The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1868-04-02
A sKEFCn FROM LIFE.

the poor house. Where, now, is all the
bread that you have cast upon the water ?"
The old, ne-haired man looked up at
his wife. He was indeed bent down with
years, and age sat upon him tremblingly.
Jacob Manfred had been a comparatively
wealthy man, and while fortune had smiled
upon him, he had ever been among the
first to lend listening ear and helping
hand to the cause Of distrcss; but now
| misfortune was his. OF his four boys,
not one was left. Sickness and failing
health found him with but little, and they
left him penniless.
An oppressive embargo on the Shipping
business had been the first weight upon his
head, and other misfortunes came in pain
full succession. Jacob and his wife were
all alone, and gaunt poverty hooked them
| coldly in the face.
s'Don'Irepine, Susan said the old man.
F'True, we are poor, but we arc not forsa-
| ken"
Not forsaken, Jacob.s Who is there
to help US now 20
Jacob Manfred raised his trembling fin
ger towards heaven.
''Ah, Jacob, know God is our friend,
but we ought to have friends here Look
back, and see how many you have be-
friended in days long past. You cast your
bread upon the waters, with free hand,
but it has not been returned to youi'
''Hush, Susan, you forget what you
say. To be sure, 1 may have hoped that
some kind hand of earth would lift me
from utter want but l do not expect it
| q ri flr
l have helped the unfortunate, have had
my full reward in showing that have
done my duty to my fellows. Oh! of all
the kind deeds I have done 10 my suffer
ing fellows, l would net for gold have
them blotted from my memory. All, my
fond wife, tits the memory of good done
in life that makes old age happy. Even
now 1 hear the warm thanke of those
whom have 5efriended and again I can
see their smiles'
eyes, Jacob" returned his wife, in
lower tone. II know you have been good,
and IN your memory you can be happy
but, alas there is the present upon which
We must look there rs reality upon
which we must dwell. We must beg for
food or starve.''
The old man started, and deep mark
of pain was drawn across his features.
''Beg!" he replied, with quick shul-
der. 'No, Susan, we arc"
He hesitated, and big tear rolled down
his furrowed cheek
"We are what, Jacob o.
''We are going to the poor house :"
''Oh, God thought so y fell from
the poor wife's lips, as she covered her
tace with her hands. 81 have thought so.
and have tried to school myself to the
thought, but my poor heart viii not bear
| it."
Don't give up, Susan," softly urged
the old man, laying his hand upon her
arm. ''1t makes but little difference to
US now. We have not long to remain on
| earth, and let us not wear out our last
days. IN fruitless repinings. Come, come" "
"But when shall we goi''
''Now-to>day."
"Then God will have mercy upon us. ="
she will"
The ole couple sat for awhile in silence.
When they were aroused from their pains
tul thoughts 1t was by the stopping of a
wagon at their door. A man entered the
room where they sat. He was the Keeper
of the poor house.
''COme, Mr. Manfred" said he, 'fhe
Selectmen have managed to crowd You
into the poor house. The wagon is at the
door, and you must get ready as soop as
possible"
Jacob Manfred had not calculated the
strength he should need for this ordeal.
There was coldness 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 deep groan he sank into his
seat.
"Come, be in hurry" impatiently
urged the keeper
AT that moment heavy covered carry
| all drove up to the door.
''Is this the house of Mr.. Jacob Man
fed!"
The question was asked by man who
entered from the carryall. He was Kind
looking man, about forty years of age.
'That is my name," said Jacob.
''Then they told me truly," uttered the
new conner.
''Are you the keeper of the almshouse r
he continued, turning towards the man.
eyes"
"Are you after these people :"
eyes"
"Then you may return. Jacob Man.
fred goes to no poor house while I am
living"
The speaker gazed inquisitivefy into the
features of The man, and then left the
house.
"Don1 you remember me p exclaimed
the new conner, taking the old man by the
hand.
'1 cannot call you to my memory now"
"Do you remember Lucius Williams %
civilians 7" repeated Jacob, starting
up and gazing earnestly into the strangers