Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1870-08-24

tIhlS Will buy bread tUr Liy vile and
children" thought Robert instantly.
a division of the comfort which tins
money would bring that cheerless room,
lighted up his heart for an instant, but,
then, for he was not dishonest, there came
another thought. The monty was not his,
much as he wanted it, .
"But, [ cannot see my wife and children
starye," he thought again ''Eftis wrong
to keep this money, God will pardon the
offence He will understand my motive. .
All thus was sophristy, and he knew it.
In moment he felt it to be SO. There
were some things worse than starvation.
1t was his wife that had said that just be-
tore he came OUT Could he meet her
gaze, when he returned with food SO OBJ
tanned? .e H3tf"
tIye lived honest, so far, " he thought
| won't turn a thief now '-t
1t was with an effort he came to this de-
cislen, for ali the while before his eyes
there was that vision of a cherries home,
and he could hear Jimmy vainiy asking fol
| food. 1t was with an effort that he step.
| ped forward and placed his hand oa tnt
merchants shoulder. and extended nc
| sand that held the pocket book. heti
''Sir," he said, hoarssly, you have
| dropped your pocket book.
''Thank you," said the merchant, turn
ing round, 81 hadn't perceived my loss. "
lyon dropped it when you took out your
handkerchief" e.- BE u
t''And you saw it, and picked it up, I am
very much obliged to you. ss34. =
''YoU have reason to be- said Robert,
in low voice. 81 came very near keeping
it,
sfThat would have been dishonest 2 said
Mr.. Gaines, his tone altering slightly.
eyes, it would but it's hard on man
to be honest when he is penniless, and his
wife and children without crust.
''Surely you and your family are not in
that condition, said the merchant earnest
ly. e
eyes, said Robert Brice, it is only too
true. J"
'tAnd you are out of work."
''For two months [ have vainly sought
for work. Iapplied to you two days since. :"
81 remember you now. [ thought [ had
seen your face before. You still want
work. e
81 should feel grateful for it.
ga porter left me yesterday. Will you
take his place at twelve dollars week."
Thankfully, sir. [ would work Tor half
that
''Ihen come tomorrow morning, or
rather as tomorrow will be holiday, the
day succeeding. Meantime take this for
your present necessities.
He drew from the pocket book a bank
note and put it in Roberts hand.
'It's fifty dollars, said Robert Brice,
amazed.
81 know it. This pocket book contains
a thousand dollars. But for you I should
have lost the whole. [ wish you merry
Christmas"
cit will indeed, be merry Christmas, -
said Robert with emotion. God bless you
sir, good nightr'
"Good nightp'
Jane waited for her husband, in the cold
and cherries room, which for few days
longer she might cali her home.
'tDo you think father will bring me some
breadf" asked little Jimmy, as he nestled
in her lap.
81 hope SO, darling" she said, but her
heart misgave her. She feared it was de-
lusive hope.
An hour passed-there was step on the
stair-her husbands. 1t could not be, Tor
two stairs at time. She looked eagerly
to the door.
Yes it was he. The door opened. Rob,
bert radiant with JOY, entered with basket
full of substantial provisions.
''Have you got some bread, father?"
asked Jimmy hopefully.
''Ies, Jimmy, some bread and meat
from a restaurant, and here's a little tea
and sugar. There's little wood left, Jane
Let's have bright fire and comfortable
meal, for, please God, this shall be mer-
ry Christmas eYe."
'How did it happen? Tell me, Robert
Brice."
So Robert told his wife, and soon bright
fire lighted up the before cheerless room,
and there were four happy hearts that wait
Ell III joyful hope for the dawn Of s'Merry
Christmas Day."
The next week they moved to better
home. They have never since known what
it is to want. Robert found a firm friend
in the merchant, and has an account in the
savings bank, and has reason to remember,
with grateful heart, Gods goodness on
that Christmas Eve.