The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1851-05-28

ly to his mind, and he began ardent.
ly to desire an improved external
condition, as we'll for his wife and
children as for himself. He wished
to restore what had been lost! but
saw no immediate prospect of being
able to do so. Six dollars a week
was the average of his earnings, and
it took all this, besides what little his
wife earned, to make things tolerably
comfortable at home.
Gordon was in more Responding
mood than usual when lie indulged
in the complaint with which our story
opens. What was said to him
changed the tone Of his feelings, and
inspired him with spirit Of cheerful
ness and hope.
Time, Faith, Encrgy!' he said to
himself, as he walked with more
elastic step. Yes, these must bring
out all right in the end. 1 will not
be SO weak as to dcspond. All is
much improved as it is. We are
happier and better. Time, Faith,
Energy! l will trust in these
When Gordon opened the door Of
his humble abode, he found lad
waiting to see him, who arose, and
presenting small piece of paper,
said =
MIR. Blake wishes to know when
you can settle this?'
Mr.. Blake was q grocer, to whom
ten dollars had been owing for a year.
He had dunncd the poor drunknrd
for the money until he got tired of
SO pro6tlcss business, and gave up
the account for lost. BY some
means it had recently como to his
cars that Gordon had signed the
pledge.
! Some chance for mo yet, he said,
ant Immediately Lad tic bill made
/ cat new, and sent in; not thinking
or caring whether it migat not be too
premature for him to do SO, and have
| the effect TO discourage the poor man
| and drive him back tohis cd habits.
What, he WanteJ was his snoneY.---.
7 1t was due, nr'' iie liz gant "a hasSo ii
If lie could gct i.
'F4Il Nlr. Bake tha. | viii nay
S.l.o 4: s91lI as posS.oi. Al p,a9nt
it is out Of my power said Gordon,
in answer to the demand.
The lad; in The spirit Of his master,
turned away with sulky air, aud
left the house.
Poor Gordon's feelings went down
to zero in moment.
Its hopeless, Mary! sec it all
as plain as day he said. 'Thc mo.
mcnt | get upon my feet, there will
be 4 dozen TO knock me down.
While / was drunkard, no one
! thought Of dunning INC for money !;
but now that l I'm trying to 10 right,
every one to whom | am indebted a
dollar will come pouncing down upon
| me-
Its AUST debt, Henry, you know,
and we ought to pay it,
i don't dispute that. But we
can't pay it now
'Ihcn blake can't get it now; so
there the matter will have to rest.
y little dunning won't kill us. We
nave had harder trials than that to
bear. So dor't get discouraged SO
easily
The words 'Timc, Faith, Encrgyr
came into the mind Of Gordon and
rchukcd him.
There : sense in what you say,
Nary lie replicd. Il know I am
too easily discouraged. We owe
Blake, that is Gear; and I suppose
he is rightin trying to get lis money.
We can't pay him now; and there
fore he can't get it now, do What he
viii. SO we will be no worse for his
dunning, if lie duns every day. But
| hate SO TO be asked for money
I'll tell YOU what might be DONE
said Mrs. Gordon.
'Wcll?' inquired thc husband.
MIR. Blake has a large family,
and no doubt that his wife gives ont
a good deal Of sewing. l could work
it out
Gordon thought a few moments,
and then said
'Or, better than that; perhaps
Blake would let me work it out in
his store. / have good deal Of
time on my hands unemployed
Acs, that would be better replied
Mrs. Gordon; 'for | have as much
sewing as | can do, aud set paid for
il all.
This thought frightened the spirits
Of Gordon. AS soon as lie had cat
cn his dinner lie started for the store
Of Mr.. Blake.
I've come to talk to YOU about
that bill Of mine, said Mr.. Gordon.
well, what Of i,?' returned the
grocer.