Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-10-31

discouraging to be always under pressure
to see no light ahead
Hannah's feelings overcame her, and she
leaned her face upon Uncle Bens shoulder and
sobbed violently.
Don't take on so, child-don't = said the
old man, in tender, encouraging voice.
Hope for the best. The darkest hour. Won
know, is just before daybreak. won't forget
Peter. Perhaps can help him. I'll go home
and think about it,
Hes very kind to US all, Uncle,' sobbed
Hannah. 'And can't bear TO see him so
troubled as he is sometimes
IF he were not quite SO set in his wavs.' re-
piled Uncle Ben. If he were only little
more ready to learn, it would great deal bet
Ter for all of you.'
4 know he's stiff about some things, Uncle
but then he means well'
No doubt of that, Hannah. But, no mat
ter how good a mans intentions are, they will
not help him much unless guided by we'll
enlightened Judgment. And there lies Peters
defect. But will see what can be done.'
This was enough TO inspire Hannah with
hope. After the old gentleman departed,
which event took place at the time fixed upon,
she meditated on what he had said, and her
heart took courage. Uncle Ben was in good
circumstances, and fully able to help them il
he would. A few hundred dollars might be
spared by him easily. And how much good
few hundred dollars would do them.
Her hopes were soon whispered in the ears
of Peter. At first he said it was all nonsense
to think of any thing from Uncle Ben, and, in
the excitement of the moment, called him ali
old miser. Still, Hope did find lurking
Before the day closed, Peter several times
caught himself musng on the vague promise OF
the old gentleman, and even making some cal
culalions predicated thereon. Since the mort
gage on his farm was executed, he had expe-
| rlenced pressure Oh his feelings that robbed
him of all true peace of mind. Before, he
seemed at least to be standing still, if not pro-
crossing. Now, the first downward step hav-
ing been taken, final ruin seemed inevitable
A man who feels himself sinking is ready to
catch at any thing that promises to bear him
above the surface. The act is instructive,
rather than from determination of the will
Thus it was with Peter; he felt that he was
in deep water, and caught at the first straw
which floated near him. 1t was in vain that
he reasoned against this hope in his mind, and
sought to turn himself from it. Its power over
him was not in the least abated by the struggles
against it.
At length Peter Miller ceased to search fol
arguments against the probabilities involved in
Hannahs suggestion, and to let his mind rest
pleasantly on the certainty of receiving sub
stantial aid from Uncle Ben. Regret for his
unhandsome treatment of the old gentleman.
came with this state, mingled with fear lest
he had in the un reasonableness of his anger,
done himself and family serious injury.
'l shouldn't at all wonder if we heard from
Uncle Ben Tomorrow said Hannah, after the
children were in bed on New Years Eve, and
they sat talking over their future prospects.
Peter shook his head doubtingly, although
the expectation of communication from Uncle
Ben was as prominent in his mind as in that OF
Hannah
Soon after breakfast on New Years Dav
Peter, without waiting for hint from his
wife, walked over to the post office. On his
way, spite of all he could do to control his
thoughts, they would run on the probable ex-
tent of aid to be received from Uncle Ben
The mortgage on the farm was four hundred
dollars.
IF he would let us have enough to pay that
off,
| He checked himself in the midst of half
uttered sentence, and called himself fool for
indulging such vain and improbable fancies.
ANY thing for me today asked Peter Of
the post master, on arriving at the office. He
almost held his breath in suspense.
Here's newspaper for you,' replied the
post master, handing out small package.
No letter!' said Peter, while his heart
sunk heavily.
None answered the man.
Are you sure! Won't you look again1'
Another search was made The post mas
ter shook his head.
How much is to pay on thisl asked Peter
as he turned the enveloped paper over and ovel
again in his hands, with an Observation-Disclosures
in his air.
'Nothing-the postage is paid was replied
| Poor Peter Miller, whose feelings had un
dergone sudden and painful revulsion, thrus
the newspaper into his pocket, and returned
slowly homeward.
Have you been to the post of1ice1 = asket
Hannah, as her husband entered the house.
Yes was his brief answer.
The gloom on Peters countenance fell lik.
shadow on her heart. There was no nee,
of further question. Hannah felt this, yet sh,
said
WAS there nothing for us1'
| 'No-yes.
And Peter drew the newspaper from hi
pocket and commenced tearing off the envelope
Here's a newspaper, but dear knows wher,
it came from. Oh! Yesr
He now saw name written on the margin
of the paper
Benjamin Hicks
'Humph!' What do want with his oil