The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1862-04-19

coin to Bridget, with instructions to see il
she could get it changed at one OF tho
stores or markets in the neigh borhood.
| "Step in the parlor until the girl re-
turns the air is chilly, and you must be
cold" continued the lady, kindly
| Come she added, as she looked at his
rough attire and hesitated there is a
good fire in the crate, and no one there
but the children"
at is somewhat chilly" replied the old
man, following her into the parlor, and
taking seat near the fire. Perhaps |
may find some silver in the house" said
| lady, leaving the room, 90 for / fear Bridget
| will not succeed in getting the twenty
changed"
"Come here, little one" said the old
man, holding out his hands coaxingy to
| the younger of tho two childrcn-a little
girl OF about six years Of age. Come
love little Children, and the child who
had been watching him with curiosity
from behind the large arm chair, hesita-
tingly approached.
What is your name dear?" inquired
the cartmen.
Maria" lisped the little one
Maria? while great tears gathered
in his eyes: al once had a little girl
named Maria, and you look very much
rs she did.
add you?' inquired the child, with
interest; land was her name Maria East.
man, tooY'
"Merciful God = exclaimed the old man,
starting from his chair, and again drop
ping into it with his head bowed upon his
breast. at cannot be and yet why not p
He caught the child in his arms with Ga
eagerness that frightened her, and gazing
into her face until he found conviction
there, suddenly rose to leave the house
81 cannot meet her without bctraying
myself, and dare not tell her that | am
that drunken father who once attempted
to take her life, and perhaps left her hus-
band cripple, he groaned, as he hurried
toward the door.
The little ones were bewildered
4" You are not going? said the mother
at that moment reappearing, and discover
ing the old man in the act Of passing into
the hall
He stopped, and partly turned his face
but seemed to lack the resolution to do
aught else. lie said he had little
Maria once, that looked just like me,
mother" shouted the child, her eyes
sparkling with delight
The knees of the old cartman trembled
and he leaned against the door for support
The lady sprung toward him, and taking
him by the arm, attempted TO conduct
him TO a chair.
NO. no. he exclaimed, mot till you
tell me | am forgiven
Forgiven for what?' replied the
mother in alarm.
" Recognize in me your wrctched father
and need not tell you r. he faltered
Ny poor father she cried. throwing
her arms around his neck, all is forgot,
all is forgiven,
All was forgiven, and the husband,
when he returned late in the afternoon,
was scarcely less reiOiccd than his good
wife at the discovery. Whether or not
Bridge. succeeded in changing the double
eagle, | never learned; but this | do
know-it took the honest female all Of
two months TO unravel tie knot into
which the domestic affairs of the family
had tied themselves during her absence
Pap Ainsley still keeps his cart for money
wound not induce him to part with it.
| peeped into the back yard Of D.
Eastman, one day last week, and discoy-
cred the old man dragging the fayoritc
vehicle round the inclosure, with his four
grand children piled promiscuously intoi it.