Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1848-05-11

fully, "he has good trade, and he was once
considered the best workman in town, but he
has become so incorporate that none will EN-
lpley him. l don't know what supports his
hmily-they must often be in wretched desti-
tuition"
Wretched destitution indeed" exclaimed
his wife, "And now think how we may
help them. You know we want some one to
work on the house Immediately Employ him,
and perhaps by keeping him away from tempt
alton, and giving him proper encouragement
we may help him to break of his brutal hab-
it's"
THAT is good idea, Jane, and will see
him tomorrow, and try to engage him."
The next morning, the Watsons were not a
little surprised to see Mr.. Austin enter their
dwelling. His heart grew sick at the prospect
OF sin and misery around him. The shivering
children were eagerly pressing around a table
on which there was no food except a few po-
tatoes. The father was standing at a shelf,
preparing his morning potatons, and Mrs. W.,
with uncombed hair, and dirty face, stood in a
menacing attitude, upbraiding him with loud
and angry words.
Good morning, Mr. Watson" said he.
Good morning, sir, replied the poor man,
with a hlcc0ugh. Z" don't feel well this
morning, and was about to take some Bit
Iters."
Z" Don't take them--ihcy will do you NO
good, and want 10 talk with you on bust
ness"
Watson looked at him in surprise and push
ed the glass from him, seated himself to hear
what he had to say.
" wish TO hire you TO work on my house, "
continued Mr.. A. I'VE have several unfn-
ished rooms, and if you will come will pay
you at Mr.. Frost's store, where you may OBJ
tam groceries and clothes for your family"
There was something SO different in the kind
and polite manner Of Mr.. Austin, from the
rude contempt with which he was usually
treated, that he felt his heart expand, he was
again man among men.
The bargain was soon closed, and the next
morning, true to his promise, Watson came to
his work. lie commenced, but his hand was
unsteady, and his manner restless. Mr.. Aus
tin noticed it, and kept him engaged in cheer
ful conversation. Before noon he asked for
cider; he was told he could have none, but
Mrs. Austin sent him mug Of hot ginger
beer, which he drank eagerly, for his thirst
was intense. lie kept at his work, but he ev-
customed stimulant.
When night came, Mr.. A. took him 70 the
store, and paid him for his work in some arti-
cles necessary for his family; and with kind
encouraging words, bade him good night
When he got home and exhibited large salt
fish, and bag Of -four, the children shouted
for joy. 1t takes but little to make children
happy. Alas that that little should be 30
often denied them Mrs. Watson's face wore
an expression Of pleasure quite unusual 10 her
while she went to prepare supper.
" Dear Pa" said little Mary pressing close
to his side, 81 wish you would always work
for Mr.. Austin. If you would, l am sure lit
tie Johnny would get some shoes"
A tear came into the fathers eye, as he
looked upon his half naked children, and wit
messed the JOY which one days labor conferred
on them. He placed the child on his knee,
and kissed her cheeks with parental tenderness
His passions had been checked, his better ma
ture was aroused, and he sat thoughtful and
silent through the evening. His past life came
up before him. He remembered his own neg
lected and hopeless childhood; for he was a
drunkard's child. He saw that the evil habits
which he then contracted were working the
ruin of himself and family and the question
came home to his heart, whether he should en-
tiil like curse on his posterity, and make the
little ones around him miserable outcssts from
society, like himself. He resolved that for
one week at least, he would not drink He
lay down on his pillow that night with a feel
ing of satisfaction which he had not experien-
ced for years.
The next day, Mrs. Austin sent for little
Mary to come and spend the day with her, and
take care of the baby. Poor little Mary she
was not pretty. How could she be with that
cold hungry look, and those dirty rags about,
her! She was not good for she had seen
nothing but evil all her days. The air she
breathed in the cradle was polluted with the
breath Of drunkenness and blasphemy. Yet
to Mrs. Austin, she was an interesting child /;
for she was gentle and aflectionate, and her
little shut-up heart seemed to open and expand,
when smile Of love fell on it., as the convol-
vulus untolds its blossoms to the rays of the
rising sun.
! Mrs. Austin washed her face, and combed
her hair. She had pretty yellow curls, and a
very fair complexion, and the kind lady, put
ting on her clean apron, thought her really
beautiful. The wo-begone expression had
vanished from her pale face, and her blue eyes
sparkled with delight. She seemed for the
first time to enjoy that bueyancy of spirit
which belongs to childhood All day long
she was busy as a bee, and when night came
and her father work was done, she went into
Mrs. Austin to have the apron taken off.
"Would you like to Keep 7" said the
lady.
"Oh, yes ma am" said the child, tear
coming into her eye . | should like to keep
it very much, but it is not mine"
You may keep it then, dear, and be sure
it is kept clean"
Sweet and happy were her thoughts tha,
night as she tripped home by her fathers side,
and when she lay down on her low bed, a
princess might have envled her, the beautiful
dreams that filled her little head. Thus day
after day passed away-the work on Mr.. Aus
tin $ house went on, and not less visible was
the transformation that was taking place among
the Watsons. The children were comfortably
clothed and sent to school, and their mother
with revived health and courage, set about
cleaning her cottage. The broken windows
were repaired, few articles of furniture pur-
chased and their home assumed an appearance
Of comfort, which it never wore before.
But the work was at last DONE and paid for;
and poor Waison's healt sunk within him as
he left the house. His appetite had been
checked, and he TASTED the delights of sober in
D HAT I..sl. n.