Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1860-05-18
MISCELLANY Y.
The Lost Purse.

\ friend related TO me simple story,
not long since, which think is worth tell.
ing over. The parties Of whom he spoke
were near by, and it was the presence of
the hero that called the circumstance to
mind.
Abel Morton was youth Of about sew
enteen. His mother was widow, and he
an only child. They lived in part of a
small hut in the outskirts of the village,
and were very poor During the long, cold
winter, the widow had been quite sick. so
that Abel had been obliged to spend most of
his time with her. The youth had never
learned any trade, as various circumstances
had combined TO prevent his leaving home.
He worked whenever he could get work to
do. ard thus far managed TO find food
enough TO keep himself and his mother
alive, though they suffered much with cold.
As the spring opened, Abel tried TO find
work, but was not successful. He picked
up few odd Jobs, now and then, but the
proceeds were barely sufficient to purchase
enough of the coarsest, cheapest food.
Clothing the, could buy, and poor Abel
began 10 fear that he must beg suit of
clothes, or what was worse, leave his mother
| But the latter he could not do.
One afternoon he went into the village
and spent several hours in hunting for work
but he found nothing to do. Some seemed
/ TO turn away because he looked so ragged,
while others said they never employed any
one outside of their own households. Faint
and sick at heart, Abel bent his steps home
ward. He had left the village and was
turning into the narrow lane that led to his
home when lie detected something peculiar
upon the road side. He picked it up and
found it to be small knit purse. 1t was
quite heavy, and the jingle of the contents
was too sharp and clear for copper.
The poor youth did not stop to open il
then, for it was already dusk, and he knew
that his mother would be anxious. So Will
strangely beating heart he hurried home
ward he entered the little room where hi!
mother was sitting. and sank down in {
chair.
; % Alas. no work." the widow murmured
as she saw the cloud upon the boys face.
NO. he replied, :" tried all around bu
it was no use"
"Never mind Abel. God is good. w,
shall not suffer as those do who have n
} trust in Him."
But how does He help us, mother?
asked Abel in faltering voice.
SIN many ways. my son. He has pre-
served US through many trials, and ha
given us hope and courage. lie has pre-
9 served TO me true and virtuous child, an
: has held us clear from many suffering
which afilict our fellows. Look at Mr.
: Tyndal; see her with all her wealth, SUI
ferinc tortures that would not suffer fl
worlds. See her only son, poor miser'
bIe iuebriate, and in prison for a drunke
CRIME. For what would we exchange on
: noble consciousness of right and honor ! .
y Abel made DO reply. There had bee
n something bearing down heavily upon b
soul-sometling which lay in his pock'
and sent forth serpent song of plent,
But the load was removed. lie drew I'll
; purse from his pocket and laid it upon th
table by his side.
what Is that?" said the widow, as sll
heard the sharp clink of the coin.
{" A purse-I found it on the road
& Found ii2 Oh did you find a.! F"
Yes, my mother. In the read, just I
, the turn of our lane, IL lay IN The iJ
ls path"
4 candle was lighted, 1.-THE purse EN-
, tied. 1t contained twenty silver hali-dc
lars.
/. Ten dollars" whispered Abel. "pe
Of haps we can find who lost IT..
~Isn't there some name on the purse
:. asked his mother.
e She took it as she spoke, and upon u
inside of the clasp, which was lined WI