Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-04-30

daring TO breathe. Al length the door is gently
shaken, and amid the pauses ofthe storm, a voice
exclaims:
"Tis me, grandfather, it's Caiharine."
Fool, fool, said tho old man, peeyishly,
'whal brings her herel" Then rising from the
bed, he groped his way TO the door.
Daughter, CsIhSrine, is ii you, childi Are
yog alonsl"
"NO, not alone, grandfather, a friend Is with
me-"
"Ay, friend, mduered the miser, "a friend
to pry and peer aroundl" then he added In a lou
der tone, "wat bit, child, and will let you
in"
Feeling his way TO the fireplace, he managed
10 light small tallow candle, and then slowly
and reluctantly, as it would seem, unlocked the
door. Edward and Calharine entered, their gar
menIs white with snow, their cheeks glowing
from the keen air. and almost brealhless under
the exerlion necessary TO force their way through
the driving storm. Throwing down his sailor
cap, and shaking the wet from the dark locks
which clustered around his brow, the former ex-
claimed:
"a bitter night this, my good sir, and by nv
failh," (gancing as he spoke, at the cherries
fre-Place,) "yOu seem but poorly provided to
meet It,"
"Ah poor folksmustlearn to bear all weathers," +"
replied the old man, in whining tone, "wood is
scarce-very scarce"
"Why, grandfather" cried Catherine, "no
fire, and such cold evening as thsl Let me
klndle some for you at once. Dear me you must
be Perishing!' and she clasped the cold, clammy
hand oithe miser between her own.
"No, no, chid no fire tonight" hastily an.
swered the old man, sit is late; no fire, it would
be wasteiul. Wood is scarce, veiv scarce"
"But see, grandfather, what | have brought
you," and Catharine lifted the cover of the bas.
ket; "now do let Edward moke fire, & will
warm these oysters for you; theywil beso nice"
Edward, however, without waiting for permis-
sion, had already seized upon the scanty supply
Of fuel, so carefully boarded in one corner, and
raked open the embers. Urged by the breath Of
the sailor, bright blaze was already wreathing
up the blackened chimney.
"Waste-wasel" groaned the old man, wiring.
ing his hands, and eyeing keenly the proceed
ings Of the young people; "not a stick left for the
poor old man! Ruin! ruin! All blazing, and
wood so scarcel"
"Come, come, mess-mate," said Edward,
throwing a handful of silver upon the table,
don't be down hearted; there is something to buy
warmth and food for tomorrow. So cheer up,
and enjoy what is before you tonight"
"Good young mani" exclaimed the miser, his
eyes gloating over the treasure, excellent young
man!' and sweeping tup he eagerly 'grasped it
in his thin trembling hand.
In the meantime Catharine had carefully wash
ed the little slew-pan, and placed the oysters to
simmer over the fire, then going TO the table she
proceeded 10 unpack her basket ofdecacies.
"Look grandfather, here are some biscuits
which made myself, such as dear mother ov-
ed 80 WE'LL" The old man groaned. "Then
here is butter, yes, and-why, where's the jellyl
Oh here lis; this will help your cough, but here
here, grandfather,i is something from over the
sea-" And loking at Edward as she spoke, she
drew forth the fragrant store one by one, and
placed them upon the table.
"Ah, good, very good!" and the mser smiled,
and counted over the tempting oranges and pines,
muttering as he did so. "Six cents, twelve,
twenty-five cents-ah, good, very good."-
Thrusting the money, which his eager hand still
grasped, into his pocket, he hastily snatched up
the fruit, and touering to a cupboard, placed it
within, and quickly locked the door, as if fearing
it might otherwise be eaten. He partook but
sparingly Of the supper which the kindness Of
his grandchild had provided, seeming to begrudge
himself even of the luxury which cost him noth-
ing. 1t was now growing late and at length Ed.
ward and Ca,harine arose TO depart.
"Good night, grandfather" cried the latter,
pressing her rosy lip to his hollow cheek. "Good
night; now do keep comfortable tonight, do"
Good night, sir" said Edward, extending his
hand. The miser pressed ittighlly between his
own, and whispered:
"Good young man, wood is very scarce; have
you trfe more to give a poor old mani"
Although surprised and somewhat disgrlste d,
Edward placed in his hand gold coin, and with.
out again speaking, the lovers left the house.
| No sooner was the door closed than the old
man firmly locked and bolted it. Then holding
up the gold between his skinny fingers, he ca
gerly sought to ascertain its amount. Laying
it down, he next drew forth the silver from his
pocket, and proceeded to examine piece by piece
their value. "Aye, all good Spanish con a
wasteful youth-wasteful youth. But doubt
whether they can be good weight-youth is care
less." And fumbling in his bosom he produced
a small pair ofsilver scales, and weighed each
piece with keen accuracy.
What picture did that miserable old man pre-.
sent! The shades of death already falling
around him-the hue oflhe grave already sci.
tied upon his wasted feaures-bending with such
trembling earnestness over that ptiful dross, and
watching with strained eager eye, the equipoiSe
OF that little scale.
His sordid hopes were realized; not a piece Of
that shining heap was wanting in eight, and,
chuckling with delight the miser once more gree
Oily counted over bis unexpected gains then 60
ing to the bed. he lifted the bolster and placed it
within. This done, he carefully drew apart the
still blazing brands, quenched every ember, and
blowing out the miserable candle, once more lay
down with his IDOL. His thoughts were appar-
emily still occupied with the profits of the eve.
ming, for he continued te mutter: "Very good,
six cents piece, oranges, aye, and pine.apples
too, good, shil-ling-twen.ty'fve-he, he. he
very-good."