The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1851-09-09
A CHANGE OF FORTUNE.

On the Sd of January, 1881, during tho cold
which reigned so severely in Paris, at the mo-
ment when the snow wns falling in heavy
flakes. stoppage of passengers, horses and
vehicles. took place suddenly at the corner Of
the Rue ST Houore, and the dc L Arb!e See.
whats the mutterr asked Young man,
whose accent declared tim to be native of
the south of France. 20
Il really can't inform you, monsieur-l was
going to ask the same question myself a ae
'Ir's only man who has fallen on the ee.'
said an orange woman who had overheard the
colloquy. Nothing more-two SOUS piece
come buyr s0E
Its man dead drunk said porter push
ing his way from the thickesl of the crowd,
.Bah!' cried on old woman, Il bet it's those
cursed omnibuses which have overturned some
poor wretch. had my leg broken by one
two years ago
No such thing cried stout man who was
warmly wrapped up in thick wrapper, with
largo handkerchief up to his nose, and his
hands fixed in bis side pockets. Its no such
thing. It's man struck with cold and hunger.
Poor man, theso things quito affect me- |
should have stopped to lend him some assis-
tancc, but the fact is, am too late as il is, for
my wife is waiting dinner for me; Pardon,
Nnnsicur.-pormit mo to pass.
The stranger, howcver,to to whom this request
was addressed, pressed the stout man in con-
trary direction, and pressing through the crowd
of gnzers until ho arrived, not without difficulty
at tho spot where tho cause of this asscmblagc
was living: There near tho founta.n was ex-
tcndea on the ice, al old t,an scarcely covered
with few rags. The stranger, Welding only
10 the dictates of i kind heart stoopcd down,
and MAS in ,he act OF raising the unhappy man,
Whcnn cry broke the silence of the crowd, aud
n swcc: voice exclaimed with deep emotion.
1T is my poor old mani rr
At the same moment young girl. piercing
through the wondering crowd, came 10 join her
feeble aid to that Of the stranger.
You know him. thcnr he demanded. with
out looking at the new conner. but in trying TO
prevent her having any share of the burden.
'Yes and 20. Monsicur she replied, in TAX
ing out a smelling bottle Il know him by
sight and am quito ignorant of his name
a third person came TO add his assistance to
tho efforts of the young people.
1t is old Geraldn said he. 'fIe must have
gone out this morning. tho first time for these
there or four days. This way. Monsieur, he
said speaking to tho stra anger, 'ho lives at No.
30, and am the porter Of the house. Come,
let nc take your place, my little woman con
tinued he TO the girl: this gentleman and can
take him to his room at the top ofthc house =
II is sheer want that has reduced him TO this
Siatc. iHeN say no was once rlcD, ana Oc-
lievo il. for il is onld the rich that will allow
themselves to famish by hunger when thoy are
poor-we have srilltwo stories to 20 up-l
would not be guilty Of such a foolish act
would at once go TO tho mayor and demand
aid. Take carc--the stairs are so steep
there's a step; it's so dark hero you can't we'll
kco it. It's different with me, am used to
tho place that's the door Push. Ho move nee
dcd key TO lock up his property. poor man.
They say Gerard is nothis real lnamc-Diable! |!
how cold it is up heru under tho iilcs!,
They placed the old man on some straw in
The corner of tho CARROT, and the stranger has
tened to feel his pulse.
He is dying of cold and hunger, cried he;
hero. my friend, here's sorne money for you;
briog up some soup, somo wine, and a fire.
Tho poftor held out hand to take the mon
ey, whom the stranger suddenly exclaimed, af-
ter having searched his pockets. T-aYp
Good Heavens! they have taken my purse!
And saying which, bis features expressed
most vividly voxstion and fear for tho old mans
recovery. 80 ..-s.. ,.i i...f .F
4 will get them,' cried a gentle voice; twas
that of tho young girl, who had followed thom
unperccived. She hurried out of tho room and
returned speedily, for she perceived that the
slightest delay might bo fatal. A woman fol-
lowed hor, bringing FIRE and wood with which
she lii n Ere. and then retired. The young mos
esngor was loaded with bottle Of wine, o small
Leaf, and tho wing Of a fowl wrapped up in a
newspaper She placed the whole near the
old man, and then knccling down arranged the
hre, aud stirred it ur 10 a bazo.
sCIs