The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1859-06-30

ooHlc liihc III tllc CITY, Uut all MY dIcC
tons centered in this quiet village, and
here determined to come. And yet
had no kindred here. But | came, fol
here | spent the best part of my man
hood, and here were those | loved. Il
was not until l was set down at the vii.
lage inn that realized how poor and
friendless / was. The thought of com
ing back here had kept my spirits up,
but when | came, and found myself once
mole in the town, | began to look for
the friend upon whom should call. Ii
was then that chill hand was laid upon
me. NyJriends ! Where were they i
had not thought of this before. | re-
mained at the inn that night, and on the
following day went out. found many
who knew me many who took me warm
ly by the hand ; but when came to hint
at the idea of wanting help in my old
age, they turned coldly from me. Itold
them l would not beg-that l asked not
for charity. l only asked for something
to do-some work, not too hard, by
which could just keep my body up for
the few short days | might have longer
to stay here in this world of care. The
older ones were too full at home to make
room for me, and the younger ones want
ed not the chilling presence of an old
man at their hearthstone. All, 1 might
have known this had stopped to ponder
upon it before | came but did not do
50. | looked upon this pretty village as
my home, forgetting all the while that
where no kindred are there can be no
home
You are wrong, Uncle Adam re-
turned Henry, quickly. l hope there
are many here who would be pleased to
give you home but you shall not look
further. You shall find home here,
my old friend, as long as you will stay
No, no, Henry said the old man, Il
will not force myself upon you. 1 came
to see you because | could not leave the
place without looking once more upon
you
I'm glad you've come, Uncle Adam
and you shall not go. Now look We
have store. Perhaps you would rather
be in there once in a while, and help me
about the lighter work, than to be idle.
% could not live in idleness. /
would rather work than not
Then you'll stay with me and you
shall work when you please, and stay at
home with Sarah when you please.
Yes said the young wife, who had
just been and placed her infant in its bed
and at the same time placing her arm
about the old mans neck, stay with us.
Henry has no father nor mother, and |
have only a mother. Oh, we have often
wished that one Of the old folks had lived
to be with us. NY mother is with my
eldest sister. You will stay, won't you 2
All | know you will We will love you,
Uncle Adam, and make you very com
Portable; and these cold dark days you
shall stay here and not go to the store,
for l get very lonesome
The old man lifted his trembling hand
to the noble woman's head, but when he
tried to speak his voice failed him. His
lips quivered moment, and the bio
tears rolled down his furrowed cheeks.
Bless you, sweet one,' murmured
Henry, clasping his fond wife to his bos-
ON, you were made to give happiness
to others
The old man saw that movement, and
he heard those words of the husband TO
his wife, and above all else, they proved
TO him that the young couple were ear
nest and sincere in their offer Those
simple words addressed to another, struck
more deeply TO his heart with conviction
than could a hundred verbal assurances,
given directly to him.
God bless you 7 he at length utter
ed, graspng Henry by the hand. An
hour ago feared had no friends ON
earth, and now l find them warm and
true
And why should we not be friends o
returned Henry, earnestly. l owe much
Of what am to you. | shall never for
get how you bore with me when / was a
boy, and how you gave me the
lessons upon which | founded my man
hood
1t was late when the trio retired, and
the old man blessed his friends ere they
for the night.
In the morning Sarah informed Uncle
Adam that her husband and herself had
got the matter all arranged, and that
hey meant to be as happy as could be
u L.