American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-07-02

who came with mockery on thoir lips
and empty purses. Others with an
intent to purchase; but no one in the
crowd showed the least desire to aid,
assist or sympathize with the distress
of the family. This is the world; we
laugh at the misfortunes of our fellow
creatures, and even mock their dis
tresses, by witnessing in silence their
sufferings. The auctioneer was now
making his arrangements, by flourish
ing his hammer, rolling his eyes, and
using his tongue. The motley crowd
gathered around him. The house was
put up first; it was accurately describ-
ed; free from all membranes, and
subject to but very small ground
rent. 1t vas started at five thousand
dollars. There were several bidders
all of whom seemed anxious to pur-
it. Seven thousand, five hundred dol
lars was the last bid, upon which the
auctioneer dwelt for moment. Mr..
Sunderland compressed his lips togeth
er, and muttered to himself, ''it cost
my father fifteen thousand dollars. -
Seven thousand five hundred dollars,
going--once-twice-three times for
the last time, going
''Eight thousand!"
Thank you sir-going at eight thou
sand-once-eight thousand twice
eight thousand three times--going--
gone--what name? -.
"Cliflord," was the reaponse, and
all eyes rested on tall noble looking
man, who had remained silent during
the rapid bidding of the spectators,
and who as the whisper went round,
was total stranger,
'It is gone," whispered Mr.. Sun
derland to his wife, as he pressed her
hand in silent grief, "We have no
home now.'
| f'Now, gentlemen" cried the auc-
tioneer, 1--WE will sell this sideboard, in
regard to which, l am requested by the
creditor to say, that it is an old family
piece, and it is the wish of the owner
to retainit, if possible. l merely men,
tion this, as it is known to you under
what peculiar circumstances the things
are sold"
This had the desired effect; no one
seemed willing to bid against the un-
fortunate man, who started it at ten
dollars. Twenty was bid by Mr.. Cliff
ford; twenty-five from Mr.. Sunder.
land; fifty from Mr.. Clifford sienced
the anxious parent, and the family
piece of furniture was knocked down
to the new owner Of the house. A
gentleman who stood by remarked that
the act was a cold heartless one.
"Was it?" sarcastically asked Mr..
Clifford, "then sir, why did you not
buy it for him?"
Mr.. Sunderland was much affected
at this little incident. "IIe little
knows how much he has lacerated this
heart. But / will purchase the piano
for my child. He stepped up to Mr..
Clifford, and told him the desire he
had topurchase the piano for his daugh-
ter, and he hoped he would not bid a.
against him.
"sir," said the stranger, II will
not deceive you, as much as I respect
your feelings and the bympathy of the
good company l cannot, will not, al
ter the determination made when |
first entered this house"
"And pray, sir, what may that be?"
"To purchase everything in it, and
by heaven I'll do it, though pay dou-
bic price"
"Strahgc," nuttered Mr.. Sunder-
land, as he found his family in anoth.
er part of the room.
The stranger fulfilled his promise,
and actually bought everything, from
the house down to the worry axe in the
: cellar.
After the sale was over, and the
company had retired, Mr.. Clifford re-
qucsted the auctioneer to walk with
him into an adjoining room. After
} the lapse of few moments, they both
returned to the parlor where the fam.
lily still remained. The auctioneer
looked around gave q knowing smile
wished them all good day, and as he
left the room, was heard to say, new
er heard of such thing-~a perfect ro.
mance--ha ha ha
"You are now" observed Mr.. Sun
dcrland to Mr.. Clifford, "tho owner Of
this house and furniture--tbey were
once mine, let that pass"
~ am, sir, for the time being, your
landlord"
81 understand you, sir, but will not
long remain your tenant. ] was 90.
ing to observe, however, that there
are two or three articles which / am