The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-05-13

she knew it would be Of no use to speak
to him now, and she let the matter pass.
On the following morning, the last bit
of food was put on the table. Stanwood
could hardly realize that he was penni-
less and without food. For he had been
gay, thoughlless and fortunate, making
the most of the present, forgetting the
past, and leaving the future TO take care
OF itself. Yet the truth was naked and
clear, and when he left the house he said,
something must be done
No sooner had the husband left the
house than Mrs. Stanwood put on her
bonnet and shawl. Her eldest daughter
was girl seven years old, and her
youngest four.
She asked her next door neighbor if
she would take care of her children un.
til noon. These children were known to
be good and quiet, and they were taken
cheerfully. Mrs. Stanwood locked the
house and went away She returned al
noon, bringing some dinner for her chill
dren, and then went away. She came
home in the evening before her husband,
carrying heavy basket upon her arm.
Well, Peter she asked, after her
husband had entered and sat down, what
luck 2
Nothing nothing!' he groaned. L
have made out TO get a dinner from an
old chum, but could find no work
And where have you looked to day 2
Oh, everywhere, l have been to
hundred places but it is the same in
every place. It's nothing but one eter-
nal mo, no ! I'm sick and tired of it.
| even went so far as to offer to tend
liquor store down town
The wife smiled
Now what shall we do 2 uttered Pc
ter, spasmodically.
Why, we will eat supper first, and
then talk the matter over
Supper have YOU got any?'
Yes-plonty Of it,.
But YOU told NE you had none
Neither had we this morning, but
I've been after work today, and found
somo.'
You been after work = uttered the
husband in surprise.
Yes
But how where-what
Why. first went to Mrs. Shows. /
knew her girl was sick, and hoped she
might have work TO be done. | went to
her and told her my story, and she sat
me at work at once, doing her washing.
She gave me food to bring home to my
children. and paid me three shiIlirgs
when got through
What-you been out washing for our
butchers wife . said Peter, looking
very much surprised.
OF course have. and have earned
thereby enough TO keep us in food thro'
tomorrow at any rate, so tomorrow you
may come home 10 dinner
But how about the rent @
Oh, | have seen Mr.. Simson, and
told him how we are situated, and offer.
ed him my watch as pledge for the
payment of the rent within three months.
with the interest on the arrearages up to
that date. | told him did the business
while you were away hunting up work
SO he's got your gold watch .
No, he wouldn't take it. He said if
l would become responsible for the pay.
ment he would be al rest
Then we've got roof to cover us
and food for to morrow. Blu. what next (?
What curse these hard times are
DON'T despair, Peter. for we shall
not starvc, I've got work engaged TO
keep us alive
Ah-what is that p
Why. Snow engaged me TO carry
small packages, baskets. bundles, &c, to
his customers. He had TO give up one
OF bis horses
What do you mean, Maria 2
Just what say When Mr.. came
home TO dinner. | was there, aud asked
him il he ever had light articles which
he wished 10 send round 10 his custom.
els. Never mind all that was said. He
did happen TO want just such work done
though he meant TO call upon the idlers
who lounged about the market. He
promised to give me all the work he
could and I'm to be there in good season
in the morning.
We'll, this isa pretty go. Ny wife
a butchers boy You will not do any
such thing
And why no! 2
Because--bec ause-,'