The southern enterprise. [volume] (Greenville, S.C.) 1854-1870, 1857-06-25
!" He is our father now. Sissy y,

tlidt inoinef tolu us tnat cold nnger was
laid upon her heart, and thar she might
leave rs one of these 7days--and--- ns aaGlt
Il !. Hush. - Don't DON'T Nancy ;you'll----.7 =
These words We're choked with sobs and
tears, and the sisters ,wept long together
Az length, they arose aud went away, for
they saw more children coming. A.l'-'."
.a1 As soon ass the little ones were out of
sight, Cbarles Nelson started TO his feet.
His hands were clenched, and bis ewes were
hSed upon a vacant point with an eager
gaze. T.s '' a.>-.''''. -
Ny God % he gasped, g what villain
am +! Look at me now! What q state
am in, and what have sacrificed to bring
myself 10 it !! And they love me yet and
pray for me ~ {.
lie said no more, but for some moments
he stood with his hands still clenched, and
eyes fixed. At length his gaze was turned
upward. and his claSpcd hands were raised
above his head. A moment lie remained
so, and then his hands dropped by his side,
and lie started homeward. Nae. '.." "'
When he reached his home he found his
wife and children in tears, but lie affected
not to notice it. die drew a shilling from
his potket-it was his last-and handing
1t 10 his wife, lie asked her if she would send
and get him some milk and flour, and make
him some porridge. The wife was startled
by the stranga tone in which this WAS spok-
en-, for it sounded just as that voice had
! sounded in days gone by. ...
The porridge was made and nourishing,
and Charles ate it all. lie went TO bed
early, and early on the following morning
he was mp. lie asked his wife if she had
\ MILL IL X 4. L =,
bowl of porridge.
" Yes, Charles" she said. ave have not
touched IT," ..
Then, if YOU arc willing, should like
some more"
The wife moved quickly about the work
and. ere long, the food was prepared. The
husband ate it, and felt better lie washed
and dressed, and would have shaved bad
his hand been steady enough. He left his
home and went at once TO a man, who had
just commenced to frame house. 80
"Mr. Manly" he said, addressing the
gentleman alluded 10, "I have drank the
last alcoholic beverage that ever passes my
lips. Ask me no more questions, but he.
licve me now while you see me true. Will
you give me work ?" -> r ..s.
"Charles Nelson, are you in earnest ~
asked Manly, in surprise. .... .s....-
So much so, sir, that were deaill To
stand upon my right hand, and Wonder bar.
room upon my left, would go with the
grim messenger first" -. .rs...r."
Then, there is my house lying about us
in rough timber and boards, place it all
in your hands, and shall look to you to fin.
lSh 1t. While | can trust you, you may
trust me. Come into my office and YOU
shall have the plan have drawn" a'',.
We will not tell you how the stout man
wep,, nor how bis noble friend shed tears to
see him thus; bus Charles Nelson took the
| plan;--nnd, having studied it for while, he
went out where the men were at work get
ting the timber together, and Mr.. Manly in.
troduced him as their master That day he
worked but little, for he was not strong vet,
but he arranged the timber, and gave direc.
tions for framing. At night he asked the
employer if he dared trust him with dollar.
Why, you've earned three,p replied
Manly ,..- '.' q" -si.'.N.H
"Apd you will pay me three dollars a
day 2" tt -f,.a --.trs aa..-
"1f you are as faithful as you have been
to day, for YOU will save me money ai that"
The poor man could not speak his thanks
in words, but his looks spoke for him, and
Manly understood them. He received his
three dollars, and on his way home he stop.
ped and bought first basket, then three
loaves of bread, pound of butter, some tea,
sugar, and piece of beef steak, and he had
just one dollar and seventy five cents left.
With this load he went home. 1t was some
time before he could compose himself 20 en-
ter the house, ont Mt last he went ir and set
the basket upon the table. as.. -....
Come, Mary" he said, Z" / have brought
something home for supper. Here, Nelly,
you take the pail and run over to Mr..
Browns and get couple of quarts Of milk"
Ha handed The child shilling as he
spoke, and, in half bewildered state, she
took the money and hurried away. ..... .
The wife started when she raised the COW
er of the basket, but she dared not speak.
She moved about like one in q dream, and
ever and anon she would cast a fugitive
glance at her husband. lie had not been
drinking--she knew it--and vet he had
money to buy rum with if he wanted it.
What could it mean? Had her prayers
been answered! o, how fervently she pray
ed then. ~ a@ "rs9
Soon Nelly returned with. the milk, and
T.. IL IL n L.