Eastern times., 1855-09-20
G8e Storp GelIsr
THE DAUGHTERS RETURN.


per story of an old and dilapidated house, lived
Thomas Webb, his wife and son. Mr.. Webb
was about forty years old, and for much of
that period he had been an incorporate man,
so that his family had been reduced to abiect
poverty. For about twelve months previous
to the time we write, he had become a total
abstainer, but his constitution was so broken
by his former dissolute habits, that he was
quite unable to labor for their support. His
wife had endeavored to supply his lack of
service, but she also was smltten down by
sickness and as we now look in upon them,
they are both sick, though the faithful wife is
bending over the fire preparing some medl-
cine for her husband who is confined TO his
bed
He complained greatly of the chilling effect
of the wind which came through the numer
ours cracks in the wall His wife could only
lament that she had also suffered from the
same cause, and that they had no means of
remedying the evil. She, however, gently
raised his head from the pillow, and gave him
the medicine she had been preparing.
The exertion panied her exceedingly, but
she let not word betray her extreme weak
ness.
Just as the invalid finished the draught,
boy about twelve years of age entered the
room. He was poorly clad and shivered with
cold. The moment he entered, the woman
started from her husbands side and asked -
James, did you get the bread 2
No, mother,' returaed the boy, while
tear rolled down his cheek. He said he
couldn't trust us any more
What uttered The poor sick man, 'does
he refuse US even loaf of bread Then may
God have mercy upon US! No food-no
clothlng-no money! Oh, what misery is
mine =
Mrs. Webb sank into chair, and tried in
vain to check her sobs and tears. The last
morsel of food was used, and since the previ-
Gus night she had not tasted nourishment.-
Starvation stared them in the face.
The boy gazed for a moment in silence
there was strange emotion in his features, and
ate last he said, with a startling energy:
Mother, can procure bread at the bakers on
the other street.
Will he trust US, James!' asked Mr. Webb,
while faint ray of hope Frightened his ema-
ciated features.
mo, not trust u.s. answered the boy, with
a slight hesitancy in his manner.
But you have not the money, have youl'
No, father-I have no money but there
is bread upon the bakers shelves outside the
window. | stood and looked at the Ioaves
when | was OUT
A strange look came over the invalid face,
as he gazed inquisitively into the face of his
SON.. The mother said And must we starve
when there is bread all about US = and cast
trembling glance towards her husband.
Did you say the bread was outside the win
dow! asked the father Yes,' replied the
boy. 'And do you think you can get loaf
without moneyt' Yes sAnd not be de-
ected in the act Il do not think the baker
would see me- Mr. Webb sank back ON his
DltlON3 SIUdlCu w dEB HuI-
gered even to starvaton,' he murmured
sgaunt want, like a spectre of destruction,
stares US in the face l could starve, but my
poor wife = The invalid covered his face
with his thin hands, and wept James had
started and left the apartment in very excited
state.
flames = said Mr.. Webb He has gone,
my husband, the wife said. ALAS = ex-
claimed he, again covering his eyes, were it
not better to die than to live thus! No, no
not 10 die, returned Mrs. Webb; surely, It's
no sin to live-to live is onr right
Mr.. Webb made no reply. Soon James re-
turned, bearing loaf of bread under his jack
ct. His step was trembling, his face glowed
with shame, and his eyes were cast stealthily
about him, as though he feared some one was
following his steps. Il have got it, mother,
said he, as he laid down the loaf
The bread have you got the bread!' ex-
claimed the father, Yes, father, see. here it
is Bring it TO me, James, let me feel it,
The boy placed the loaf in his fathers extend
ed, trembling hands. This is bread said
ne; this loaf will sustain life, but to get it,
we must. sacrifice honor to get it my boy
must be a hiefp
'oh, say not So said his wife, it cannot be
sim
What no sin in stealingl' said the man !;
Il cannot touch it, II it be Gods will that we
starve, then His will be done. Take the loaf
back, James, and place it where you found it.
We a0iH not steal James took the loaf and
left the room. He soon returned, looking far
happier than he did when he had entered with
the loaf.
Did you place the loaf where you found it 2
asked Mr.. Webb yes, father 'And do
you not feel happier, though hungry, than you
would have done if you had eaten of the stolen
loafl' 'Oh, yes, yes 7 exclaimed the boy
iBut, father, what will you dol You and
mother must have food. See how weak and
faint my poor mother is 'Wait till the morn
ing my son, and then-then--you must go out
and beg for assistance Beg, uttered the
boy, trembling. ''1is honest to beg i will
go, father anything to help my parents. ;
God bless YOU, James, said the sick man as