American mechanic and home journal., 1849-11-16

The wife sighed, the father cast his eyes towards the lickering fire. and the daughter was silent. The fate of the piano was de- cided upon. A melancholy pause in the con- versation plainly told how severe was the al formative; for the law never studies the feel ingS of his victim when exacting the penalty of bond.
 Go. Mary" said Mr. Sunderland, address ing the servant, go and request the Sheriff's officer, who is watching the property to walk into the parlor. He is only doing his duty no doubt it is as painful to him distressing to us. Let him have seat at our fire, and some reireshment, for it is a severe night"
 It is indeed fearful nj ight," observed Mrs Sunderland " and we have behaved rude to this man.
 Mother, made fire in the room where he is, but
 Speak out, child-'t was with the last stick"
 Mary returned with the officer, a polite gentlemanlv man-for such should be the character of mon who have to perform part in the drama of life. not unlike that of the in quisitors of old, whose province it was to tor ture by the rack, with this difference, howev- CT, theirs was physical torture-ours men, tai one administered with all the nicety and precision oflegal justice. The officer polite lv accepted the invitaton-tasted the food, and endeavored to cheer his victims by emu merating many cases of a similar kind, equal lv poignant and distressing. Thus the even ing passed heavily and cheerlessly away.
 On the morning of the contemplated sale, there was to be seen a crowd ofpeople flock ing to the house of MT. Sunderland-some out of sheer, heartless uriosity-friends of the family who came with mockery on their lips, and empty purses others with an intent to purchase, but not among the crowd showed the least desire to aid, assist. or sym pathise with the distress ofthe family. This is the world We laugh at the mistortunes of our fellow-creatures, and even mock their distresses. bv witnessing their Sutfcrings in silence.
 The auctioneer was now making his ar rangemen by f1ourishing his hammer, roll ing his eyes, and using his tongue. The mot lev crowd gathered around him. The house was put up first, it was accurately described free from all membranes and subject to but very small ground rent. It was started at five thousand dollars. There were sever al bidders. all of whom seemed anxious to purchase it. Seven thousand five hundred dollars was at last bid, upon which the auc- tioneer dwelt for a moment. MT. Sunderland compressed his lips together, and muttered to himself x It cost my father fifteen thous- and dolars' "Seven thousand five hundred dollars, going-once--twice- times; for the last time, going" eight thousand, l thank you sir, going at eight thousand once eight thousand twice, eight thousand threc times going, gone---What name 7" "Chf ford,' was the response and ali eyes rested on tall, noble-looking man, who had remain ed silent during the rapid bidding of the spec u1ators, and who, as the whisper went round was pronounced total stranger.
 "It is gone," whispered MT. Sunderland te his wife, as he pressed her hands in silen
 grief. i've have no home now.''
 "Now, gentlemen" cried the auctioneer i've will sell this sideboard, in regard t'
 which am requested by the creditors to sa.
 that it is an old family piece, and it is the wisi
 of the owner to retain it ifpossible. mere l ly mention this, as it is known to you unde 1 what peculiar circumstances the things ar'
 sold.'
 This had the desired effect as no one seem