Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1857-12-25

AAA~ AANAAAL AAA 1NNN-I H--
his home, grieving for the impiety of his ac-
ouuintance; while the other two proceeded ON
in an opposite direction; Dabalha completely
surprised by the strangeness of the sentiments
uttered, and Mustapha bordering upon his pre-
sent disngreeable prospects.
While the three were conversing, there stood
at a short distance, an old grey-headed man, up
parently waiting with Impotence and anxiety
for the appearance of some one eagerly expect
ed, but, in reality, attentiyely listening to the
words of the little group near him. He was
partly concealed by the projection ola building,
and as the shadows of evening had already
fallen, and their lamented condition engrossed
all their faculties, neither Amrad, Bahia, nor
Mustapha noticed the presence of the individu-
al in whom they seemed to have excited so
much interest. As soon as the friends separa-
ted, the old man struck a cane, which he held
in his right hand, twice upon the ground. Im-
mediatcly two persons approached him. After
having communicated his commands, and hav-
ing seen them depart to execute them, he turn
ed to follow the poor cobbler first introduced to
the reader. He pursued him through streets
and lanes, alleys and by-ways, till his path APP
peared almostinterminable; and he finally reach
ed the last th%Oroughfare which led toward the
eastern confines of the city, and was rejoicing
in the mOmentary expectation of arriving at
the end of this long-fatigueing journey. To his
surprise, however, Amrad did not stop, but
passed out into the m His pursuer
continued to follow him in spite of every dis
cOuragement, d~eterminee to discover the abode
and condition of the poor individual, who had
excited in him so much interest. 1t had now
become quite dark, and as he was obliged to
follow at some distance, in order to escape the
nUtice of Amrad, he could sometimes barely
discern the outline of his form, and once or
twice he entirely lost sight of him for some
moments. Thus he had to proceed for nearly
n mile, when n third time the figure in front
of him vanished, and although he hastened his
pace and gazed earnestly before, the desired
object did not meet his vision. Wearied and
disappointed, he was just about to abandon the
hopeless chase, when he arrived at q declivitous
spot, and to his Joy, once more beheld the OBJ
ject of his search. This time he was no longer
advancing, but stood before the door ofan hum
bic tenement, as though he would fain delay
his entrance.
Who, save n father, can realize the feelings
which prompted the poor cObblcr to stand
thoughtfully at the side of HE own dwelling?
But he remained thus n short time only, and
lifting the latch passed in. His pursucr
with silence to the house, gazed
through a chink in the door to view, as well as
he might, the scene within. Sad was the sight,
aud pitiful were the sounds which met his ear.
In n little, poorly furnished room, were crowd
ed nine human beings. In one corner, upon
the floor, was n miserable cot which contained
three young babes. Two were twins, about
three months old, and the other was, perhaps,
n year and a half. They had fretted and cried,
until welcome sleep seized on their dripping
lids. in an opposite corner lay two stout hardy
boys, claspcd in each others arms, as though
they had dropped into gentle slumbers while
mutually lamenting and consOling. Near these
whose head five bapless summers had al
ready flown, stood q little girl some two years
older, holding her fathers hand; aud, with her
fearful countenance cast in his face, she muir
n1nPn1 fur broad While ntbarS onn nv M
sunk in repOse, she still kept up, and every mo-
ment she ran to the door, expecting to behold
her father near, bearing the precious food
But now that he had come, yet answered nought
to her low piteOus murmurings, the sorrow of
her little heart was full to overlooking, and she
sobbed and wept as though her grief could never
be assuaged. Not a word had Amrad uttered
since he entered; but stoodin speechless misery
with his eyes cast upon the floor, or gazing va
Cantly around. His wife occupied the only seat
in the apartment, and we'll knowing the cause
of her husbands conduct, she remained silent,
and buried her face in the bosom of her poor
sick child, which lay within her fond embrace.
Oh, how unutterabe is. the intensity of silent,
wordless wretchedness! lie, who unsupported
ly beheld this scene of woe, was touched with
sympathy for their sufferings, and with the
determination to relieve them, he knOcked slight
ly Mt the door. 1t was quickly opened by AM
rad, over whose cheek the hope thath his services
nll5l yOb w SOuHulI spEehu u joyous RIOhs-
But his hopes vanished when the person before
him requested shelter for the night, as he was
fatigued by n long journey, and knew not where
to go. Yet hedid not permit his disappoint-
ment to render him uncharitable. He was
himself too benevolent, he too often needed the
aid of others to repulse the applications Of the
poor. Driving from his countenancea any signs
of displeasure, which may for the moment
have been impressed upon it, he babe the petit
toner enter and share with him the scanty com
forts of his destitute roof. He entered, and af-
ter sitting for some time upon a little box,
which lay in the middle of the room, spake to
Amrad of his thirst. He was at on Q furn-
ished wath q cup of water, and after having
drunk and thanked his entertainer for Aus kind
ness, asked for bread. Poor Amrul could
scarcely answer, and after n momentary agony
he exclaimed, II would to Allah thar had
food to give my furnishing children, and my
wife; would willingly share with YOU and
have you no food2" was the response of the
stranger. "Nota morscI has passed. the lips
of these little ones, or Oftheir parents for twenty
four hours" us it possible that you gained
nothing to-day?'' ..The whole day / stood de-
string work, but no one noticed me-" :tAnd
could you return without bringing something
to supply your children's wants?" '.Alas! ne
cessity is a hard mistress; and although my
heart was wrung at the very thought of meeting
my starving offspring. / mas forced TO come
back as destitute as l set out" But why did
80 - ~