Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1857-05-09

AS soon as tne uttle ones Were out vi
sight, Charles Nelson started to his feet.
His hands we're clenched, and his eyes
were fixed upon vacant point with an
eager gaze.
"My God p he gasped, "what villain
I ami Look at me now What state
/ am in, and what have sacrificed to
bring myself to it And they love yet,
and pray for mel"
He 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 clasped hands
were raised above his head. A moment
he remained so, and then his hands drop
ped by his side, and he started for his
home.
When he reached his homo he found
his wife and children in tears, but he af-
fected not to notice it. He drew shil-
ling from his pocke,-it was his last-and
handed it to his wife, he asked her if she
would send and get him some porridge.-
The wife was startled by the strange tono
in which this was spoken. for it sounded
Just as that voico had sounded in days
gone by.
The porridgo was made nice and nour-
ishing, and Charles ate it all. He went
to bed early, and early on the following
morning,he was up. He asked his wife if
she had milk and flour enough to make
another bowl of porridgc.
eyes, Charles" she said. awe have
not touched it,"
Then, if you are willing, I 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, He washed
and dressed, and would have Shaved had
his hand been steady enough. He left his
home and went at once to q man, who had
just commenced to frame house.
"Mr. Manly" he said, addressing the
gentleman alluded to, i have drank the
last alcoholic beverage that ever passes
my lips. Ask me no more questions, but
believe me now while you see me true
Will you give me work."
"Charles Nelson, are you in earnest ~
asked Manly, in surprise.
$50 much so. sir, that were death to
stand upon my right hand, and yonder
bar. room upon my left, I would go with
the grim messenger first"
"Then there is my house lying about us
in rough timber and boards. I place it
all in your hands, and shall look to you to
finish it. While I can trus. you, you may
trust me. Come into my Office and you
shall have the plan have drawn"
We will not tell how the stout man wept
nor how his noble frie nd shed tears to sec
him thus; but Charles Nelson took the plan
and having studied it for a while, he
went out where the men were at work get.
ting the timber together. and Mr.. Manly
introduced him as their master. That day
he worked but little, for he was not strong
yet, but he arranged the timber, and gave
directions for framing. AT night he asked
the employer if he dared trust him with {
dollar.
"Why, you've earned thrce," replied
Manly.
"And will you pay me three dollars 1
day!"
of you are as faithful as you hav,
been to day, you will save me money a
that"
> The poor man could not speak his thank
, in words, but his looks spoke for him, an
Manly understood them. He received hi
three dollars, and on his way home, h
; stopped and bought first a basket, the
three loaves of bread, pound Of buttel
+ some tea, sugar, and piece of bcei-steal
o and lie had just one dollar and aeventy-fiv
, cents left. With this load he went homC
1t was some time before he could compoS
q himself to enter the house, but at last b
went in and set the basket upon the tabl'
"Como, Nary" he said 81 have brOugt
something home for supper. Here, Nell.
a you take the pail and run over to Nj
v Browns and get couple of quarts {
. milk"
He handed tho child a shilling as b
o spoke, and in half bewildered state, Sd
y took the money and hurried away.
The wife started when she raised Ii
cover Of the basket. but she dared NJ
Il speak. She moved about like one in
IT dream, and ever and anon she would cas-
.s furtive glance at her husband. He ha
- | ,ak ham ~ Lpouy ik-onl