The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-05-17

Iect to but very small ground rent 1t
was started at five thousand dollars
There were several bidders, all OF
whom seemed desirous to purchase it.
Seven thousand five hundred dollars
was at last bid, upon which he dwelt
FOR moment. Mr.. Sutherland COM
pressed his lips together, and muttered
to himself, '.lt cost my father fifteen
thousand dollars"
"Seven thousand five hundred dollars,
Observation-Disclosures times--for
the last time going
Slight thousand!"
"Thank you, sir. Going at eight
thoasand-,once eight thousand, twice
eight thousand, three times-going--
gone! What nameG
"Cliford," was the response; and all
ewes rested on tall ,noble-lo okIng man,
who had remained silent during the ra-
pid bidding of the speculator--and who,
as the whisper went round, was total
stranger.
sit is gone," whispered Mr.. Suther-
land to his wife, as he pressed he hand
in silent grief; "we have no home now"
snow, gentlemen" said the auction
eer, 1--WE will sell this sideboard, in re-
gard 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 it is known to you
under what peculiar circumstances the
things are sold"
This had the desired effect--no one
seemed willing to bid against the unfor-
tunate man, who started it at ten dol
lars. Twenty was bid by MIR. Clifford;
twenty-five by Mr.. Sutherland; fifty
from Mr.. Clifford siIenced the anxious
parents, and the family piece of iurni-
ture was knocked down to the new
possessor of the house. A gentleman
who stood by remarked, that the act
was cold, hearlless one.
"Was it?' sarcastcally asked Mr..
Clifford; "then, sir. why did you not
buy it for him9'
| Mr.. Sutherland was much affected
at this little incident. "He little knows
how much he has lascerated this heart.
But will purchase the piano for my
child"
He stepped up to Mr.. Clifford, and
told him the desire he had to purchase
the piano for his daughter, and "he ho-
ped he would not bid against him."
"Sir," said the stranger, ''as much as
respect your feelings, and the sympa-
thy Of this good company, cannot,
nay, will not, alter the determination
made when first entered this house,"
sand pray, sir, what may that be ?"
"To purchase every thing in it, and
by heavens l'll do it, though pay dou-
bic price,"
'Strange," muttered Mr.. Sutherland,
as he found his family in another part of
the room.
The stranger fulfilled his promise, ,and
actually bought everything, from the
house itself down to the very axe in the
cellar! ........
After the sale was over, and the COM
pany had retired, Mr.. Clifford request
ed the auctioneer to walk with hi n in
to an adjoining room. After the lapse
of few moments, they both returned
to the parlor, where the family still re-
NAMED. The auctioneer looked around,
gave knowing smile, wished them all
a good day, and, as he left the room,
was heard to say--"l never heard of
such thing; perfect romance. Ha!
ha! hap
"You are now,' observed Mr.. Suth-
erand to Mr.. Clifford, "the owner of
this house and furniture; ;they were once
mine--let that pass"
81 am, sir, for the time being, your
landlord"
81 understand you, sir, but will not
long remain your tenant. | was going
to bserve, however, that there are a
few articles which lam anxious to pur-
chase; that sideboard, for instance, is
family relic; | will give you fifty dollars,
the price you paid, and feel assured,
under the circumstances, you will not
refuse me this favor"
81 cannot take it, sir"
"Obdurate-ungrateful manp'
"Will you not let Pa buy my piano,
sir9" humbly asked Ellen; she will give
you the price at which it was sold."
"lt is painful for me, young lady, to
refuse even this. will sell nothing
not even the wood-saw in the cellar!"
"Theu, Mr.. Clifford" exclaimed Mr..
s., "we have no further business here.
Come, my dear--Ellen, get your bon
net--that's your bandbox-let us quit
this house; we ale not even free from