The weekly Ottumwa courier., 1862-10-18
Al. oTTUMWA, IOWA, SATURDAY, OCTOBER Is, 1862

"Mr. Manly he said. addressing the
gentleman alluded to, 81 have drank thu
last drop Of alcoholic beverage that eve
passes my lips. Ask me no moro questions
but believe me now while yousee me true.
Will you give me work ?"
'Charles Nelson, are you in earnest p
asked Manly in surprise. ~
$50 much so, sir, that were death to stand
upon my right hand, and yonder bar room
upon my left, | would go with the grim
messenger first" ~.
"Then here ismy house lying about us in
rough timber and boards. place it all in
your hands, and shall look to you to finish
| it. While can trust you,, you can trust
me. Come into my Office and you shall SEE
the plan I have drawn"
We will not tell you how the stout man
wept, nor how his noble friend shed tears to
see him thus but Charles Nelson took the
plan, and having studied it for a while, be
went ont where the men were at work GO t.
ting the timber together, and Mr.. Manly ne
troduced him as their master. That day he
worked but little, for he was not strong yet,
but he arranged the timber, and gave di.
rections for framing. At night he asked
his employer ifhe dared trust him with a
dollar.
ys"Why, you've earned three" returned
Manly.
"And will you pay me three dollars o
day y
"If you are as faithful as you have been
to-day, for you will save me money at that.
The poor man could not speak his thanks
in words, but his looks sp oke for him, and
Manly understood them. He received his
three dollars, and on his way home he stop
ped and bought first basket. then three
loayes Of bread, pound of butter, some tea,
sugar and piece of beefsteak, and he had
just one dollar and seventy FIVE cents left.
With this load he went home. 1t was some
time before ne could compose himself to en-.
ter the house. but at length he went in and
set the basket on the table
"Come, Mary" he said, 81 have brought
something home for supper. Here, Nelly,
you take the pail and run over to Mr.. Brown
and get a couple quarts Of milk"
He handed the child shilling as he spoke,
and in half bewildered state she took the
money and hurried away.
The wife started when she raised the cov-
er Of the basket but she dared not speak
She moved about like one in dream, and
ever and anon she would cast furtive glance
at her husband He had not been drinking,
she knew it--and yet he had money enou gh
to buy rum with il he wanted it, What
could it mean Had her prayers bsen an
swered o, how fervently she prayed
thep. s g
| Soon Nelly returned with the milk, and
Mrs. Nelson set che table out. After sup
per Charles arose and said to his wife:
81 must 60 up to Mr.. Manly's Office to
help him arrange some plans for new
house, but ! will be at home early.'
A pang shot through the wife's heart as
she saw her husband turn away, but still
| she was far happier than she had been be-
| fore for a long while. There was something
in his manner that assured her, and gave
her hope.
Just as the clock struck nine, the we'll
known football was heard, strong and steady.
The door opened, and Charles entered. His
wife cast quick, keen glance into his face
and she almost uttered cry Of joy when
she saw how he was changed for the better
He had been to the barber's and to the hat.
ter's. Yet nothing was said upon the all.
important subject Charles wished to retire
early. and his wife went With him. In the
morning the husband arose first and built
the fire. Mary had not slept till long afte,
midnight, having been kept awake by the
tnmultuous emotions that had started up in
her bosom, and hence she awoke not so early
as usual. But she came out just as the
tea-kettle and potatoes began to boil, and
breakfast was soon ready.
After the meal was eaten, Charles arose
and put on his hat, and then turning to his
wife he asked
"What do you do to-day?"
81 must wash for Mrs. Bixby"
care you willing to obey me once more p
O-yes."
s'Then work for me to-day. Send Nelly
over to tell Mrs. Bixby that you are not vel
enough to wash, for you are not. Here is I
dollar, and you must do with itas you please
Buy something that viii keep you busy fol
yourself or children"
1 Mr.. Nelson turned towards the door, ani
/ his hand was upon the latch. He hesitated
and turned back. He did not speak, but ht
opened his arms, and his wife sank upon his
bosom. He kissed her and then having
gently placed her in seat he left the house
When he went to his york that morning ht
felt well, and very happy. Mr.. Manly wa.
by to cheer him, and this he did by talking
and acting as though Charles had meyer beer
unfortunate at all. ,gr
j 1t was Saturday evening, and Nelson hai
been almost q week without rum. He hat
earned fifteen dollars, ten of which he nov
had in his pocket.
Mary" he said, after the supper tabl,
had been cleared away, ''here are ten dollar,
for you, and | want you to expend it il
clothing for yourself and children. hav,
4 earned fifteen dollars during the last fiv,