Mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado Co., Cal.) 1854-1860, 1858-07-17

direction, but in an instant he went on, but
toning up his pockets, and murmuring to
himself with a smile, Cant afford it; one
luxury in n day ought to be enough" There
was vast difference between the man and
child in their capacities for enjoyment, but
both were happy that night.
The supper was joyful ceremony in the
garrct room that evening. The grapes pleased
katc'S delicate appetite to charm, and the
story Of the dollar was listened to with interest.
4 wish could sec the kind gentleman,
said the child, earnestly; would give him
my beautiful rose If he liked flowers
She looked strangely beautiful that night,
her head resting on her brothers shoulder,
while Jamie fed her with the juicy berries,
one by one, as a bird might feed its young.
why, how bright the color in your check
ig,' cried Jamie. Il believe you have been
stealing the red shadows from your favOritc
rose. Mother, am sure Katy will get well.
The next morning while yet the golden
spear Of sunrise was il rest among the pur-
pic hills, Katy had died:
The moss Of twenty years had gathered up
ON Katy's hcadStonc-thc violcts of twenty
years had blosSomcd over her grave, and it
was a glorious autumn day, whose light
Strcamcd along the busy thorOughfarc, and
Shonc on tho magnificent marble erection de-
voted to the extensive operations Of the celc-
bratcd Bank Of K.
y splendid carriage, cushioned with velvet,
and glittcring brightly in the sunshine, was
drawn up opposite the door, and was waiting
to take the great banker to the palatial home.
The spirited horse, loaming and prancng,
could hardly bc cnrbcd, and the driver look
cd wandcringy towards the door, and marvel
cd why his usually punctual master did not
come.
Mr.. Arnct stood in a little Office opening
from the main bank, where the long rows OF
clerks were bending over their desks. He
had been looking over little pocket book,
which he always carried about him, for some
note or bill and as he turned its pages, a bit
offoldcd paper dropped out.
The banker opened it, and although twenty
years had lcadcncd the first edge fhiS sor-
row, the tears rushed to his eyes as they fell
on the contents. \ pencil sketch, rude and
unfinished, of meek browed child-a lock
of soft brown hair, and that perfumed dust oi
crimson rosc-thcse were dcarer to the bank
CT, than his vaults of yellow gold
AS he looked on them, tremulous voice
from without arrested his car.
i would be glad if you would buy, gentle
I
sickly daughter at home, who must be fed
BE oifabout your business was the sharp
rcjoindcr. Il won't let you in. Don't you
see you arc not wanted here
The voice seemed, to strike responsive
chord i'll the rich mans heart surely he had
heard its mild tones once before. lie partial
ly opened the door, and called out stcrnly
MIR. Waters, show the gentleman in, if you
please
The abashcd clerk obcycd not without sur
prise and the bowed old man, with his heavy
basket Of Strawberries, came humbly into thI
private room of the great banker.
'Will, you take a. chair?' politely inquired
Mr.. Arnct, moving forward a luxurious .tau
ttUH
The old man took off his hat apologetically
Sir, fear that intrudc on your valuable
time. fyou would buy some Of my fruit
necessity, you know, is strong, and my pow
crty is extreme. was not always in such q
position
Mr.. Arnct watched the proud turn of thai
gray head with n singular smile; then sitting
down to his desk, he wrote off a check and
handed it across the table.
Unc thousand dolars!' faltercd the old
man, as he read, turning white and red il q
breath. lie held it toward the banker.
Sir, hoped you were too much of gen.
tlcman to make sport of my ago and distress.
Is there anything tojcSt about my want? ,
Not at all, sir. You spoke of sickly
daughter. have cottage vacant, just out.
side Of the city, with a fountain, grounds and
occupy it rent free, | shall be very glad to
have you take care of it for me-"
The old man stood white and brcathless as
ic in a lrnom I'm M instant hiS hanI xrov
taken in the clasp of the great banker.
my friend, my bcncfactOr, you have for.
gotten me, hut my youthful memory is stron
ger than yours, Is it possible that you have
no remembrance Of mc?"
The old man shook his head
Yet ii is folly to expect it when am Sc
changed. Listen, sir" he resumed, with a
bright earnest smiles "havc you any recol.
lection of a forlorn boy, on a crowded pier,
whose little all was scattered by rude blow
Have you forgotten his distress? Have you
forgotten that a kind stranger stopped to com.
fort him, not only by money, but by cheering
wordS?'
"Is it possiblcy" stammcrcd the old man.
eyes, it is possible; am that forlorn boy.
Your money, which that night supplied my
dying sister with luxurics and pleasures,
proved the stepping stone to my princcly
wealth. Sir, | was u ragged, fricndlcss boy,
my heart treasured up your kind words as
precious jewels; and now the time has come
when | may, in some measure, repay them
with interest"
The old man moved his pale lips as though
he would speak the banker resumed instantly.
am alone in the world; my mother is
dead, and my little sister, whose last words
were of your kindness, has gone, years ago, to
her eternal home. | owe everything to you /;
and now have favor to ask
y favor, and of me y
THAT you will hcncciorth allow me to pro-
vide for you, and consider me as your SON.
My carriage is at the door. and will take you
whcrcsocvcr you wish to go. But moment
first
lie took tiny volume from his breast,
bound in faded velvet with claspings of tar
niShcd 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 iSA passage hero that has ever been
present to my mind since your kind decd gave
hope and courage to my lifc.'
lie opened the volume, and through a soft
mist of grateful tears, the old man read the