American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-12-16
From the Ladies' National Magazine. ]
THE LOAF OF BREAD.
BY JANE WEAyEI

BY JANE WEAVER.
"Buy my matches-oh! do buy them sir, +"
said plaintive voice.
The person addressed, clad in ain overcoat,
was breasting the sharp wind of December
day, bis throat was mufiied up, leaving only
portion of his face dseernible, but his dress be-
spoke one in comfortable circumstances.
~ don't want your matches, lad, said he
"But do buy them-sx boxes for a ftp"
"Get out of the way' said the man sharply,
for the lad stopped the path
''Oh! do buy some," said the boy, OBTAINING
him by the skirt of his coat, smother is sick end
I've had nothing to eat to-day Do buy fps
worth"
The man hestated. The natural impulses
of his heart were for good but he was one
accustomed to think the world worse than it
was.
':Pshaw!" he said, "that is the old story; get
out of the way, you young scamp, or l'll have
YOU arrested"
The boy meekly drew back, but tear troze
on his cheek in that bitter blast, though the
rich man saw it not, for he hurried on.
1t was getting late, and the streets would
have been pitch dark, but for the lamps which
at long intervals, lit up the night. Few were
abroad in that wintry weather, and 50 the boy
stood shivering at his post for long while
before a second passenger came by. Poor
fellow! he was thin clad, and his lips were
blue with cold; yet he kept his station, valnly
offering his matches, but finding no buyers.
Ten o'clock struck, and with the tears fall
ing fast he turned his footsteps towards the
cellar in which he lived He had been out IL
day and sold nothing, nor had morsel OF food
crossed his mouth since the night before. But
he thought more of his sick mother than OF
himself. The little capital had been exhausted
in the purchase of his matches, and they had
not a cent remaining.
He paused, for at that instant the light from
a bakers shop streamed across the street. The
baker was Just shutting up; his back was turn,
ed, the door was invitingly open, and within
reach Law pile of loaves. A sudden impulse
seized the boy. An hour previous he had vain,
" begged at the same shop, and that man hac
roughly ordered him away. lie had never
stolen before, but now an irresistible tempta.
ton seized him. Should his mother starve
when single loa might save her. He rush
ed in, grasped the prize, aud dashed down the
street.
"Hllo-stop thief" said the baker, turning
around lust in time to see the act.
The boy heard the cry, and trembled al
over, fear lent speed to his feet, and he rar
ifhs pursuers gained on him.
"Stop thief! stop thief! stop thief! wa
the cry that rung from as many pursuers, as
looking from their shops, they caught sight o
the fugitive and joined in the chase.
The boys heart beat wildly; he mechanical
ly turned his steps to the cellar were he lived
the narrow alley, in which it was, opened into
street lust ahead; and he strove desperately tt
gain it. The watchmen's rattles were nov
heard in front, behind, all around; like hunt
ed stag, painting and frightened, he gained tn
end Of the alley and dashed into the dar
thorouohfare But at the instant, maj
snranp out of the corner house and seized tn
fugitive.
"Ah! you young thef--you were nearly OF
were you?-come along-l am magistrate
YOU shall 90 to JAIL" and with these words h
dragged the culprt into his office.
The boy burst into tears.
"Oh, sit. >, he said "let me 60. only stol
a loaf of bread, and | wouldn't have done il
but we are starving, Mother and l haven
eaten ANYTHING to-day, and mother is sick.
never stole before. Let me 60, and I'll neve
do it again"
The magistrates Office was now iull OF PEI
pie, the baker being among the number In
boy was sobbing piteously. The magistfa'
ordered lights, for hitherto the room had bee
dark.
"The young villain--so early in CRIME,
these mitch boys should all BIO sent 10 I'll
house of refuge" said one
81 have seen the rascal prowlng about III
door for the last hour" said the baker.
"Stop crying" said one of the watchmel
irving the boy violent shake. 'You're dor
far younp'un-so no Whimperinn ~