The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1865-01-26
sTRoUDsBURG, MONROE COUNTY PA. JANUARY a

Luz tuC DcITl6S are 81 IulCk mere,
demonstrated the other.
"Never mind-we'll come out somc
time when these ragged, drunkard's girl,
are not here"
So the two favored ones went away
hand in hand, and Nelly and Nancy Mel
) son sat down upon the grass and cried
"Don't cry, Nancy" said the eldest
throwing her arms around her sisters
neck.
"But you are crying, Nelly"
"Oh, can't help it, sobbed the strick
en- one
"Why do they blame US ?" murmured
Nancy, gazing up into her sisters face
"Oh, we are not to blame. We are good
and kind, and loving, and we never hurt
anybody. Oh, l wish somebody would
love us; I should be SO happy"
"And we are loved Nancy Only
think of our noble mother Who could
love us as she does 7"
81 know know, Nelly; but that ain t
all. Why don't papa love US as he used
to do? Don't you remember when he
used to kiss us, and made US SO happy
Oh, how wish he could be so good to us
once more. He is not"
"-sh, sissy don't say anything more.
He may be good to us again if he knew
how we loved him, | know he would
And then believe God is good, and will
help US sometime, for mother prays to
him every day"
Yes" answered Nancy, ~ know she
does; and God must be our Father some
time"
He is our Father now, sissy"
II know it, and he must be all we shall
have by-and by, for don't you remember
that mother told US that she might leave
us one of these days? She said cold
dagger was upon her heart, and-and-"
"-sh Don't, Nancy, you'll"
The words were checked up with sobs
and tears, and the sisters wept long to-
gether. At length they arose and went
away, for they saw more children coming,
As soon as the little ones were out of
sight, Charles Nelson started to his feet
His hands were clenched, his eyes were
fixed upon vacant point with an eager
gaze.
MY God p he gasped, "what villain
[ am! Look at me now What a state
| am in, and what have | sacrificed to
bring myself to it And they love me
yet and pray for me !"
lie said no more, but for few mo-
ments he stood with his hands still
clenched, and his eyes fixed. Atlength his
gaze was turned upward, and his clasped
hands we're raised above his head. a
moment he remained so, and then his
hands dropped by his side, and he started
homeward
When he reached his home he found
his wife and children in tears, but he af-
fectel to notice it not. He drew a shil-
ling from his pocket-it was his last and
handing it to his wife, lie asked her if she
would send and get him some porridge
The wife was startled by the tone in which
this was spoken, for it sounded as in days
gone by
The porridge was made nice and nour-
ishing, and Charles ate it all He went
to bed carly, and early on the following
day he was up. He asked his wife if she
had milk and flour enough to make him
another bowl Of porridgc.
eyes. Charles" she said, "we have not
touched it."
"Then, if you are willing, should like
some more"
The wife moved quickly about the
work, and ere long the food was prepared.
The husband ate it, and he felt better
He washed and dressed, and would have
shaved had his hand been steady enough.
He left his home and went at once to
man who had just commenced to frame a
house.
"Mr. Manly" he said, addressing the
man alluded to, II have drank the last
drop Of alcoholic beverage that ever pass
es my lips. Ask no more questions, but
believe me now while you see me true
Will you give me work :"
"Charles Nelson, are you in earnest 2"
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 so with
the grim messenger first"
"Then here is my house lying about US
in rough timber and boards. place it
all in your hands, and shall look to you
to flush it, While | can trust you can
trust me. Come into my Office, and you
shall see the plan | 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 awhile,
he went out where the men were at work
getting the timber together and MIR.
Manly introduced him as their MASTER
That day he worked but little, for he was
not strong yet, but he arranged the tim
Der, and gave directions for flaming
At night he asked his employer if he dar-
ed trust him with dollar.
"Why, you have earned three" return
ed Manly.
sand will you pay me three dollars
day 7"