The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1858-03-03


"Why should he send for ner' the old man
asked nerTously.
"Oh, sir, he does not know that hare gonO
gone out to beg for him. returned the girl; 'but
could not see him suffer SO in body and mind,
without trying to help him. For three long
months he has lain in his bed, and now he is
kept back by the fearful thought Of the debt he
will have to shoulder when he gets up. But
thus far have not run in debt, though he thinks
have, and dare not wholly undeceive him
for fear that Imust do SO. We have spent ev-
cry cent he has leid up, and have worked hard
and sold many ofmy things, but have nothing
more to sell, and all my time must be spent
with him. Oh, sir, for tho love of mercy give
me something. If we ever can repay you We
will"
"But what would you have grip" the old man
asked, moving uneasiIy in his chair.
"a dollar, sir or two dollars. You would not
miss it, while
Not INSIST! And do you think I am made
of money!"
moment more she opened the door, and called
for her uncle to come out.
"What is it?' he asked as he came into the
back room leaving the poor girl alone.
"Uncle Absalom you must not send that poor
child away empty handed,' she said placing
both hands upon his shoulders, Gust think of
her poor father, and of how much she suffers
for him. Youare able, and as sure as you give
in charity to her, so sure shall you rewarded
be-"
"And who's to reward me, child"
"Your own thoughts and feelings, uncle"
"But hav'nt the money to spare"
"Then give her ten dollars"
"Ten dollars! Mercy, Kate, you would ruin
mel"
"Hear me out Give her ten dollars, and if
at the end of SIX months you want it back,
will pledge myself to see it paid"
"You will see 1t paid! Where will you get
it,"
~ have more than that money which have
laid up to buy clothes with"
"T can DO without clothes easier than l can
see poor, honest man suffering, when by any
means he may be blessed. 0, would rather
have the free, heartfelt blessings Of an honest
soul, than all the dresses in the world To
walk forth and feel that l am loved for the good
do, were better Ear than millions Of money pi-
led pway in dark corners. Go and give her ten
dollars and keep me to my promise, for l will
not break it, But mind you-my name must
not be mentioned. Give it to her as your own
gift"
"But you will pay me?"
"When you ask for it."
II think it is foolish to throw away your mon
ey 50, and yet I'll give it to her. You won't
come to me for dresses, thought
"No, sir"
The old man returned aud having pulled out
his pocket book he drew out ten dollars and
handed it to Martha Allen.
"Here," said he, "talse this and sec that you
make good use Of it."
The poor girl took the money with tremb.
ling hand; and as she looked at the bills--two |
fives--she was startled
"You have made mistake, sir" she said.
"How so?'
"You have given me ten dollars"
$50 meant, girl"
A moment the child gazed into the old mans
face and then she burst INTO tears
80, sir" she uttered, catching his hand and
pressing her lips upon them. "God bless you
for this! You know not what joy will illnmi-
nate my poor fathers heart when he knows of
this! God bless you, now and forever"
When Martha Allen was gcne Absalom Burr
wiped tear from his eye. Kate looked up thro'
her own tears and saw him. She moved quiet
ly to his side and putting her soft arms about
his neck, she kissed him on the cheek; but she
did not speak.
An excellent supper was partaken Of and in
the evening Kate sang some of the sweetest
songs to her uncle, and more than once when
she sang, she saw tears in his eyes.
That night, when Absalom Burr slaid his
head upon his pillow, he had new emotion,
and it was strange on to him-yet it was a
sweet and blessed one.-EIe had done deed o.
charity, and the blessings of that poor but noble
girl rang in his ears and dropped upon his soul,
and he imagined he could hear the prayer Of
Mark Allen ascending 10 Heaven in his behalf.
He knew Mark Allen for an honest, industrious,
steady, hard working man, and he folt sure that
Mark would pray for him. Surely the thought
was a blessed one.
But stop Who gave that saving gift? Who
did that deed ofcharity!
"By the saints" muttered the old man, start
ing up in his bed, "I did it! Kate shan't pay
me one cent! She shan't bless me if she shall"
And Absaom lay back upon his pillow, and
in the night he dreamed that Martha Allen was
an angel, and that she came to bless him. 1t
was sweet, cheering dream.
Two days afterward Kate proposed that they
should go and visit Mark Allen. "For," said
she 'our presence may cheer him"
| And the old man finally consented to GO
They reached the humble cot, and were well
coined in by Martha. They found old Mark sit
ting in great stuffed chair which nelghbor
had sent in, and though he looked pale and
wan, vet warm smile suffused his face as he
saw the visitors.
"Mr. Burr" he said while the big tears stood
in his eyes, Il can never pay you for the noble
kindness you have shown me- ! may at some
time pay you the money, but cannot pay you
all for the bare money is nothing compared
with the knowledge that have such a generous
| c c-:....l A nArnAnh nr,t his caring hand In Tho