2hA
o Mary returned with the officer, polite
gentlemanly man for such should be the
character of men who. have to perform a
part in the drama Of life-unlike that of the
inquisitors Of old, whose province it was to
torture by the rack with this difference,
however, theirs was a physical torture
ours mental one, administered with all the
nicely and precision of legal Justice The
officer politely accepted the invitation, and
endeavored to cheer his victims by enumer-
-ating many cases Of a similar kind, equally
poignant and distressing. Thus the even
ing passed heavily and cheerlessly away
On the morning of the contemplated sale.
there was to be seen a crowd of peowe
flocking to the house Of Mr.. Sutherland
some ont of sheer, heartless curiosity, friends
OF the family, who came with mockeryon
their lips, and empty purses--others with an
intent to purchase; but not one among the
crowd showed the least desire to aid, assist, or
sympathize with the distress Of the family
This is the world 1--WE laugh at the misfor-
tunes Of our fellow creatures, ,and even mock
their distresses, by Witnessing in silence
their sneerings. The auctioneer was now
making his arrangements BY fourishing his
hammer, rolling his eyes, and using his
tongue The motely crowd gathered around
him.-The house was, put up first; it was
accurately described-free from all incum-
brances, and subject to but very small ground
rent. It was started at five thousand dol
lars. II There were several bidders all Of
whom seemed desirous to purchaseIt .aQt
Seven thousand five hundred dollars was
at last bidden, upon which he dwelt for
moment. Mr.. Sutherland compressed his
lips together and muttered to himself, g" Ii
cost my father fifteen thousand dollars" bus
;"Seven thousand FIVE hundred dollars;
ng-once-twice-thre times--for the
last time going"
e EiUht thousandi, '.#a145l5 ' ..
Thank you, sir Going at eight thou:
sand-once eight tllousand,p twice-eight
thousand, three times going -gone2 What
name - 4.,,,.......... NJ
"Cliford," was the response; and all
eyes rested on tall, noble looking man
who had remained silent during the rapid
bidding of the speculator-and who, as the
whisper went round, was total stran-
ger. A.a Dot bGh
| "ltis gone," whispered Mr.. Sutherland to
his wife, as he pressed her hand in silent
grief; g we have no home now,' q" 20
"Now, gentlemen,' said the auctioneer, 6 we
will sell this side board, in regard to which
am requested by the creditor to say, that
it is an old family piece, and it is the wish
of the owner to retain possession Of it If
possible. merely mention it, as il is
known to you under what peculiar circum-l
stances the things are sold'' sF.s l,rs
This had the desired efect-no one SEEM
ed willing to bid against the unfortunate
man; who started it at ten dollars Twenty
was bid by Mr. Clifford twenty-five by
Mr.. Sutherland; fifty from Mr.. Clifford si-
fenced the anxious parents, and the family
piece of furniture was knocked down to the
new possessor Of the house. A gentleman
who stood by remarked, that the act was
cold, heartless one. au gaid ol aN
"Was it!' sarcastically asked Mr.. Cliff
ford. "Then, sir, why did you not buy it
for him 70
Mr.. Sutherland was much affected at this
little incident. "He little knows how much
he. has lacerated this heart But will pur-
chase the piano for my child.o m s,iI a
He stepped up to Mr.. Clifford, and told
him the desire he had to purchase the piano
for his daughter, and g he hoped he would
not bid against him. .
"Sir," said the stranger, G as much as
respect your feelings, and the sympathy Of
this good company, cannot nay, will not,
alter the determination made when first
entered this bouseD a4. a~