The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1855-08-16

to keep away from the village, and sanh
down by the side of stone wall and was
soon buried in a profound slumber.-
When he awOke, the sun was shining
down hot upon him, and raising himself
to a sitting posture, he gazed about him
He knew that it was afternoon, for the sun
was turning toward the west. lie was
just upon the point of rising, when his
motion wasarrestcd by the sound of voices
near at hand. lie looked through chink
in the wall, and just upon the other side
he saw his two children picking berries,
I while a little futher off were two more
girls, the children of the carpenter who
had lately moved into the village.
Come, Katy said one of these latter
girls, to the companion, let's 60 away
from here, because if any body should
see us with those girls they'd think we
played with 'em. Come
But the berries are thick here re-
monstrated the other.
Never mind-we'll come out some
time when those little ragged d.unkard's
! girls aren't here
| So the two favored ones went away hand
in hand, and Nelly and Nancy Nelson sat
down upon the grass and cried.
Don't cry, Nancy said the eldest,
throwing her arms around her sisters
neck.
But you are crying, Nelly
20, l can't help it, sobbed the stricken
one.
why do they blame us p murmured
Nancy, gazing up into her sisters face.
20, we are not to blame. We are good
and kind, and loving, and we never hurt
anybody. 0, wish somebody would
love us; should be so happy
But we are loved, Nancy. Only think
of our noble mother. Who could love us
as she does Q
Il know-I know, Nelly; but that
aren't all. Why don't papa love us as he
used to do? Don't you remember when
he used to kiss us and make us so happy?
0, how wish he could be so good to us
once more. lie is not
'-sh, sissy don't say anything more.
He may be good to us again; if he knew
how We loved him l know he would
And then believe God is good, and sure
ly he will he lp us sometimes, for mother
prays to him every day.
Yes, answered Nancy, Il know she
does; and God must be our Father some
time
He is our Father now, sissy
Il know it; but he must be all we shall
have by-and-bY, for don't you remember
that mother told us that she might leave
us one of these days? She said cold
finger was upon her heart, and-and-'
Ssh. Don't, don't, Nancy; you'll
The words were checked up with sobs
and tears, and the sisters wept long to-
gether. At length they arose and went
away, for they saw more children COM
ing.
As soon as the little ones were out of
sight, Charles Nelson started to his feet.
His hands were clenched, and his eyes
were fixed upon vacant point with an ca
ger gaze.
my God 7 he gasped, what villain
] am Look at me now What state
| am in, and what have l sacrificed to
bring myself to it And they love me
yet, and pray formel p
He said no more, but for some moments
he stood with his hands still clenched, and
eyes fixed. Atlength his gaze was turned
upward, and his clasped hands were rails
ed above his head. A momenthe remain
ed SO, and then his hands dropped by his
side, and he started homeward.
When he reached his home he found
his wife and children in tears, but he af-
fected to notice it not He drew shilling
from his pocket-it was his last-and
handing it to his wife, he asked her if she
would send and get him some milk and
flour, and make him some porridge. The
wife was startled by the strange tone in
which this was spoken, for it tsounded just
as that voice had sounded in days gone
by.
The porridge was made nice and nour-
ishing, and Charles ate it ALL He went to
bed early on the following morning he
was up. He asked his wife if she had
milk and flour enough to make him anoth-
er bowl of porridge.
Yes, Charles, she said. I'VE have
not touched it
'Then if you are willing, should like
some more
The wife moved quickly aboutthe work,
and ere long the food was prepared
The husband ate it, and he felt better
He washed and dressed, and would have
shaved had his hand been steady enough.
He left his home and went at once to man
who had iustcommenced to frame house.
'Mr. Manly heIsaid, addressing the gen
Heman alluded to, i have drank the last
drop of alcoholic beverage that ever passes
my lips. Ask me no questions, but be-
lieve me now while you see me true
Will you give me work|
'Charles Nelson, are You in earnest?
asked Manly, IN surprise
so much so. sir, that were death to
stand upon my right hand, and yonder
bar-room upon my left, l would go with
the grim messenger first
'Then here is my house lying about us
in rough timber and boards. place it all
in your hands, and shall look to you to
finish it. While l can trustyou, you may
trust me. Come into my office and you
shall have the plan / have drawn
W. Ill "a az tou how the stout man went. |