Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1867-12-14
Bread Upon the Watcrs-A Sketch
from Life.

bEcdu OpUH tuC ShStSh
from Life.
"Ah. Jacob, now you see how ell your
hopes are gone. Here you are, worn GU,
with sge-all our children removed from
US bo The hand of death, and ere long we
must be The inmates of The poor houce.
Where, now, is all The bread that you have
cast upon the waters p
The old white haired man looked Up a,
his wife. lie was indeed bent down with
years. and age sal trembingy upon him.
Jacob Manfred had been conn psratveIy
wealthy land while fortune had smiled
upon him he had ever been among the
frs, TO lend listening ear and helping
hand 10 the call Of distress. But now
misfortune was his. Of his four boys
no, one was left. Sickness and failing
strength found him with but little, and
they left him penniiese.
An oppressive embargo upon the ship
ping business had been the first weight
upon his head and other misforIunes came
in painful succession. Jacob and his
wife were a.! alone, and guant poverty
looked them coldly in the face. Don't
repine, Susan" said The old msn. "True,
we are poor, bot we are not yet forsa-
KEN"
"Noi forsaken, Jacob Who is there
10 help US now ?"
Jacob Manfred raised his trembling fin
ger toward heaven.
"Ah, Jacob, know God is our friend;
bu, we ought 10 have friends here. Look
back, ard see how many you have be-
friended in days long past. You cas-.
your bread upon the waters with free
hand, but it has no, ye, returned TO YOU"
Hush, ,Susan,you forget what you say.
To be sure, may have hoped that some
kind hand Of earth would lif. me from the
depth OF utter want; but | DO no; expect
itss reward for anything | may have
done III have helped the unfortunate
in days gone by, | have had my foil re-
ward in knowing that have done my
duty 10 my fellows. o! of all the kind
deeds | have done TO my suffering fellows,
| would not, for gold, have one Of them
bloned from my memory. Ab. my fond
wife, lis the memory Of the good done in
life that makes old age happy. Even
now can hear the warm thanks Of those
whom have beffiended, and again can
see their smiles"
"Yes, Jacob" returned the wife, in
lower tone, 81 know you have been good,
and in your memory you can be happy;
but alas there is presen. upon which
we must look-ihere is a reality upon
which we must dwell. We must beg for
food, or sIarve."
The old man started, and deep mark
o. pain was drawn across his features.
"Beg ~ he replied, with quick Shud.
der. "No. Susan-we are"
He hesitaied, and big tear ran down
his furroweI cheek.
ave are what, Jacob y
ave are going 10 the poor house ~
30, God though, u fell from
the poor wife's lips, as she covered her
face with her hands. "Ihave thought SO,
and have tried 10 school myself 10 the
thought; bu! my poor heart will not bear
it,"
"Do moi give up, Susan" softly urged
the old man, laying his hand upon her
arm. "It makes bu, little difference 10 us
now. We have not long 10 remain upon
earth, and let US not wear out our last
days in fruilless repining. Come, come"
"Bul when-when shall we 60 =
"Now-io-day."
"Then God have mercy onus -
ale will" murmured Jacob.
The old couple sat for awhile in ST.
lence. When they were aroused from
their painful thoughts. i! was by the stop
ping Of wagon in front Of their door. A
man entered the room where they sat.
He was the keeper OF the poor house.
"Come. Mr.. Manfred" he said; "the
seleclmen have managed 10 crowd you in
TO the poor house. The wagon is al 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 coldness in The very tone and
and manner OF The man who had come for
him that went like an ice bolt 10 his heart,
and with deep grosn he sank into bis
scst.
"Come, be in hurry" impaiiently
urged The keeper.
Al that momen. heavy covered carry
sll drove up TO The door.
"!s this the house Of Jacob Manfred =
The question was asked by man who
entered from the csrryalI. He was
kind looking man. about fcriy years Of
age.