Preble County Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1857-1859, 1857-12-24

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piece of timber, and was picked up
by a ship on it's way to the Pacific
Ten months from that time they went
into port at Honolulu. He found no
chance there to return directly home,
and therefore went to California. When
he reached San Francisco he met an old
acquaintance, who urged him to go to
the mines He sent letter to his wife,
with some oney which he had earned
laboring on board the ship, and started
for the mines. He was very successful
in mining, and lived on, month after
month. hoping that every steamer would
bring news from his family, a desire
for wealth, and a hope that they had
received the money he had sent, kept
him away from home; '"D ''o.f, III, r., - H..
One nj ght he dreamed he found his
little Mary starving to death in the
streets Of New York. He awoke, and
the dream made such an impression on
his, mind that he resolved to start i'm
mediately for home. He had already
Accumulated a small fortune, and in the
stiffness of that night his conscience SO
rcproved him for staying away SO long
that sleep forsook him. Three days, af-
ter he was on board a steamer for Pana-
ma. He reached New orks but his
wife and children were not to be found.
He learned that his brother-in law, Will
liam Brown, had moved to Boston, and
he accordingly went to see him, and
thus found his poverty stricken family.
Annie had followed her brother from
New York to Boston, with a hope that
he would eventually render her some
assistance, and thus her letters were
lost. After Walter, had concluded his
story, Annie told him that she had part
cd with her .weddin ring that day to
procure the bread their children were
then eating. Her husband shed bitter
tears of repentance, that he had, for the
sake of wealth, neglected those whom
he really loved better than life itself,
but he resolved that the future should
atone for the past. A; few hours after
his arrival, he, had redeemed their we'd
ding-ring, and procured comfortable
meal for his wife and children.
But few weeks intervened before.
his family were settled in a comfortable
home, surrounded by many Of the lux
urics, as we'll as the nccessaries. That
home seemed to Mrs. Forest like para
2
disc itself. s-.....,. .., - -
"A few weeks after his arrival, ,zzhis
brothor-in-l law, William Brown, sent a
note, requesting him to call at his office.
Walter reluctantly went down to learn
his business. 49,. ....-....'- .st,,,,-
Walter said Mr.. Brown, as he
closed the counting-room door after
them, Il hear you have brought home
considerable money, and 1 thought you
might like to invest it in our concern.
Il haven't decided yet what l shall
do with it, coolly replied Walter,
I'VE pay. heavy percentage now,
aud give good security" continued Mr..
Brown. ..r.... -- .-.-
Il will talk with Annie about re-
piled Walter, as he turned to leave the
office. ..- .....! s..... .,.' ..-I. ...
Stop moment, Walter, To tell
the truth, we have fifteen thousand to
pay to- morrow, and the money we were
depending upon to meet the note has
not come, and l thought perhaps you
could help us, and we would pay you a
heavy bonus, with good security, and
thus give you lift in return. 81.
| 81 must see Annie first she mutt de-
eide whether it is my duty to help you
or not" replied Walter, as he turned
and left the store.
On his way home he thought of the
; solitary half dollar his poor wife had
received of the rich merchant, and re-
solved to let him fail as a reward, al
! though ne was amply able to assist him
| He told Annie of her brothers busi
ness, and she generously advised him
to lend the money. 1t would do nc
good to punish him for the past, but, on
the contrary, they would have the salts.
faction of knowing they had obeyed the
command-"Return good for evil. 81 .
A few hours later, Walter returned
to the store with the money He took
their note, with ample security, and, af
ter the business was settled, and Mr.
4 Browns face began to decrease some
what in length, Walter took half dol
lar from his pocket -r.a. a.t -.
''William," he said, as he laid til,
money upon the desk, Il want you tt
keep your eye on that half dollar while
1 am talking. When l reached home
[ found my wife and children suferin.
for food and clothing, while you, an on
ly brother, was living in luxury. Yo,
showed your christianity towards you
sister, by giving her, in the midst of al
her suferings, whole half dollar :
She, in return, advised mc to save yol
from ruin, by lending you fifteen thou
sand dollars? You never would hav
had that money, William, if 1 had con
suited my own feelings-it was through
your sisters influence that you got it
Now want you to keep that half dol
lar, as a memorial of your generosit
to me and family-of your kindness to
wards the widow and orphan-of you
love for an only sister, whom keen star
vation was staring in the face of he
orphan children, who wondered VIII
God didn't make Uncle William a goo
man, so he could go to heaven, wher
their father had gone; and ask yoursel
if that half dollar will carry you there
t have seen hundred dollars affixed t
r your name for the foreign missionar
r society, and another hundred for tn
Bible society; but remember William
that what the papers say of your benev
: olence, will not save YOU neither wi