The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1864-1911, 1868-03-25
A SKETCH FROM LIFE.

"Ah, Jacob, now you see how all your
hopes are gone Here you are, all our
children removed from us by the hand Of
death, and ere long we must be inmates of
the poor house. Where, now, is all the
bread that you have cast upon the water?"
The old, white haired man looked up at
his wife. He was indeed bent down with
years, and age sat upon him trembling =
Jacob Manfred had been mparatively
wealthy man, and while fortune had smiled
upon him, he had ever been among the first
to lend listening ar and helping hand to
the cause of distress; but now misfortune
was his. OF his t6hr boys, not one was
left. Sickness and failing health found
him with but lttle and they left him pen
niless.
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 looked them cold-
ly in the face.
Don't repine. Susan" said the old
man. True, we are poor, but we are not
forsaken. 5r
mot forsaken, Jacob? Who is there to
help us now?'
Jacob Manfred raised his trembling fins
ger toward heaven.
"Ah, Jacob. | know God is our friend
but we ought to have friends here. Look
back, and see hoS many you have beIrlend> )
ed in days long past. You cast your bread
upon the waters, with tree hand, but II
has not been returned to you'll
Hush, Susan, you forget what you say
To be sure, may have hoped that some
kind hand Of earth would lift me from utter
want; but do not expect it as reward for
anything ! have done. If l have helped
the unfortunate, have had my full reward
in knowing that have done my duty to
my fellows. Oh! of all the kind leeds |
have done to my suffering fellows. would
not for gold have them hotted from my
memory. All, my fond wife It's the the
memory of good done in life that makes
old age happy Even now hear the warm
thanks Of those whom | have bffriended,
and again | can see their smiles "
Yes, jacob" returned his wife, in a
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 is a 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.
"Bce!" he replied, with quick shudder.
| mo. Susan, we are
He hesitated and big tear rolled down
his furrowed cheek. f., ...... .....
"We are what, Jacob?'
"We are going to the poor house!'
ooh. Godl | thought sol" fell from the
poor wife's lips, as she covered her face
with her hands. II have thought so, and
| have tried to school myself to the
thought, but my poor heart will not beal
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, anC
let us not wear out our last days in fruitles
repinings. Come, come.
But when shall we go?'
"Now-to-day.
'"Then God will have mercy upon US. y
"He will :"
The old couple sat for awhile in silence
When they we're aroused from their painful
thoughts, it was by the stopping OF wag
on at their door. A man entered the room
where they sat. He was the keeper of tn
poor mouse.
"Come Mr.. Manfred" he said, 9Th
Selectmen have managed to crowd you il
the poor house. The wagon is at the door
and you must get ready as soon as posi-
BILE. "
Jacob Manfred had not calculated th
strength he should need for this ordeal. =
There was a coldness in the very tone an,
manner of the man who had come Tor him
that went like an icesbolt to lis keart, an,
with deep groan he sank into his seat.
"Come, be in hurry" impatiently urg
ed the keeper. .
| At that moment heavy covered carriag
drove up to the door.
is this the house of Mr.. Jacob Man
lred?"
+ The question was answered by man wh
entered from the carryal He was kin
] looking man man, about forty years of age
"That's my name, said Jacob.
"Then they told me truly" uttered tn
new conner.
"Are you the keeper of the aims
house," he continued, turning towards th
, man,
/ Eyes"
; "Are you after these peoplo?'
) yes"
; "Then you may return. Jacob Manfre
] goes to no poor mouse while | am living
The speaker gazed inquisitively into th
features Of the man, and the keeper le
the house.
tITlnn't ynu rnn,e,nhar ,ne2b erclainoe