Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-03-09


indeed needed. A little girl, about
nine years old was lying on the bed,
very low with'a fever. A little boy
two years oldor. entered while | was
there with an armful Of sticks. which
he had picked up on tho common; and
this save few brands that were smo-
king on the hearth. was oil their fuel.
The sick girl. | am afraid oannotlive,
and the mother has no means, TO mako
Iher comfortable; l doubt whether any
Of the family have tasted n morsel OF
supper tonight !.
but where Is the woman's husbandg
asked Mary.
That do not know. He has been
gone these seven years. ! knew him
when he was worth several thousand
dollars; but villainous partner ofhis
defraudcd him Of every cent. Poor
Robson was almost broken hearted;
he fingered about the noighborhood for
a while. earning liveing as he could,
but finally resolved to go to sea. His
wife gave her full consent as she was
able, with economy, to provide for
herself and the children, by her nee
die. She did we'll for while. but
sickness came upon her, and she is
now poor. very poor. Her husband at
different times sent her money, and al
so wrote as though he was doing well.
But the vessel in which he was to have
returned. three years ago, hasnot been
heard Of.
And he was drownedr asked two or
three at once.
81 do not know, continued the doc
tor he may be living yet, but fear
he has perished. But. my children
Mrs Robinson is poor. While, you
are SO cherisedhappy here in this COM
Portable house, and this bleak cold
night are gathered around this warm
fire, think Of Charly Robson oud his
mother. Charley has no Christmas,
there is no New Years for him. for
his father may be at the bottom Of the
sea. His mother is poor, and his
little sister I fear must die. John!
Mrs Robson has no money TO pay
the doctor. Shall 1 stay at home to-
night'
mo, father. exclaimed John eager
f1y; go and see her, and you may take
my half dollar
And mine,' said Mary.
And my cake said Ellen.
And buy Chharley rocking horse
said Willie.
Come children, said Mrs Warton,
"James shall load the hand sled with
wood and carry a blanket and quilt.
l will fill n basket with something for
supper, and perhaps we can make
them comfortable
But Johnny asked the doctor,
why do you stand SO still, while the
others arc so busy in getting something
for the poor family?'
i was thinking father replied John
NY 'of what we said just now-that
our Saviour scent about doing good; and
that it would be more like Him il we
could go as well as send. Mayn'tI go
father?
Certainly, my son.
And father, may / go?' asked Mary
placing her hands in her fathers, and
giving him most beseeching look.
Its a bleak, cold night, said tho
doctor most too cold for my Mary, /
fear; bnt ask your mother
Mrs. Waiton hesitated, but it was
but for moment. She knew that
Mary could be made comfortable for
a short ride, and she was unwilling to
lose so good an opportunity for teach
ing her practical charity.
And now, while Mrs Warton and
the children are filling the large bask-
ct, and James the hired man, is loading
the sled, and Mary and John are muf-
fling themselves for the ride, we will
60 to the other fireside.
Far out in the suburb, on an open
field where the wind has full sweep
this dismal stormy night, stand an
old house, which families who eaonot
afford to pay rent have one after anoth-
er deserted, which would be tenantless
now, but Mrs Robinson can find no
other shelter. Within that house, a
little boy is laying the last stick upon
the fire place, and a tear is trickling
down his cheek, which he quickly
wiped away; in the corner of the
room in low bedstead, the covering
of which once was good, but though
clean is sragged and worn now. There
lay the sick girl; and her mother,
kneeling at the bedside, was holding
in one hand those of her daughter,
and with the other was pressing her
forehead. The wind roared without,
aud as it swept by, the drifting snow
beat against the rafting windows, and
the Pickering flame from the hearth
was the only light in that dwelling.
She's dying, my daughter is dying
sobbed the mother. And the boy ran
to the bedside. He had tried to re.
strain his tears before, for fear oil
, grieving his mother; but he wept Bit
terly now.
Sarah, my child, my darling she
almost shrieked, must you die now,
r and here in this cold, cold spot, and
, your father never to see you again!
| o, Heavenly Father, let this cup pass
from me: but not my will, but thine
be done?'
A cold sweat was on the brow O.
, the little sufferer, but still her ewes
were bright, and fixed upon her moth
er, her lipsmoyed and she said moth.
, er!'
The sound Of sleigh bells was heart
at the door.
Somebody is comingl said Char
: Icy as he ran to the window.
: No, no! don't say it, my child,
said the mother, you are dying ant
will meet papa in heaven
The door opened, and DIR. Warrior
entered with Mary and John, and tn,
5 good pastor, Mr. Wilford, all loadet
with clothes and provision.
Bless youl God bless youl' exclaim
a6 M~S Rnh,nso~ sI.1.. e -