The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1870-12-10

pocket book came With, II and fell
to the Sidewalk.

ert did. " His heart leaped into his
mouth, and . sudden thought en-
tered his mind. he bent quickly
down and picked up the pocket
book. He raised his eyes hastily
| to see II the movement was MOTTO
ed. It was not. The merchant
went on, unhesding his loss.
This viii buy bread for my wife
and children thought Robert in
stantly.
A vision Of the comfort which
the money would bring that cheer
less room, lighted up his heart for
an instant. but then, for he was not
dishonest. there came another
thought. The money Was not his.
% much a. he wanted it.
But I can nos see my wife and
children ssarve,' he thought again.
III it is wrong to keep the money,
God will pardon the onense. He
will understand my motive
All this was sophistry, and he
knew it. In = momert he felt it to
he 60 There were some things
worse than starvation. It was his
wife who had said this just before
he had came out. Could he meet
her gaze when he returned with
food so obtained
I've lived honest so far he
thought; 4 won't turn thief now "
It WAS with an effort he came to
this decision, for all the while there
was before him that vision OF .
cheerless home, and he could hear
Jimmy vainly asking for food. It
Was with an effort that he stepped
forward and placed his hand on the
merchants shoulder, and extended
the hand that held the pocket book.
Thank you,' said the merchant,
turning round, Il hadn't perceived
my loss a
You dropped it when you took
out your handksrchief.'
And you saw and picked it up.
I am much obliged to you
You have reason to be- said
Robert in . low voice. Il came
near keeping IT,
That would have been dishon-
est said Mr.. Grimes, his tone al
tering slightly.
Yes, it weuld but It's hard on
q man to be honest when he is PEN
niless, and his wife and children
without crust
Surely you and your family are
not in that condition 2, said the
merchant earnestly.
'fes,' said Robert, it is only too
true.' 2@ @...-.-... r.
And you are ont Of work1'
For two months I have vainlv
sought for work. I applied to
7ou two days SINCE
4 remember you now. thought
had seen your face before. You
till want work.
i should feel grateful for IT,
"A porter left me yesterday.
Will you take his place for twelve
lollars . week p
Thankfully, sir. I would for
lalf that
Then come TO- morrow morning,
r rather, ~ to-nsoYrow will be
oliday, the day succeeding. Mean
ime take this for your present
ecessities.'
He drew from his pocket-book
ank note, and put it into Roberts
and.
It's fifty dollarsr said Robert in
mazement.
4 know it. Tho pocket-book
ontains q thousand dollars. But
'r you / should have lost the
hole. I wish you . merry Christ
las.' 1
1t will, indeed, be q merry
hristmss,' said Robert, with en-
lion. God bless you, sir. Good
ght.'
Good night
Jane waited for her husband, in
e cold and cheerless room, which
r few days longer she might
II her home.
DO you think father will bring
some bread ? said little Jimmy,
he nestled in her lap.
Il hope SO. darling,' she said;
It heart misgave her. She fear
it was . delusive hope.
An hour passed-there was a
sp on the stair-her husbands.
could not be, for this Was
eerful, elastic step, coming up
o steps at . time. She looked
gerly 10 the door.
Yes, It was he The door open
Robert, radient with joy, en-
cd With basket full of substan
| provisions.
Have you got some bread, IA
n aaketl .Fitnmv hao.,f,ll,,