Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-12-29
THE UNEXPECTED FRIEND.

resource. am too sick to work, and you cam
net surely see me and your little brother starve.
Try and beg few shillings, and perhaps by the
time that is gone, may be better. Go, Henry,
my dear; grieve to send you on such an er-
rand, but it must be done"
The boy, nobelooking little fellow of about
ten years, started up, and throwing his arms
about his mothers neck, left the house without
a word. He did not hear the groan of anguish
that was uttered by his parent as the door clos
ed behind him; and it was well that he did not,
for his little heart was ready to break without
it. 1t was bye-street in Philadelphia; and as
he walked to and fro on the sidewalk, he look
ed first at one person, then at another, as they
passed him, but not one seemed to look kindly
on him, and the longer he waited, the faster his
courage dwindled away, and the more difficult it
became TO muster resolution to beg. The tears
were running fast down his cheeks, but nobody
seemed to care for although clean, Henry look
ed poor and miserable, and it is common for the
poor and miserable to cry!
Everybody seemed in a hurry, and the poor
boy was quite in despair, when at last he espied
a gentleman who seemed to be very leisurely
taking q morning walk. He was dressed in
black, wore a three-cornered hat, and had face
that was as mild and benignant as an angels
Somehow, when Henry looked at him, he felt
all his fear vanish at once, and instantly ap-
preached him. His tears had been flowing so
long, that his eyes were quite red and swolen'
and his voice trembled but that was with weak
ness; for he had not eaten for twenty-four hours
AS Henry with low faltering voice, begged for
a little charity, the gentleman stopped, and his
kind heart melted with compassion MS he look
ed into the fair counteEance of the poor boy, and
saw the deep blush which spread all over his
face, and listened to the modest, humble tones
which accompanied his petition.
You do not look like boy that has been ac-
customed to beg his Bread" said he, kindly lay
ing his hand on the boys shoulder; what has
driven you to this step!"
Indeed" answered Henry, his tears begin
ming to flow afresh, "indeed was not born in
this condition. But the msfortunes Of my fa-
ther and the sickness of my mother, have driven
me to the necessity now."
"Who is your father?" inquired the gentle
man, still more interested.
"My father was n rich merchant of this city
but he became bondsman for friend who soon
after failed, and he was entirely ruined. He
could not live after this loss, and in one month
he died of grief, and his death was more dread
ful than any other trouble. My mother, my lit
tie brother, and myself soon sunk into the low
est depths of poverty. My mother has, until
now, managed to support herself and my little
brother by her labor, and | have earned what
could by shovelling snow, and other work that
could find to do. But night before last, moth
er was taken very sick, and she has since be-
come so much worse, ,that''-here the tears pour
ed faster than ever-' do fear she will die.
cannot think of any way in the world to help
her. have not had any work to do for several
weeks ] have not had the courage to 90 to
any Of my mothers old acquaintances, and tell
them that she had come to need charity / tho't
you looked like a stranger, sir, and something
in your face overcame my shame, and gave me
courage to speak to you. sir, do pity my poor
moher!'
The tears, and the simple and moving lam
guage of the poor boy touched a chord in the
breast of the stranger that was accustomed to
frequent vibrations.
"Where does your mother live, my boy 2" said
he in husky voice; I" is it far from here ?"
"She lives in the last house in this street
sir" replied Henry. You can see it from here,
in the third block, and on the left hand side."
"Have you sent for physician %
"No, sir" said the boy, sorrowfuly shaking
his head. 81 had money to pay neither for a
physician nor for the medicine"
"Here," said the stranger, drawing some pieces
OF silver from his pocket; "here are three dol
lars; take them and run Immediately for ply
sician."
Henry's eyes flashed with gratitude; he re-
ceved the money with stammering and almost
inaudible voice, but with lock of the warmest
gratitude, and vanished.
The benevolent stranger Immediately sought
the dwelling of the sick widow He entered a
little room in which he could see nothing but a
few implements of female labor, miserable ta-
bic, an old bureau, and a little bed which stood
i'm ono corner IN which tho invalid Law She