The Shasta courier., 1868-10-24


ard, and the two boys on the street learning
all manner of evil, Minnie at service and
here"
1t was sad epitome of broken house
hold, and the young girl that spoke was sad
too, In heart and conscience. A finely de-
veloped physique she had, handsome face,
a noble forehead, dark. luminous eyes, and
look Of tirmness and integrity.
She had been earning her bread for nearly
six months in paper collar factory, and had
laid by little money. Several times she
had put her brothers in good places, but the
drunken father had lured them back again,
or taken all their small earnings for drink
81 tbs too bad that we should be living so, y
said Carrie Beech again 1T is awful :
Mother was once matron in the poor house,
and | remember when we were comfortable,
happy. Jem and Tommy will grow up liars,
and thieves, and sots father will drink HIM
self to death, Or perhaps commit some awful
crime under the influence of liquor and be
hung for it. What shall do? Something
must be done. Give me strength. 0 God =
Show me the way. With faith and energy
believe they might be saved. 1t must be
done it shall be donep
When she had said this she remained for
some moments with her head bowed. She
felt some way consecrated, and her pale lips
moved in thanksgiving, that God had given
her this great work to do. The setting sun
streamed in on the bare carpetless room. up
| on the machinery before her, and bathed her
head in the golden glory of its beams. A
solemn stiffness reigned, for she was the last
of the operatives, and intrusted with the
KEY of the ROOM
In her young soul revolution was being
| ,,.l,t L. 4 -. I. i
suddenly cast away every doubt, every fear,
and taken to herself tie shield of faith.
They passed in review before her: the
mother, once so comely, the father, still show
ing of what nobility his nature was capable,
at times her little brothers. bright, beauti.
ful, sensitive little plants thrown among
corrupting influences --she saw them as they
were, and as they might become through her
exertions---a girl of sixteen.
Presently she arose, put on her thin shawl
and worn bonnet, turned the key of her little
desk, looked about to see if everything was
in order went out and locked the door.
Directing her steps toward the west part
Of the city, she stopped at the area gate of
handsome house and went anxiously down
the steps. A pretty, neatly dressed girl
came out to meet her, and they went together
into the great kitchen.
4" am having my supper now," said
Minnie. You are just in time"
Il don't want any supper. | have thought
of plan. and this time it must be accom-
plished."
Have you ?" said Minnie. "Wel, Just
let me tell you, Mrs. Hartwell told me to-
day that she should promote me to the nur-
sery. She overheard me reading to little
Billy, and said she wished | would read to
her. SO | am to have an increase of wages,
and she is kind enough to say that if she finds
me capable, shall be the governcss while
the children are so small. You have no idea
how they love me. Well, and now what is
your plan
$ My plan is to get house aud gather the
family together again"
80, Garry Is it possible? Think of faith
er."
g. know it appears to be great undertak-
ing, but something seems to say to me Go
on whenever l think of it, and believe Ged
will help us-you and l."
q? What can do?'
6 Stand by me, pray for me, and use as
much of your means for the accomplishment
as possible. We have both received toler
able education, thanks to the kind friends
who aided us. and begin to think there is
"
1t seems to be revealed to me this morning
all at once, that there is mission before us;
and | believe there is
8 But what will you do with father?" asked
Minnie.
Z" can't tell yet. | am going now to see
him. Yesterday Mr.. Anderson told me that
he should be glad to give him work in the
factory, if he could be induced to sign the
pledge"
90, he never WILL" said Minnie.
''But believe he will. Now am going
to see him. Eat your supper-be sure that
will succeed, and above all. pray for me-"
g | will do everything that can. 0, it
will be such happiness if you do succeed"
6 We SHALL" said Carrie. with a sweet
smile.
When the sisters parted Carrie moved more
slowly she was going to place that sick
ened her,-in a region where dwet every
thing that was foul and impure in human ma
ture. As the crowded streets came in sight,
her heart almost failed; but she kept on un-
til she came opposite cellar door there she
paused. AT that moment two dirty little fell
lows appeared on the steps, each biting at
repulsive crust of bread both were delighted
to see their sister
" Now we'll git something good ?'' cried
Jem, the eldest. 9 Father is awful sick"
g Down there?" asked the young girl, as
she gave them money to go and buy cakes.
6 Yes" said Tommy, ''he fell down and
hurt his foot, and it's growed worse, and
he amt got no money"
''The young girl entered the cellar. 1t
was a damp, unwholesome place. in which
stood.a table and two chairs A few bits of
broken crockery were placed on a small
bench set near the wall, On low trundle
bed. covered with filthy and insufficient cloth.
ing, lay the wreck of physically fine man.
Oser his forehead the coarse black hair fell
in disorder. The beard was matted and
tangled. the eyes bloodshot. the cheeks scarlet
with fever. He recognized his daughter,
his first cry was for rum. Carrie got some
water. washed his face with the cooling fluid,
and soothed him the best she could. At a
restaurant near by she bought some refresh
ments, then brought doctor to look at the
injured foot, who pronounced it a serious
spraln, and said he would not be able to
walk with it for weeks.
By the next day the poor inebriate was
comfortably dressed, and Minnie sat with him
mlnisterng to his wants and soothing him
when he called for rum.