The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1848-10-11
ftom Pclerson's Magazine.
BREAD UPON THE WATER.
DY Z. 5. ARTHUR.

A lad was iniling mp hill. near the ci.
IS, under lie weight OF heavy basket. on
the afternoon of snl.ry day in August.
lie had been sent home with some goods
10 a customer who lived shut distance
IN the country. The hoy was lightly built.
and his burden seemed almost beyond MI.
strength. Many.limes he sat dawn to resi-
himself on his way up The hill. But il
seemed as IL he would never reach the
summit. Each time he lifted the basket.
il felt heavier than before.
The hoy was about half way up the
hill with his basket. when gentleman
overlook and passed him. lie had not
gone on many PAGES, when he stopped
and turning round to The lad. lonked n
him CIR \ -nnmsns x-ss.-, -..sI 'i'Tn Euisi
Kindly
That's heavy load you have. Come
let me help YOU"
And the gentleman took tho basket, and
carried il To the top of the hill.
There. Do YOU think yen ran get
along now!" said he, with a smile. as he
set the hasketdown. "Or shall carry il
hlile iurlhcr!"
"Oh no. thank ycu. sir" returned the
bay, with glow Of gratitude on his fine
Young facet" lean carry il nav very well;
and am very much obliged TO you"
"You are right welcome, my little
man." said the gentleman, and pissed on.
Twenty years FINN that time, a care
worn man. well advanced in life. sat mo-
tionless in an old arm chair. with his eyes
fixed in,enily upon the glnwing crate.
i lie was alone aud Appeared 10 he in u
state Of great abstraction. In little while,
however. the tlnur Of the room opened.
and the light form Of a young and lovely
girl glided in.
| Papa" said low, sweet voice, and
a hand was very gently laid on the old
mans arm.
"Is il you, dearr he returned with a
sigh.
YES, papa," and the young girl lean
ed agains. him, and parted with her deli
cate fingers the thin. grey locks that lay
in disorder about his forehead.
IL would like TO he alone this evening,
Florence" said the old man. FL have a
good deal TO think about, and expect a
person on business"
And he kissed her ,enderly; yet sighed
as he pressed his lips 10 hers.
/ The gill passed fr"m the room as noise
lcssly as she had entered. The old man
had been calm. before her coming in. hu
the moment she retired, he became agila.
ed aud aroused, and walked the floor un
easily. lie continued to pace 10 and fro
for nearly half an hour, when he stopped
suddenly, aud listened. The street duo
bell had rung. In lIit!e while man ell
tered The room.
"Mr. Mason" he said. with a slightly
. precep,ible embarrassment.
Mr.. Page" returned the old man
: with feeble, quickly fading smile
, " Good evening" and he offered hi
. hand.
r The visitor prasped the old mans ham
, and shook ii warmly. But there was ~
pressure in return.
Sit down, Mr.. Page"
S The man took chair, and Mr.. Maso
sat down near him.
. You promised an answer to my pro
1 posal tonight" said The former, after
{ pause.
; IL did," returned the old man; :" but
e am as liule prepared tn give it as wa
e yesterday. In fact, have not found o
= opportunity TO say anything 10 Flcrenc
v on the subject"
The countcnance Of the visitor fell an
s .omelhing like frnwn dsrksned upon HI
. brow.