Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1846-04-14
.IsCELLANEoUs SELECTIONS.
THE LOAF OF BREAD.
ny JANE WEAVER.


plsintiyo voice.
The porson addressed, clad in a heavy over
eat vas breas,ing tho sharp wind Of a December
nv. bis throat muffied up. leaving only q
cotton Of his face dsccrnable, but his dress be-
sooks one in comfortable circumstances.
Il don't want your matches, lad said he.
But do buy them-six boxes for ftp"
Got out Of the way" said tho man sharply
for tho lad half stopped tho path
oh! do buy some,' said tho boy OBTAINING him
by tho skirt Of his coat, 'mother is sick, and I've
had nothing to cat today. DO buy q ftp
WORTH"
Tho man besitated. Tho natural impulses O.
h;s heart wero for good; but he was one accus
toned TO think the world worse than it was.
Pshaw' he said. that is tho old story; get ou
ofthe way, you young scamp, or III have you
arrested
The bov mcekly drow back, but a tear froze
man saw it not, for no hurried on.
Il was getting lnto, and the streets would have
been pitch dark, but for tho lamps which at long
nsrvals lit up tho night. Fow were abroad in
that wintry weather, and so tho boy stood shivor-
log at his post for long whiIe before n second
passenger came by. Poor follow no was thinly
clad, and his lips wero blue with cold; yet he
kept his station, vainly offering his matches, blu,
finding no buyers.
he turned his footsteps toward tho cellar in which
he lived. lIo had boon out oil day and solo
nothing nor had morscl of food crossed his
mouth since tho night before. But no thought
moro Of his sick mother than himself. Their
little capital had been exhausted in tho purchase
Of his matches, and they had not a cent remain
ing.
Ho paused, for at that instant tho light from q
bakers shop streamcd across the street. The ba-
- oh. -
the door was invitingly open. and within reach
lay pile of loavos. a sudden impulse seized
tho boy. An hour previously no had vainly beg
god tho Same shop and that man had roughly
ordered him away. He had mover stolen before
but now irresistible temptation seized him.
Should his mother starve whom a single loaf
might save hor! lie rushed in, graspod the
prize, and dashed down street.
'Hiloa!--stop theft cried tho baker turning
sround just in time to SEQ the act.
The boy hoard tho cry and tremblcd all over.
Fear lent speed to his feet and he ran swiftly on,
now on then turning to 500 if his pursuers gain
Cd on him.
Stop thief! stop thief! stop .hef!!!' was the
cry that rung from as many pursuers. rs looking
from their shops, they caught sight of the fugi-
tive, and joined in the chase.
Tho boys heart beat wildly; he mechanically
turned his steps to the cellar where he lived; tho
uuIIOW uIcys III WHICH was, OpCUCu INTO TIC
street just ahead; and he strove desperately to
gain it. Tho watchman's rattcs were now heard
in 'front.' behind, all around like hunted stag,
painting and frightened. ho gained tho end Of the
alley. and dashed into the dark thoroughfare. But
at tho instant, man sprung out Of the corner
house and seized tho fugitive.
'Ah you young thief-you were nearly off,
were you!-como along-l am magistrate
you shall 60 to JAIL and with these words he
dragged tho culprit into his office.
The boy burst into tears.
'Ah! SIR he said, let mo CO. only s,olo a
loaf Of bread. and wouldn't have done it. but
We were starving. Mother and haven't eaten
anything to-day and mothers sick. never
stole before. Let mo 60 and I'll never do it a.
GAIN
Tho magistrates office was full of people. tho
baker being among the number. The magis-
tratc ordered lights, for hitherto the room had
been dark.
Tho young viliain!-so early in crime--thes SC
match boys should all be sent to the house Of ref
uge." said one.
i have seen tho rascal providing about my door
Tor tho last hour said tho baker.
stop crying said ono Of the watchmen giving
lno boy violent shake. You're done for,
young un-so no whimpcring.'
The glare Of the ghts that were now brought
aaso the room. fell full on the face Of tho magis-
sfate, who had taken his seat and then shot their
brilliant glaro across the group Of spectators.
til it rested on tho weeping child. At tho sigh,
the magistrate started. Ho 60; up and looked
over his desk moro closely at the boy.
The lad really seemed in want said he with
akndlier tonc, leaving his chair and advancing
% the culprit, whose hand he took:
Arc you not tho match boy | met tonight!
The lad looked up and tho recognition was
mutual.
oh yes s'r-and what told you was true.
Mother lives just up the alley-No. 46. in a cell
ar. You may 60 there and 500. Don't send me
sojail. Il will break her heart. Indeed-in-
deed didnt mean to s,eal--bu. VIC were s,ary.
ing
This must be inquired into. Good God! I
thought the child cheat. But SEQ his lips, he
sshivering-here cat that"
he broke off pieco Of the loaf, as he spoke
and gave il 10 the bow. who devoured il with an