The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1858-07-07
D. McGREG0R IOWA, WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 1853

the sharp rejoinder. Il won't let you
in. Don't you see you are not wanted
here?'
The voice seemed TO strike respon.
,, sive chord in the rich mans heart sure.
ly he had heard its mild tones before
He partially opened the door, and called
out sternly.
Mr.. Waters. show the gentleman in,
if you please
The abashed clerk obeyed not with
out surprise, and the bowed old man,
with his heavy basket of strawberries,
came humbly into the private room oi
the great banker.
will you take chair?' politely in
quired Mr.. Arnet. moving forward a
luxurious fauteul.
The old man took off his hat apollo.
getically.
Sir, l fear that intrude on your val
liable time. If you would buy some of
my fruit-necessity, you know, is
strong, and my poverty is extreme. l
was not always in such a position
Mr.. Arnet watched the proud turn of
that gray head with a singular smile !;
then sitting down to his desk he wrote
off check and handed it across the
table.
'One thousand dollars = faltered the
old man. as he read, turning red and
white in breath. He held it toward
the banker.
Sir, I hoped you were too much of a
gentleman to make sport of age and dis
tress. Is there anything to jest about
in my want 2
Not at all, sir. You spoke of sick
ly daughter. l have cottage vacant,
just outside Of the city, with fountain,
grounds and observatory. If you and
your daughter will occupy it, rent free,
l shall be very glad to have you take care
of it for me-
The old man stood white and breath.
less as if in dream. In an instant his
hand was taken in the clasp cf the great
banker.
My friend, my benefactor. you have
forgotten me, but my youthful memo ory
is stronger than yours. Is it poss-
ible that you have no remembrance of
me q
The old man shook his head.
Yet it is folly to expect it when I am
so changed. listen, sir he resumed,
with a bright, earnest smile have you
any recollection of forlorn boy, on a
crowded pier, whose little all was scat
terod by rude blow? Have you for
gotten his distress Have you forgot
ten that kind stranger stopped to co n
fort him, not only by money but by
cheering words.
is it possible 2 stammered the old
man.
Yes. it is possible /; am that forlorn
boy. Your money, which that night
supplied my dying sister with luxuries
and pleasures. proved the stepping stone
to my princely wealth. Sir, l was
ragged, friendless boy, but my heart
treasured up your kind words as price
less Jewels and now the time has come
when l may, in some measure, repay
them with interest,"
The old man moved his pale lips as
though he would speak; the banker re-
snmed instantly:
Il am alone in the world my mother
is dead, and my little sister, whose last
words were of kindness, has gone, years
ago, to her eternal home. lowe every
thing to you and now have favor to
ask
"A favor, and of me 2
That you will henceforth allow me to
provide for you, and consider me as your
son. My carriage is at the door, and
will take you wheresoever YOU wish to
GO. But moment first
He took tiny volume from his breast.
bound in faded velvet, with claspings in
tarnished gilt.
This book was my dead sisters Bible;
it 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 been present to my mind
since your kind deed gave hope and
courage to my life.
He opened the volume, and through
a soft mist of greatful tears, the old man
read the scripture words -
Cast thy bread upon the aOaters for
thou Shalt find 1t after many days"