The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1862-04-18


child Of seven years--accompany her
bone that she might send her some med
icines. {,
The child sprang 70, ward with cry Of
pleasure, and, placing her hand 10 that Of
Mrs. Austin, looked up affectionaiely in
her face then, starting back, looked at
her mother, who, she remembered, had
not given her consent. Mrs. w. told
Mary she might go but promised her a
whipping IL she was not back soon.
Mrs. Austin took the child and departed.
II was cold day in November-and the
wind futtered poor Mary's frock, and
blew the tangled curls from her max ed
brow. Mrs. Austin tied her hand kerchiel
over the child's head. "Are not your
feet cold ?" she asked, as she looked down
and saw that she had no shoes on.
"Yes, ma'am, said Mary; "but mother
says We shall get no shoes this winter,
for father spends ali he can get for drink. )"
They reached home, and Mrs. A. found
she had pair Of shoes and shawl for
little Mary, and some medicine for her
mother.
The child had never been so happy be.
fore as she was when she tripped home
that night. She was not only delighted
with the presents she had received, but
the kind words and looks Of her friend
had fallen like sunshine upon her heart.
When Mr.. Austin came home, his wife
informed HIM Of the call she had made.
"The situation Of the family is truly
deplorable," she added sis there moth.
ing that we can do for them 90
"Indeed, l do not know" replied her
husband.
"If there is doubt not you will think
of it,"
"Watson is terribly besolted met
him tonight, reeing home, probably to
abuse his family; and yet they say, when
he is sober, he is kindhearted, peace
able man."
"He has good trade and il he could
be prevailed upon 10 work without drink
ing, he could support his family WE'LL
His poor wife seems indolent and hopeless;
but, If she could see the prospect Of better
days, she would no doubt do better"
"To be sure" replied Mr.. Austin,
thoughtfully, che has good trade, and
was once considered the best workman in
town but he has become so intem perate
that none will employ him. Idon't know
what supports his family they must often
be in wretched destitution."
"Wretched destitulion indeed ~ ex.
claimed his wife. "And now think how
we may help them. You know we want
some one 10 work on the house immedi.
aiely. Employ him-and perhaps by
keeping him out Of temptation, and giving
proper encouragement, we may induce
him TO break off his brutal habits"
"That is a good idea. Jane, and will
see him tomorrow, and try and engage
him."
The next morning the Watsous were
not little surprised TO see Mr.. Austin
enter their dwelling. His heart grew sicl
at the prospect OF sin and misery around
him. The shivering children were eager
ly pressing round table on which there
was no food except few potatoes. The
father was standing at a shelf, preparing
his morning potalions; and Mrs. W., with
uucombed hair and dirty face, stood in q
menacing attitude, upbraiding him with
loud and angry words.
"Good morning, Mr.. Watson" said he
GOOD morning. sir" replied the poo
man, with a hiccough. al don't feel wei
this morning, and was about to take som,
bitters."
"Don't take !hem-they will DO yo,
no good-and l want to talk with yor
about business"
Watson looked at him with surprise
and then, pushing the glass from him
seated himself to hear what he had to say
Il wish TO hire you 10 work on m,
house," continued MIR. A. 1--WE hav
several unfinished rooms. and if you will
come, will pay you at MIR. Frost's store
where you can obtain groceries anC
clothes for your family"
There was something so different in III,
kind manner Of Mr.. Austin, from tn,
rude contempt with which he was usually
treated, that he felt his heart expand
he again was man among men.
The bargain was closed--and the mex
morning, true to his promise, Watson
came 10 his work. He commenced, bu
his hand was unsteady, and his manne
restless. Mr.. Austin noticed it, and KEEP
him engaged in cheerful conversation. -
Before noon he asked for cider. He wa
told he could have more /; but Mrs. Austil
sent him mug Of hot ginger beer. whicl
he drank eagerly. for his thirst was in
tense. lie kept at his work. but evidentl,
! suffered much for the want Of his &C
cus.omed stimulant.
When night came. Mr.. A. took him t,
, the store, and paid for his work in SOM
articles necessary for his family and
with kind and encouraging word, bad
J him good night. When he got home
: and exhibited large salt fish and ba,
, Of -four, the children shouted for Joy.
takes but little to make children happy
} Alas, that that little should be denie,
them Mrs. Watson's face wore an ex
preston OF pleasure quite unusual to heI
while she went to prepare supper.
A tear came into the fathers oye as b
looked upon his balf-nsked children, an
| witnessed tho joy which one days labor ba
conferred on them. He placed Mary upo
. bis knees, and kissed hor check with pa
rental kindness. His passions bad bee
checked, his better nature was aroused, an
he sat thoughtful and silent during the even
ing. His past life came up before him
T HO remembered his own neplected an,