The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1857-10-29
A Sketch from Life.
BREAD UPON THE WATERS.

all our cniidren removed from us by the hand
OF death, ani ere long we must be the inmates
or the poor-house. Where, now, is all the
bread you have cast upon the waters?''
The old, white-haired man looked u2 at his
wife. He was, indeed, bent down with years,
and age sat trembling upon him. Jacob Man
fred had been comparatively wealthy man,
and while fortune smiled upon hlm, he had ev-
ei been among the first to lend listening ear
and helping hand to the call of distress; but
now misfortune was his. OF his four boys,
not one was left. Sickness and failing strength,
found him with but little, and they left him
Fenniless. Various misfortunes came in pain
fnl succession. Jacob and bis wife were alone
and saunt poverty looked them coldly in the
face.
''Dont repine, Susan" said the old man.
"True, we are poor, but we are not yet forsa-
KEN,
"Not forsaken, Jacob? Who is there to
help US now?" g..-... .......... ........-.-
Jacob Manfred raised his trembling fingers
toward heaven. .....,4g,- 49,. ...,....... r,.
"Ah, Jacob! know God is our friend; but
We should have friends here. Look back and
see how many you have befrrnded in days
long past. You cast your bread upon the wa
ters with free hand, but it has not yet return
ed TO YOU" -. ..H...r
"Hush, Susan, you forget what you say. To
be sure, may have hoped that some kind hand
on earth would lift me from the cold depths of
utter want: but do not expect it as reward
for anything have done. II have helped
the unfortunate in days gone by, have had
my full reward in knowing that have done
my duty to my fellows. Oh! of all kind deeds
i have done for my suffering fellows, would
not for gold have one of them hlotted from nv
memory. All! my fond wife, it is the memory
Of the good done in life that makes old age
happy. Even now, can hear again the warm
thanks of those whom have befrended, and
again / see their smles!n sasE sa. .a
"fes, Jacob" returned the wife, in low
tone, 81 know you have been good, and in
your memory you can be happy: but alas there
is reality upon which we must dwell. We
must beg for food, or ssarvep'
2 The old man started, and deep mark Of
pain was drawn across his features.
"Beg!" he replied, with quick shudder.-
"No, Sussn--we are"
He hesi.ated, and big tear rolled down his
furrowed cheek.
"We are what, Jacob?"
"We are gong to the poor-houser'
"Oh, God! 1 thought SOP fell from the poor
wife's lips, as she covered her face with her
hands. II have thought so, and have tried
to school myself to the thought: but my poor
heart will not bear it."
''Do not give up, Susan," softly urged the
old man, laying his hand upon her arm. s.It
makes but little difference to us now. We
have notlong to remain on earth, and let us not
wear out our last days in useless repiuing.-
Come. Gomez
"But when-when shall we go?"
"Now-to-day."
"Ihen God have mercy upon us.o
"He will" murnured Jacob.
The old couple sat for while in silence
When they were aroused from their painful
thoughts, it was by the stopping of a light cart
in front Of the door. A man entered the Dom
where they sat. He was the porter OF the
poor house. ...5 f4
"Come, Mr.. Manfred" be said, ''the guar
dians have managed to crowd you into the
poor-house. The cart is, at the door, and you
can get ready as soon as possible.o aa
Jacob Manfred had no. calculated the
strength he should need for this ordeal. There
was coldness in the very tone and manner Of
the man who had come for him, that went like
an ice bolt to his heart, and with deep groan
he sank back into his seat. wa s... a
- S"Come-be in hurry" impatiently urged
the porter. ... ,,t...#.s,, .ra sg,
At that moment q carriage drove up to the
door.
sis this the house Of Jacob Manfred?~
This question was asked by man who en-
tered from the carriage. He was kind look
ing man, about forty wears Of age.
"That is my name," said Jacob.
"rhen they told me truly,o uttered the new
conner. .Are you from the work-house?" he
continued, turning toward the porter. e
care you after these people?" Jaw
eyes," t"a sthai Eaa ~
"Then you may return. Jacob Manfred goes
to no poor-house while live"
The porter gazed inquisiiively into the fea-
tures Of the man who addressed him, and then
lef the house. e