Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-11-18
How little he dreamed that they should
eypr want bread

Robert knew him rs rich merchant,
whose ample warehouse he often passed.
lie had applied to this man only two days
before for employment and been refused.
1t was, perhaps, the thought of the wide
difference between them, so far rs out.
ward circumstances went, that led Robert
Bricc to follow him.
After while, the merchandise.
Grimcs-drcw his handkerchief slowly
from his pocket. As he did so. he did not
perceive that his pocket book came with
il and fell to the sidewalk
He did not perceive it but Robert did.
His heart lcaped into his mouth, and a
sudden thought entered his mind. He
bent quickly down and picked UP the
pocket book. He raised his eyes hastily
to sec if the movement was noticed. 1t
was not. The merchant went on unhecd-
ing his loss.
That will buy bread Tor my wife and
children" thought Robert instantly.
4 vision of the comfort which the
money would bring that cherries room,
lighted up his heart for an instant, but
then. for he was not dishonest, there
came another thought. The money was
not his, rs much as he wanted it.
"But cannot see my wife and children
starve." he thought again. "lf it is
wrong to keep the money, God viii par
don the offence. He will understand my
motive"
All this was sophiStry, and he knew it.
In momcn, he felt it to be So There
were some things worse than starvation.
1t was his wife who had said this just hc-
fore he came out. Could he meet her
gaze, when he returned with food so OBJ
tanned
i've lived honest so far" he thought.
II won't turn a thief now
II was with an effort he came 10 this
decision. for all the while there was be-
fore his eyes that vision OF 4 cherries
home. and he could hear Jimmy vainly
asking Tor food. 1t was with an cnolt
that he stepped forward and placed his
hand upon the merchants shoulder. and
extended his hand that held the poe kct-
/ book
Thank YOU" said the merchant, turn
ing round, II hadn't perceived my loss"
You dropped it when you took out
your handkerchief"
And you saw it and picked it up. |
am much obliged 20 you
"You have reason to be-" said Robert
| in a low voice. II came near keeping it,. !"
That would have been dishonest"
said Mr. Grimes, his tone altering slight
ly.
Yes, it would; but it's hard on man
to be honest when he is pcnniless. and
/ his wife and children without n crust.
"Surely YOU and your family are not in
that condition ?" said the merchant earn
cstly.
Yes" said Robert, ait is only TOO
true"
And YOU are out Of work a.
"For two months have vainly sought
for work. applied to you two days
since"
II remember you now. | thought |
had seen your face before. You still
want work ?"
81 should feel grateful FOR it,"
a porter left me yesterday. VIII you
take this place for twelve dollars a week.
Thankfully, sir. | would work for
half that"
Then come to morrow morning, or
rather, as tomorrow will be holiday,
the day succeeding. Meantime take this
for your present necessities
He drew from his pocket L bank note
and put ii into Roberts hand.
'Its fifty dollars !" said Robert in
amazemcnt.
II know it. The pocket book contains
n thousand dollars. But for you should
have lost the whole. wish you merry
Christmas"
at ll.indeed, be merry Christmas"
said Robert with emotion. "GOd bless
you sir, goodnight!
"Good.night."
Jane waited for her husband, i'll the
cold and cherries room. which for a few
days longer she might call her home.
"Do you think father will bring some
bread9n said little Jimmy, as he nestled
in her lap.
II hope so, darling" she said, but her
heart misgavc her. She feared it was
delusivc hope.
An hour passcd-thcre was a step on
the stair-her husbands. 1t could not be,
for this was cheerful, elastic step, COM
ing up two steps at time. She looked
eagerly to the door.
Yes, it was he. The door opened. Rob
ert. radiant with JOY, entered with Il
basketful of substantial provisions.
"Have you got some bread, father =
asked Jimmy, hopefully.
Yes, Jimmy, some bread and meat
| from Il restaurant, and here's Little tea
and sugar There's little wood left,
Jane. Let's have bright fire and a COM
Portable meal. for, please God, this shall
be merry Christmas"