The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1871-02-08

made little Jimmy. lie was ab-
solutely pennilcss and had been
so for three days. There was no.
thing that he was likely to find to
do that night.
II will pawn my coot," he said
at last. Il cannot see my wife and
children starve."
It was a we'll worn overcoat,
and that cold winter night he
needed something more to keep
him warm. Weakened by enforced
fasting, he was more sensitive to
the cold, and shivered as he walk
ed along the pavement.
"Yes," he said, "my coat must
90. | know not how I shall get
along without it, but I cannot see
the children star7e before my
eyes"
lie was not in general an en-
vious man, out when be saw sleek,
we'll fed citizens buttoned up to
the throat in Harm overcoats,
conc out Of the brilliant lighted
shops, provided with presents for
happy children at home, while his
were starving, he suffered some
bitter thoughts upon the inequali-
tv of fortunes gifts to come to his
mind.
Why should they be so happy,
he so miserable?
There was time, ne remem-
bered it well, when he too suffered
not the New Years eve to pass
without buying some little gift
for Jimmy and Agnes. How lit
lie he dreamed then that they
would ever want bread.
There was one man shorter than
himself, warmly clad, who passed
him with his hands thrust deeply
into the pockets of his overcoat.
There was q pleasant smile upon
his face. he was doubtless think
ing Of the happy circle at home.
Robert knew him as a rich mer-
chant, whose ample warehouse he
often passed. He 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 as outward circumstances
went, that led Robert Brlce to fol.
low him.
After a while the merchant
Mr.. Grimes-drew his handkcr,
chief swiftly from his pocket. AS
he did so he did not perceive that
his pocket book came with it and
fell on the sidewalk.
He did not perceive it, but Rob
ert did. His heart leaped into his
mouth, and a sudden thought en-.
tered his mind. lie bent quickly
down and picked up the pocket
book. He raised his eyes hastily
to see if the movement was no
ticcd. 1t was not. The merchant
went on, unhccding his loss.
"Tbis will buy bread for my
wife and children" thought Rob
ert instantly.
A vision of the comfort which
the money would bring that cheer
less room, lighted up his heart fol
an instant, but then, lor he wa:
not dishonest, there came another
thought. The money was not his
as much as he wanted it.
"But l cannot see my wife anc
children starvc," he thought again
"If it is wrong to keep the money
God will pardon the offense. HI
will understand my motive"
All this was sophistry, and he
knew it. In 4 moment he felt II
to be so. There were some thing:
worse than starvation. 1t wa:
his wife who had said this just b.
foro he came out. Could ho mcet
her gaze when he returned Will
food so obtained?
give lived honest 80 far" he
thought, II won't turn thief now
It was with an effort he came tc
this decision, for all the while
there was before his eyes that Vi
sion of & cherries nome, and ht
could hear Jimmy vainly asking
for bread. 1t was with an effort
that he stepped forward andplacec
his hand on the merchants shoul
der, and extended the hand that
held the pocket book.
"Thank you," said the merchant