The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1870-12-22

He bent quickly down and picked up
the pocket book lie raised his eye.
hastily to see if the movement was no
ticed, 1t was not. Tie merchant went
on, unheediGg his loss.
This will buy bread for my wife
and children" thought Robert, in
stantly.
A vision Of the comfort which the
money would bring that cherries room.
lighted up his heart for an Instant, but
then, for he waa not dishonest, there
came another thought. The money was
not his, much as he wanted il.
But cannot see my wife aud chill.
drcn starve, he thought again. at is
wrong to keep the money God will par
don the offence lie will understand
my motive -
All this was sophis,ry, and he knew
It, In a moment he felt it to be so.
There were some things worse than
starvation, 1t was his wife who had
said this just before he came out tt
Could he meet her gaze when he re.
turned with food so obtained !?
" I've eliyed honest, so far, he thought;
| wont turn thief now"
IL was with an effort he came to this
decision, for all tho while there was be.
tore his eyes that vision of a cheerless
home, and he could hear Jimmy yuinly
asked for food 1t was with an effort
that he stepped forward aud plced his
hand on the merchants shoulder, aud
extended the hand that held the booklet
book
=" Thauk you" said the merchant,
turning round, II hadn't perceived my
loss. i"
" Y.u dropped it when you took out
your handkerchief.
And you saw il and picked it up.
| am much obliged to 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 slightly al.
tering.
Yes, it would; but it's hard on a man
to be honest when he is penniless, and
his wife aud children without a crust .
Surely you aud your family are not
in that condition ?" said the merchant
earnestly.
Yes" said Robert, at is too true. "
And you are out of work 7"
For two months have vainly sought
for work. applied to you two days
since"
" remember you now, | thought |
had seen your face before You still
want work z"
should feel grateful for it,"
A.portcr left me yesterday. win
you take his place for twelve dollars u
week 7"
Thankfully, sir would for half
that"
Then come to morrow morning, or
rather, as to morrow is holiday, the
day succeeding. Meantime take this
for Jour present necessities"
lie drew from his pock ct book bank ..
note, and put it 10 Roberts hand.
It's fifty dollars !" said Robert in
amazement
- know it. The pocket.book con.
tains a thousand dollars. But for you
| should have lost the whole wish
you a merry Christmas" J."
{" 1t will, indeed, be merry Christ
mas, said Robert with emotion. "God
bless you, sir Good night !"
Good bight!"
Jaoo waited for her husband, 10 the
cold aud eheerless room, which for a
few days longer she might call her
home.
=" DO you think father will briag some
bread ?" said little Jimmy, as he nestled
in her lap.
II hope so darling" she said; but
her heart misgave her She feared i,
was a delusive hope.
An hour past--there was step on
the stairs--her husbands. II could not
be, for this was a cheerful, elastic step
coming up two stairs at time. She
looked eagerly to the door.
Yes, il was be. The door opened
Robert, radiant with joy, entered with
basket fall Of substantial provisions.
" Have you got somo bread, father p
asked Jimmy, hopefully.
Z" Yes, Jimmy, some bread and meat
from restaurant, and here's little tea
and sugar. There's little wood left
Jane. Let's have bright FIRE and a
comfortable meal, for, please God, this
shall be a merry Christmas
Z" How did it happen? Tell me, Ro
bert"
So Robert told his wife, and soon q
bright FIRE liz up the before cherries.
room; and there were four happy hearts
that waited in joyful hope for the DAVIS
of Merry Christmas Day"
The next week they moved to bet.
ter home. They have never nee knowr
what it is to want Robert found frn
friend in the merchant, and has an ac
count 10 the savings bank, and has rea
son to remember, with a grateful heart
Gods goodness on that Christmas Eve
The Flower Forget-Me-Not.