The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1866-02-21

h"aASu III eHat 10 SlttiuSs pSoluo nio hHOO'
The rest are all sleeping in the little
churchyard. A heavy misfortune has be-
fallen him, the thirst for riches has bro't
its usual curse. Possessed with the ma
MIA for speculation, he mortgaged his
farmhouse and all it cor tanned. The gill
ded bubble burst, and the dawning of the
New Year found him ruined and home
less man. This was the last night that
he and his were to remain in the old
homestead, that had been in his family
four generations, and was linked to his
heart by so many tender memories On
the morrow they were to go they hardly
knew whittier. 1t is true, many of the
old neighbors-kind, good souls-had of
fered him temporary home; but it was
hard for that proud, self-reliant man to
accept charity from any.
"What can we do? Where can we go?'
he groaned, as he thought of the NOR
row,
"The Lord will provide, John, said
his wife, lifting her sad, patient eyes to
his. "He has never forsaken us. Nei-
ther will He ever forsake any who trust
in Him"
But the farmer lacked the Christian
resignation that made that gentle heart
such haven of peace and love.
"Aye, that's what you've always said
wife, = he retorted, impatiently, "and you
see what we've come to. For my part,
don't think the Lord troubles himself
much about US, any way"
Mrs. Williams might have said that he
had brought his misfortune upon himself
but she wisely forebore. just then there
came the sound Of quick, buoyant step,
and there burst into the room fne,stur-
ldy lad of about ten, his eyes bright, and
his cheeks glowing from the keen, frosty
air. Is M
"It's bitter cold, tell you," he ex-
claimed ,hinging his cap boy fashion upon
the kitchen settee, and stepping up to the
kitchen fire. mot but what We been
warm as toast,all but my ears and fingers,
he added, blowing upon the latter as he
spoke.
"Here is something for you, mother,
he said, seating himself on stool at hel
feet, and tossing into her lap a shining
piece of gold.
"Why, Arthur, where did you get this?
"The strange gentleman down at the
tavern gave it to me, mother. He asked
me into his room, and gave me as many
nuts and raisins as | could eat, beside
"Ewonder whe he is?" she said musing-
ly.
81 can tell you," exclaimed her hus
band, his eyes flashing angrily. "He is
the owner Of Red Stone Farmhouse. He
is the man who bid against me on the few
articles | wanted to reserve. The curse
of the homeless rests upon him."
"Nay, John, interposed his wife gen
tly, perhaps he did uot know how highly
i you priced them
j eyes, he did; Parson Woods stepped
up and told him. But he only smiled
and said he wanted to buy every thing
just as it stood"
SWELL" said the boy, gazing thought
fully into the FIRE, 81 can't help pityinl
him, he looked so sorrowful. He asket
lots Of questions about you, mother, an,
all the rest of US; and kept walking Vi
and down the room, wriDging his hand
and groaning as if he was in grea
} tronble.
: 81 will buy you a new coat with this
Arthur" said Mrs. Williams, as she ex
amiDed anew the gold coin. "You nee,
one badly enough" she added, glancin
with sigh, at his well-patched round
about.
"You shall do nothing of the sort
mother" said the generous hearted boy
} 'You shall buy yourself and sissy mic
, warm shawl"
Before Mrs. Williams could reply ther
was quiet knock at the door. Farme
Williams opened it. 1t was only bo
who broughta small parcel for Mrs Will
liams.
aAnother New Years gift, 1 suppose,
he said bitterly, as he handed it to hel
for he was in bite. mood. Mrs. Wi,
liams glanced reproachfully at her hus
: band. -,
s'God grant that it may bring us a
much comfort, she said, laying her han
fondly upon the head that was restin
against her knee.
As she opened it, she uttered an ex
exclamation of surprise. 1t was dee
, of Red Stone Farmhouse, made out i
her name On the inside wrapper wer
these words:
"Inasmuch as ye did unto the least Q
these, ye did unto me-
: There we're grateful and happy heart
: beneath the roof of the old homestea
: that night. Though with Mrs. William.
JOY there was mingled an uneasy feeling
E She was we'll assured that it was in som
way connected with Arthur, and tremble
with apprehension lest some one shoul
J. appear who had stronger claim to hin
$ This fear was dissipated the next morr
]. ing by a letter that came to her in I'll
i first mail. 1t contained check for fy
thousand dollars, together with thes
words:
"The boy that you SO generously r.
, ceived ten years ago, and have so tende
" ly cherished since, will never be take
IS from you. The mother, forced to relil
a quish the babe, dearer to her than life,
a now in Heaven. The father, who
1t basely forsook his child, and her he hs
y sworn to cherish, is unworthy of so s.
II cred trust. In the S. bank ye
d will find the sum of twenty thousand do
lars deposited in the name of your ado
1t ted son, of which he is to come into po