Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1857-05-08


Poor Willicl The temptation to know
was too strong to bo resisted; so lie hunted
through the closet for candle, for he was
a thoughtful little fellow, and would not
leave his little sister to the only danger that
could menace her. He found a Bit Of tai
low dip, and lighting it drew the stand close
to her, that tho flame might scare away rats
and mice, should they sally out ere his re-
turn. lla
81 won't stay long pretty DEAR" said he,
pressing tender kiss on her sleeping lids,
and drawing a blanket close over her fair
arms. "No, l will come back soon, but /
do so want to take one peep"
Swiftly his little feet bore him over the
pavement, and in trice he stood before the
curtained door, 49,. ......
"How light is, and how they laugh and
talk. 1t must all bo very funny there"
A cold, November blast swept around
the corner, as he spoke, penetrating his
worn summer Clothes causing his flesh to
quiver and his teeth to chatter.
81 don't believe they'd hurt me, if | should
60 in while; | am such little boy; and
l am SO cold out here" he said as he push.
ed the door carefully from him, slipping ia
and closing it without breath of noise
For moment he was bcwildered with Tho
| light and clatter, and half wished that lac
were away. But the warm air was crate
ful to his chilled limbs, and finding that nc
one seemed to notice him, he stole toward.
tho glowing crate, and spread out his pur
pie palms before the blaze. The group OF
men that encirclcd tho bar were drinking
when he entered. Soon, however they sat
down their glasses and dispersed about the
room.
"Halloo," said one in loud tone, rs 90
ing to the fire he spied little Willie. "Wha
arc you doing here, my little fellow9 Who
arc you? and what do you want"
II don't want anything, only to see what
you do here. Ny name is Willie NJ. NJ,
papa loves to come here, and it looked sc
pleasant through the window, l thought rd
like to. But must not stay long, for lef
the baby alone"
The mans tones were softened as he
spoke again to him.
"And where is your mother, boyw
"Oh, she's gone to take homo the wash
sir. Papa don't have ms much work as he
used to once, and we're very poor now, and
she has to help him."
"And does it look as pleasant in here as
you thought it would my childp
30, yes, it does, sir. I don't wonder pa
pa loves to come here so much, it's SO cold
and dark at home. But should think he'd
hrIn nd n1 L
she would laugh to soc this fire and all those
pretty bottles, and those flowers with lights
in them. Please sir" and he earnestly
seized the rough hands of the listener
"please, sir, tell me why little boys can't
come here with their fathersg'
'For Gods sake do not tell him, Ban
croft?" said deep, anguished voice. ale
deems me pure and holy. Heavensl what
a wretch am! Ny boyp and willie was
clasped in his fathers arms-"you have
saved me from oarth's vilest hell. Here,
with my hand upon thy sinlcss brow,
promise never again to touch the cup 1 have
drank so deep. And my brothers in sin, as
you value your souls salvation, tempt me
not to break my vow. Help me, Heaven
help me men, so to live, hereafter, that pa
pa may never blush to take his boy along
that when papa goes there Willie may
go too"
Silently the door closed after them and
silence dwclt in tho saloon behind them.-
The preacher had been there in cherub form.
and crazy, loose, unholy thought, or light
and rlbald jest was hushed. One by one
they stole away, and many wife wore smiles
that night; nor did the old bartender, even,
curse the little ono that robbed him of so
many dimes. Too deeply in his heart had
sunk the voice of that cherub preacher.
"Don't you like me, papa? Are you
cross at me!" asked Willie, in hesitating
tone, as they stood on the pavement; for
the scene in the bar-room was an inigma to
the child, and he half feared reproof.
81 was thinking what mamma would like
best for SUPPER" said the father.
"Was youg was your" was the eager
question, in gladstone voice. 30 then,
know you amt cross. o, get oysters and
crackers and tea, papa; and candle, cause
there is only piece. And please papa,
tell mamma not to be cross at me cause
left the baby. don't believe she will tho,
cause you know if hadn't gone as l did
you wouldn't perhaps have come home yet,
and she does love to have you at home so
much. Oh, | feel just like crying, am SO
glad"
Sand feel like crying, too" said his
father solemnly; and ere midnight he did
cry, and his wife, too, but they were holy
tears, washing has heart of the dust that had
gathered on its beauty, and hers of the sor-
row that had drapped il as n nall