The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1857-12-17
From the Baltimore Patriot.
OUT OF WORK:
STORY FOR
r m A N X SGlVIN G E e
BY ANNIE SOUTHCOMB.
CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER III.
Mrs. CastIeton sat bv the side of the sick
child, sewing on the dress destined to adorr
the person of the naughty Ada Atwood at the
dinner party to be given on Thanksgiving day
The tears ,oould flow when she thought of the
gloomy future. She strove to repress all signs
of emotion before her husband, fearing to wor
nv him; but her heart sunk within her wher
she thought of the winter coming on, the want
Of fuel the rent in arrears, of sickness, perhaps
death! Was it any wonder that, in the bitter.
ness of her spirit she asked her husband: ''Dic
God make Thanksgiving for the poor?"
ESQ you have come to that at last! Yor
have always preached upon patience and resig-
nation. But do you think I can tamely sub
NIT to be put down by th,se who can count
dollars where cannot count cents; that must
be satisfied with poorly paid for labor, until
am discharged, and then SIT down and be pa
tient while my wife and children starve? No
never! That old wretch, Atwood, keeps a
schedule of all the sales male by bis clerks,
and because have not made as large sales as
the others the few past weeks, he ordered
Stewart, the head clerk, to discharge me. And
at this time, too, when business is so dull. I
am afraid that cannot get situation before
Spring, and God only knows what will become
OF my family in the meantime. Food and fuel
are necessary, and to obtain these We must
have money. Money! Oh, il those who have
the means Of employment only knew the feel
ing of utter desolation embraced in those three
little words-out of work-they would hesi-
tate to pronounce them to those who have
wives and children depending for subsistence
upon their labor"
Mrs. Castleton arose and took down the
Bible from the mantel.
"Now, Ellen, do put up that book. 1t only
makes me angry to hear the Bible read when
nothing but poverty stares me in the face; and
you sewing on that dress for the naughty
Of the purse proud Atwood! Great
God! To think that you must submit to the
degradation Of sewing for her You, who are
ten thousand times her superior"
Not in dollars and cents, Fred. Now, do
try this once to trust IL God for our Thanks
giving, and forget my hasty words"
Atthis moment rap was heard at the door,
and Charlie Atwood entered, his cheerful face
glowing with benevolence.
/" Good evening, Mrs. Castleton. O, Mr..
Castle.on, how do youdo? (Taking his handy
How are the little ones? Is the baby better?"
"No, sir"
81 am sorry to hear that, but hope it may be
better tomorrow. O, I had almost forgotten
my mission. Sister requested me to call and
settle her bill. You need not hurry with the
dress, as il is Of no consequence. And now
viii you accept Of the present from me Of
turkey and accompaniments, for Thanksgiving?
Your little girl told Ada that the child was
sick, and thought you might not be able to
get out to purchase one. (The tears glistened
in Mrs. Castleton's eyes) And now that you
are out oi employment, Mr.. Castleton, will you
allow me to be your banker until you get suit
ed?n
"God bless you, Charlie; you were always
considerats. Oh, il your father had been like
you."
"Hs i my fathsr!"
"well, we win say no more on this subject"
said Mr.. Castleton.