Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1853-04-13


found two bills to a considerable amount placed
in conspicuous position on the desk. "This
continual dunning is excessively annoying" he
fcontnued. "Ireally wish there were no such
thing as debts in the world.''
But alas! there was but one remedy, and this
our friend Markham was not disposed to adopt
Three months passed away, and the aspect oi
affairs was still more unfavorable. Some of the
most importunate of his creditors had indeed had
their claims satisfied, but numerous others had
arisen who were not to be easily put off; and the
result of land and California speculations still
looked like dim shadow in the distance. The
constant demand for ready money was perplex-
ing in the extreme, and Markham's natural good
temper had give place to place to nervous
irritability very detrimental to domestic peace
and happiness. 1t certainly was very annoying
not to be able to turn a corner without encoun-
/ tering some obsequiotis- looking tradesman, the
very glance of whose eye seemed to show that
he was measuring the depth of your purse, and
medtating an attack upon its contents.
u have absolutely become afraid of my own
shadow muttered Markham, as the creakng of
his boots caused him to start and look hastily
over his shoulder, half expecting to see the face
of some well-known creditor. 81 half promised
to pay that stupid tailor to-day, but the money
would be very convenient just at present, so
think he may wait few weeks longer. He de-
serves it for giving such miserable fit in my last
coat. I would have given him piece of my
mind, if there had not been so long an account
between US. That is slavery, as my wife would
say, but if it is, all men are slaves"
His train of thought was interrupted by the
sudden appearance of Bridget, who was still in
their employ in the capacity of cook and maid of
all work. -.-..-.
She had never before been seen at his place of
business, and as she stood at the door, pale and
breathless, Markham's very blood seemed frozen
with alarm, and his tongue refused to perform its
Office when he attempted to ask her errand
"Will you please to come home directly sir
The mistress has sent me for you in haste
Nurse has let little Willie fall from the window,
and we fear he is killed entrely.''
The father stopped not to question the messen-
ger, but seizing his hat, traversed the street with
hasty steps, and was soon bending anxiously over
his darling boy. who lay motionless in the arms
of his distracted mother.
"My Willie, my sweet pet !" she almost Shrek
ed, as she pressed her lips again and again to his
cold forehead. ''Will you not speak one word to
your mother -
'He is not dead, Alice. He cannot be dead,
surely ?" groaned Markham, as the little hand
which he had clasped in his dropped powerless
from his grasp.
s.God forgive me for leaving him !' replied his
wife, mourniully. ssFor months I have hardly
trusted him from my sight, but nurse has done
better for a week past. and thought I might
venture out for few hours. There were duties
to attend to, which seemed importaht.."
ssWas she-was she-'' gasped Markham.
ssFhtoxicated }! Yes, to such an extent that she
does not now realize what has happened. o, nv
boy, how could leave you with such wretch!'
and again in agony the mother clasped that life
less form to her heart.
The entrance of physician prevented further
conversation but the words still rung in his ears.
Intoxicated Had he not been warned of this
Months before had his wife told him of the in
creasing habit, of her constant fear of accident,
and had begged for the money due to the nurse
that she might at once dismiss her from their SER
vice. Time and again had the necessary sum
been in his possession, but as often had it seemed
more profitable to devote it to other purpose.
And this was the result Almost paralyzed with
horror, he turned to the medical adviser; who was
closely examining the child.
The question which was looked, but not utter
ed, received soothing and hopeful reply.
sThere is yet life, and trust serious injury
is sustained. Compose yourselves, my friends
In cases of this kind, there should be as little ex-
citement as possible" ls
Suitable remedies produced returning anima-
ton, but more careful examination showed that
the boy had not escaped unhurt. His right arm
was badly broken, and several severe bruises had
been received on various parts of his person.
| Expressions of thanklulness mingled with
! tears for the suffering which he must undergo,
and vain regrets that lie had been thus exposed
to peril.
| The mother, entirely engrossed with the sad
remembrance that she had left her darling in the
charge of one in whom she had not full conf
deiice, dwelt not on her husbands fault, and in
deed, though, not of him as the procuring cause
of the sad disaster; but his own conscience whis-
pered that he was the guilty one, and bitter re-
Elections filled his mind as he listened to the cries
of the little sufferer
But weeks and months passed on, and Willie
had regained his usual health, and the accident
was numbered among the things gone by. Still
its consequences were seen and felt, though few
knew the change which it had wrought. There
was wonderful alteration in Markham's appear
ance: His countenance had entirely lost thai
care-worn expression which it had so long worn
] CheerEullx he went to his daily business and