The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1861-12-18

Mr.. Hickman was not so stolid but that
he saw in this the existence Of wrong. He
loved his wife and children, desired their
good, and was willing to make almost any
sacrifice for them thath knew how to make
Even as he sat moodiiy in his home, con.
scions that his presence rested like night
mare on the spirits of his wife and children,
he would say to himself
"This is not right. should bring home
pleasant words and cheerful smiles"
Yet almost as he said this, would his
thoughts go back to some incident oil the day,
which mere selfshness gave power TO dis
turb his feelings, and he would go of again
into brooding state of mind, ont of which
he had not resolution enongh to lift himself.
Often it happened that his children sought
in the outgushing gladness Of their hearts, to
hreak the spell that was on him but almost
always he repulsed them-sometimes coldly,
sometimes irelfully, and sometimes in sud
den anger--so tina, at last, they rarely came
near or spoke to him, as he sat through his
silent evenings.
"Wrong, all wrong" Mr.. Hickman often
said to himself. as the shadow fell darker on
his home. But knowledge Of the evil did
no, bring knowledge OF the cure. or rather,
that self conquest which must precede cure.
+ He must let the sunshine come into his own
, heart ere he could put forth its rays on other
: hearts. He must come out of the dense for
ests and gloomy valleys and dusky ca,erns,
; into the clear sunshine; but how was he TO
T come ouli Who was to lead him forth?
One day as Mr.. Hickman sat in his count
ing room, consersng with gentleman, lad
came in IRON the store to ask him some ques.
' lions about business. Mr.. Hickman replied
r in curl way and the lad went out.
"What is that boys name!" asked the
, gentleman.
| Frank Edwards" was replied.
al thought so. He's foe boy. How long
: has he been with youf"
"About three months"
) Does he give satisfaction
{ "Yes."
: "Pm pleased 10 hear it. His mother lives
b | in our neighborhood, and my wife has taken
!. considerable interest in her. She is very
/ poor and in feeble health. She maintains
d herself by sewing; but that kind of exhaust
y ing toll is wasting her life rapidly. Frank
a is her only child. and the only one to whom
/ she can look for any help. | am glad you
5 like him"
e Nothing more was said on the subject, but
d il did not pass from the mind Of Mr.. Hick.
man. He had taken the lad few month:
before on trial, and il was understood that j
he gave satisfaction. he was to be put on
wages after SIX months.
".rhe boy is faithful. intelligent and &C
,f i've" said Mr.. Hickman. speaking to him.
n self. "If il is so with his mother, he mus
is be put on wages now."
N This conclusion in the mind Of Mr. Hick'
al man was attended with sense Of pleasure
T. His heart had opened just little AMI two OF
h three sunbeams, with their light and warmth
N had gone down into it.
$, "What shall pay him for his services
be said Mr.. Hickman TO himself, still dwellin.
y on the subject.
ir "There are plenty Of lads TO be obtaine,
e at couple Of dollars week, for the tirsI ON
ID ar two weeks; or even for nothing. in con
sidera,ion nf the opportunity for learning
10 good business in good house. But Frank
or case IS peculiar, aud must be considered b,
On itself There is question Of humanity IN
is yolved. Ills mother is poor and sick. an
a she has no hope but in him. Let me see
'ir shall make il three dollars a week. 'rha
ed will help them considerably. But. dear me
r. three dollars a week will hardly pay e
ny Franks eating. must do something bette
ed than that. Say four dollars"
Mr.. Hickman dropped his head little
RI, and So turning the matter over 10 his mind
e. lie had once been poor boy with motht
in feeble health !. and he remembered hos
%. hard il was for him 20 get alOng--how man
he privations and hardships his mother bad
e, endure, and yet their income w's nrarl
II double the amonnt he thought Of giving Frank
- Mr.. Hickman had always loved hi mothcr
Us and this memory of her, soitened hls feeling
he still more towards the poor widow, for wh0I
p- an appeal had come to him so Unexpected,
lot "frank is an unusually bright bay" sal
- Mr.. Hickman. "He-has an aptness for b,
ell siness; Is prompt and faithful. can afar
ed 10 make his salary liberal. I'll pay him 81
'ut dollars nov, and if he goes on iWprosine J
u. fast as he has done so far. il will not be lon
lat before can make IL better for him"
We Mr.. Hickman ardse, and going TO the enun
rs ing room door. called the lad. Who came ia
m media,ely.
la How DO you like our business, Erank {
en asked Mr. Hickman 10 kind way.
lat "very we'll. slr," replied the boy, prompt
rt. ly. :,
ey /" And YOU would like to remainP
d. "Yes, sir; if give satisfaction
in. "You have done very well 50 far, replie
int Mr.. Hickman; so well that have eonelud
ay ed TO put you On wages now. instead Of waitin
Ia until lie sir months of trial have expired
in !; The boy started and quick Hush OF sol
ne. Prise and pleasure went over his face.
IN. "I did not expect u sir" he said gratelu
sas ". You are very good"
lld /" Your mothsr is not well, hear" sal
all Mr.. Hickman.
nal fsank's eyes glisened as be answeret
IN. No, sir; she's been sick for good Will,
ey and I'm 50 glad 10 be put on wages. Tor no
ere can help her,"
ias "will YOU give all your wages to yol
~ .a.,h.s y,