Maryland free press. [volume] (Hagerstown [Md.]) 1862-18??, 1867-02-21
VOLUME I.

the distress of the family. This is the
world we laugh at the misfertunes. of our
fellow creatures, and even mock their
distrcsses, by witnessing in silense their
sufferings. IThe Auctioneer was now
making his arrangements, by fourishing
his hammer, rolling his eyes, andiusing bis
tongue, This motley crowd gathered
around. The house was put up first. ii
was accurately described-free! from all
membranes, and subj ect to very small
ground rent. 1t was started at five theu-
and dollars. There were s'veral bidders
all of whom seemed anxious to purchase
it. Seven thousand FIVE hundred d3llars
was at last bid. upon which the Auctioneer
dwelt for a moment. Mr.. Sunderland
compressed his lips together and muttered
to himself, sit cost my father fifteen thou
sand dollars" Seven thousand FIVE
hundred dollars, once e--twice-three-
--timos for the last time, going-eight
thousand-thank you sir--going at eight
thousand oncc-eight thousand twice
eight three times going-gone what name9
Clifford" was the response and all eyes
rested on tall noble looking man, who
had remained silent during the rapid bid
ding OF the spectators, and who as the
whisper went around,,was total stranger
"1tis gone" whispered Mr.. Sunderland
to his wife, as he pressed her hand in 81
lent grief. "We have no home now"
"Now, gentlemen cried the Auction
eer, 1--WE will sell this sideboard, in re-
gard to which I am requested to say by
the creditors that it was an old family
piece, and it is the wish of the owner to
retain it if possible. I merely mention
this, as it is known to you under what pc
culiar circumstances the th ings are sold.
This had the desired effect-no one SEEM
cd willing to bid against the unfortunate
man, who started it at ten dollars. Twen-
ty was bid by Mr.. Clifford, twenty five by
Mr.. Sunderland-ffty from Mr.. Clifford,
silenced the anxious parents, and the fam
tly piece of furniture was knocked down
to the new owner of the house. A gen.
tleman who stood by remarked that the
act, was cold and heartless. "Was it?"
sarcastically asked Mr.. Clifford, "then
sir, why did you not tuy it for him"
Mr.. Sunderland was much affected a
hue little incident. "Hc little knows how
mnch he has lacerated this heart. But
I will purchase the piano for my child
He STEPPED to Mr.. Clifford, and told hin
the desire he had to purchase the piano
for his daughter and hoped he would no
bid against him.
"Sir" said the stranger I will not de
ceivc you, as mnch as I respect your feel
ings, and the sympathy of this good com
pany, cannot, nay, will not, alter thu
determination made when l first entered
this house."
"And, pray sir, what may that be?"
ITO purchase every thing in it, and by
heaven I'll do it, though 1 pay double
price"
"Strange," muttered Mr.. Sunderland,
as he found his family in an other part o.
the room.
The stranger fulfilled his promise, and
actually bought every thing, from the
hause itself down to the very axe in the
cellar.
After the sale was over. and the CON-
pauy had retired, Mr.. Clifford requested
the aucsioneer to walk with him into ar
adjoining room. After the lapse of a few
moments, they both returned to the parlo'
where the family still remained. The
auctioneer looked around, gave knowing
smile, wished them all good day, and a.
he left the room he was heard to say, %
never heard Of such thing: a perfect ro-
nance, ha ha ha
.You are now" observed MFR. Sunderland tt
MFR. Clifford, "the owner of this house and furni
ture-.thcy were once mine-let that pass"
az am sir, for the time being, your landlord. ;
az understandyou sir, but will not long re
main your teuant-I was going to observe, how
ever, that there ere two sr three articles which
am anxious to purchaso-that sideboard for in
stance--it is a family relic, will give you tn
sfty dollars, the price you paid, and I feel as
sured under the circumstances you will not re
| fuse this favor.
az cannot takeit, SIR"
aobdurate ungrateful man."
"Will you not let pa buy my piano, slrF
huuh,v asked Ellen. "He will give you the pric
at which it was sold.'
uIt is painful for me, yourg lady, to reids
even this, will sell nothing-not even the weo'
saw in the cellar"
tsTbeu Mr.. Clifford" exclaimed Mr.. Sunder
land we have no further business here; come, m
dear-Ellen, get your band box let us quit thl
house; we are not even free from insult. Wher