The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-03-18
OTTUMWA, IOWA, THURSDAY, MARCH ls 1858.

OI"lUM WA, lON
crimson rose-these were desrer to the banker
than his vaults Of yellow gold.
As he looked at them, tremulous voice ar
rested his ear. u
Il would be glad IL you would buy, gentle
men, FOR my need is very great. have sick
ly daughter at home, who must be fed.' %.
sBe of shout your business was the sharp
rejoinder. q won't let you in. Don't you see
you are not wanted here9' b
The voice seemed to strike areponsive chord
in the rich mans heart; surely he had heard
its mild tones before. lie partially opened the
door, and called out sternly:
sMr. Waters, show the gentleman in il you
please
The abashed clerk obeyed not without sur
prise, and the bowed old man, with his heavy
basket Of Strawberries, came humbly into the
private room Of the great banker.
will you take chair?' politely inquired
Mr.. Arnet, moving forward luxurious fas-
tesil.
The old man took of his hat apologetically.
sSir, Ifear that intrude on your valuable
time. II you would buy some Of my fruit
necessity, you know, is strong, and nv pover-
tv is extreme. Twas not always in such po-
sition.'
Mr.. Arnet watched the proud turn Of that
gray head with singular smile; then sitting
down to his desk be wrote Of check and
handed II scross the table,
sOne thousand dollars!' faltered the old man,
as he read, turning red and white in 4 breath.
He held It toward the banker.
ssir, hoped you were too much Of gem
tleman to make sport Of age and distress. Is
there anything to jest about IL my want?'
Not at all, sir. You spoke Of . sickly
daughter. I have cottage vacant, just out
side the city, with fountain, grounds and OBJ
servatory. II you and your daughter win oc-
cnpy Il, rent free, I shall be very glad to have
you take care Of it for me.'
The old man stood white and breathiess, as
IL in dream. In an instant his hand was Ia
ken in the clasp Of the great banker.
my friend, my benefactor, you have for
gotten me, but my youthful memory is strong
e. than yours. Is it possible that you have no
remembrance Of me?'
The old man shook his head.
sYet It is folly to expect it when am 50
changed. Listen, sir,' he resumed, with a
bright, earnest smile; shave you any recollec-
ton Of 4 forlorn boy, on crowded pier,
whose little was scattered BY : rude blow?-
Have you forgotten his distress? Have you
forgotten that kind stranger stopped to COM
fort him, not only by money, but by cheering
words?'
Is II possible?' stammered the old man.
sYes, it is possible; am that forlorn boy.
Your money, which that night supplied my
dying sister with Injuries and pleasures proved
the stepping-stone to my princely wealth.
Sir, was a ragged. friendless boy, but my
heart treasured up your kind words as price.
less jewels; and now the time has come when
may, repay them with interest," i.
The old man moved his pale lips as though
he would speak; the banker resumed instantly
Il am alone ia the world; my mother is dead
and my little sister, whose last words were Of
your kindness, has gone, years ago, to her eter.
nal homo. owe everything to you; and now
I Ihsve favor to ask
"A favor, and Of me!'
THAT you will henceforth allow me to pro.
vide for you. and consider me as your SON.
My carriage is at the door, and will take you
wheresoever you wish to 60. But q moment
frst., res fssa .u
He took . tiny volume from his breast, bound
in faded velvet, with claspings Of tarnisbed
gilt. 5a
"This book was my dead sisters Bible; Il
lay on her pillow when she died, and since
that hour it has been my constant companion.
There is a passage here that has ever beer
present to my mind since your kind deed gave
hope and courage to my life.'
He opened the volume, and, through mis-
Of grateful tears, the old man read the scrip
ture words:
"Cdst thy bread upon the ,Oaters; for Mos
shalt find II after many days."