The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1853-04-26

you speak the truCl. w uen pouSut tne eoI-
tage from your creditors six years ago, l paid
them one thousand dollars for it. 1t has not
been harmed, and is as good as.it was then.-
Most of the time have received good rent for
it. Now, sir, you shall have it for just what |
paid for it, and each month you shall pay me
such sum as you can comfortably spare, till it
is all paid. shall ask you for no rent nor for
cent Of interest You shall have deed of the
estate, and in return will take but single
note and mortgage upon which you.can have
your own time" -
Thomas Wilkins tried to thank the old man
for his kindness, but he only sank into his char
and wept like child and while he sat with his
face buried in his hands, the old man slipped
from the room. And when at length he return
ed, he bore in his hand neatly covered bas-
ket.
"Come, come" the Captain exclaimed, "cheer
up my friend. Here are some titbits for, your
wife and children-take them home; and be-
lieve me, Wilkins, if you feel half as happy in
receiving my favor as do in bestowing it, you
are happy indeed" =.
20, God! God will bless you for this, sir !"
exclaimed the kindness-stricken man; sand if i
betray your confidence, may / die on the m
stant!" 49,
aStick to your pledge, Wilkins, and 1 will
take care Of the rest," said the old Captain, as
his friend took the basket. "If you have time,
tomorrow, call on me, and I will arrange the
papers"
As Thomas Wilkins once more entered the
streets, his tread was light and easy. A bright
light Of ioyousness shone in every feature, and as
he wended his way homeward, he felt, in every
avenue of his soul, that he was once more a
man.
The gloomy shades that ushered in the night
of the thirty-irst of December, had fallen over
the snow clod earth. Within the miserable
dwelling of Mrs Wilkins, there was more Of
comfort than we found when we visited her, but
yet nothing had been added to the furniture OF
the place. For the last six days, her husband
had came home every evening, and gone away
before daylight every morning, and, during that
time, she knew that he had not drank any intoxi-
eating beverage, for already his face began to
assume the stamp of its former manhood, and
every word that he had spoken had been kind
and affectionate. To his children he had brought
new shoes and warm clothing, and to herself he
had gwen such things as she stood inimmediate
need of; but yet, with all this, he had been 'taci
turn and thoughtful, showing dislike to all
questions, and only speaking such words as were
necessary. The poor, devoted, loving wife began
to hope. And why should she not9 For six
years her husband had not been thus before
One week ago she dreaded his approach; but
now she found herself waiting for him with all
the anxiety of former years. Should all this be
broken; should this new charm be swept away !.
Eight o'clock came, andso did nine and ten, and
yet her husband came not! -
"Mother," said little Charles, just as the clock
struck ten, seeming to have awakened from a
drcary slumber. as not this the last night of
the old year,"
ayes, my son."
sand do you know what I've been dreaming,
dear mother? l dreamed that father had
brought us New Years presents, just the same
as he used to. But he won't, will he? He's
too poor now"
"No, my dear boy, we shall have no other
presents than food; and even for that we must
thank dear father. There, lay your head in my
lap again"
The boy laid his curly head once more in his
mothers lap, and with fearful eyes she gazed
upon his innocent form.
The clock struck eleven! The poor wife was
yet on her tireless, sleepless watch But hardly
had the sound of the last stroke died away, ere
the snow crust gave back the sound of foot
fall, and in moment more her husband enter
ed. With trembling fear she raised her eyes
to his face, and wild thrill of Joy went to her
heart, as she saw that all there was open and
bold-only those manly features looked more
joyous, and proud than ever.
"Lizzie," said he, in mild, kind accents, IL am
late tonight, but business has detained me; and
now | have a favor to ask of thee"
"Name it, dear Thomas, and you shall not ask
a second time" cried the wife, as she laid her
hand confidently upon her husbands arm.
"And you will ask me no questions z" contn-
ued Wilkins.
"No, will not"
"Then," continued the husband, as he bent
over and imprinted kiss upon his wife's brow,
81 want you to dress our children for walk,
and you shall accompany us. The night is calm
and tranquil, and the snow is we'll trodden--
"But"-
"Ah, no questions! Remember your prom
ise"
Lizzie Wilkins knew not what all this meant,
nor did she think to. care; for anything that
could please her husband she would have done
with pleasure, even though it had wrenched her
very heart strings. In a short time the two chill
drcn were ready; then Mrs. Wilkins put on
such articles of dress as she could command,
and soon they were on the road. The moon
shone brightly; the stars pecped down upon
the earth, and they seemed to smile upon the
travellers from out their twinkling eyes of light
Silently Wilkins led bis way, and silently his
wife and children followed. Several times the
wife gazed up into her husbands face; but, from
the strange expression that rested there, she