The Portland daily press., 1864-04-02
BY AUSTIN c. BURDICK.

BY AUSTIN C. BURDICK.
"Ah Jacob, now you see how all our hopes
are gone. Here we are, worn out with age
---all onr children removed from us BY the
hand Of death, and ere long we must be the
inmates OF the poor-honse. Where now is
all the bread you have cast upon the wa
ters?r
The old, white haired man looked up at his
wife. He was, indeed, bent down with years,
and age sat tremblingly upon him. Jacob
Manfred had been comparatively wealthy
man, and while fortune had smieu upon him
he had ever been among the first 10 lend a
listening ear and helping hand 10 the call of
distress. But now misfortune was his. OF
his four boys not one was left. Sickness and
falling strength found him with but little, and
they left him penniless. An oppressive en-
barge upon the shipping business had been
the first weight upon his head. and other mis-
fortunes came in painful succession. Jacob
and his wife we're all alone and gaunt poverty
looked them coldy in the face.
= Don't repine, Susan said the old man.
"True. We are poor, but we are not yet for
saken."
"Not forsaken, Jacob? Who is there to
help us now ?"
Jacob Manfred raised his trembling finger
towards heaven.
"Ah, Jacob, / know God is our friend;
but we should have friends here. Look back
and see how many you have befriendsd in
days past. You cast your bread upon the
waters with free hand, but it has not vet re-
turned to you"
"Hush, Susan, you forget what you say
To be sure ] may have hoped that some
kind hand Of earth would lit me from the
cold depths of utter want: but | do not ex-
pect it as reward for anything may have
done. If have helped the unfortunate in days
gone by, / have had my full reward in know
ing that have done my duty 10 my fellows
o, of all the kind deeds have done TO my suf-
fering fellows, | would not for gold have one
Of them blotted from my memory. All, my
fond wife, tits the memory OF the good done
In life that makes old age happy. Even now,
can hear again the warm thanks of those
whom have befriended, and again can see
their smiles"
"Yes, Jacob" returned his wife, IN a lower
tone, Il know you have been good, and in
your me nory you can be happy but, alas!
there is present upon which wemust look
there is . reality upon which we must dwell.
We must beg for food or stsrve.n
The old man started, and deep mark of
pain was drawn across his features.
BEG" he replied with quick shudder.-
mo, Susan-we are
he hesitated, and big tear rolled down his
furrowed cheek.
"We are what, Jehn?"
I'VE are going TO the poor house"
80, God | thought SOP fell from his poor
wiie's lips, as she covered her face with her
hands. Il have thought so, and | have tried
70 school myself to the thought; but my poor
heart will not bear ii r
"Do not give up, Susan" softly urged the
old man laying his hand upon her arm. at
makes but little difference to us now. We
may not long remain on earth, and let us not
wear out our last days in useless repnings-
Come, come"
But when-when-shall we goo"
Now-to-day."
Then God have mercy on u.s.
He will" murmured Jacob
The old couple sat for a while in silence
When they were aroused from their painful
thoughts IL was By the stopping of wagon in
front of the door. A man entered the room
where they sat. He was the keeper of the
poor-house.
"Come, Mr.. Manfred" he said, " the select
men have managed 10 crowd you into the
poor-house. The wagon is at the door, and
you can get ready as soon as possible"
Jacob Manfred had not calculated the
strength he should need for this ordeal
There was GOODNESS in the very tone and
manner OF the man who had come for him
that went ike an ice-bolt to his heart. and
with adeep groan he sank back in his seat.
"Come-be in hurry" impatiently urged
the keeper.
At that moment heavy covered carryaIl
drove up TO the door.
Is this the house of Jacob Manfred? 2"
This question was asked by man who
entered from the carryall. He was a kind
looking man, about forty years of age.
That is my name,' said Jacob.
Then they told me truly" uttered the
conner. $ Are you from the alms-house - he
continued, turning toward the keeper.
"Yes.s
And are you after these people ?"
"Yesp
Then you may return. Jacob Manfred
goes to no poor-house while | live"
The keeper gazed inquisitively into the fea-
lures of the man who addressed him, and
then he left the house.
"Don't you remember me ?" exclaimed the
stranger, grasping the old man by the hand.
u cannot call you to my memory now"
"Do you remember Lucius Williams ?"
WILLIAMS" repeated the old man, starting
up from his chair, and gazing on the face be-
fore him.
"Yes Jacob Manfred-Lucins Williams.
That little boy whom, thirty years ago, you
saved from the house of correction; the poor
boy whom you took from the bond Of the law
and placed on board Of one OF your own yes
selsn
"And are you
yes. an thc man you hidue.-1 1 Ou
found me rough stone from the hand Of poY-
erty and bad example. IL was you who brush
ed away the evil, and who first led me to the
sweet waters of moral life and happiness.
have profited by the lesson you gave me in
early youth, and the warm spark which your
kindness lighted up In my bosom has been
growing brighter and brighter ever since.
With an afiuence for life 1 have settled down
TO enjoy the remainder Of my days in peace
aud quietness, with such good work as my
hands fnd to do. heard of your losses AID
your bereavements. / know that the child
Ten of your flesh are all gone, but am the
child of your bounty-a child Of your kind
ness, and now you shall still be my parents.
Come, have home and a heart, and your
presence will make them both warmer bright
er and happier. Come my more than father
and you my mother, come. You made my
youth bright, and ! Will not see your age
doomed to darkness"
Jacob Manfred tottered forward and sank
upon the bosom of his preserver. He could not
speak his thanks, for they were too heavy for
words. When he looked mp he sought hi,
wife.
"Susan" said he in a checking tremblin.
voice, my bread has come back TO me !"
''Forgive me, Jacob"
no, no, Susan. II is not | who must ior
giye,-God holds us in his hand"
"Ah,n murmured the wife, as she raised he
streaming eyes to heaven" II will neye
doubt him again