The Placer herald., 1871-01-28
ut | cannot see the children starve before

He was not in general an envious man,
but when he saw sleek, we'll fed citizens,
buttoned up to the throat in warm overcoats,
come out of the brilliantly lighted shops,
provided with presents for happy children at
home, while his were starving, he suffered
some bitter thoughts upon the inequality of
fortunes gifts to come to his mind.
Why should they be so happy-he SO
miserable?
There was time, he remembered it well,
when he too suffered not the Christmas eve
to pass without buying some little gifts for
Jimmy and Agness. How little he dream
ed then that they would ever want bread!
There was one man, shorter than himself,
warmly clad, who watched him with his
hands thrust deep into the pockets of his
overcoat. There was pleasant smile upon
his face. He was doubtless thinking of the
happy circle at home.
Robert knew him as rich merchant, whose
ample warehouse he often passed. He had
applied to this man only two days before for
employment, and been refused. 1t was, per-
haps, the thought of the wide difference be-
tween them, so far as outward circumstances
went, that led Robert Brce to follow him.
After while, the merchant Mr. Grimes
drew his hand kerchief safely from his
pocket. AS he did so, he did not perceive
that his pocket-book came with it and fell to
the sidewalk.
He did not perceive it, but Robert did.
His heart leaped into his mouth, and a sud
den thought entered his mind. He bent
quickly down and picked up the pocket-book
He raised his eyes hastily to see if the move
ment was noticed. 1t was not The mer-
chant went on, unheeding his loss
"This will buy bread for my wife and
children" " thought Robert, instantly.
A vision of the comfort which the 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 money was not his, much as he wanted
it.
"But | sannot see my wife and children
atarve," he thought again. eff it is wrong
to keep the money, God Will pardon the Of
fence. He will understand my motive"
All this was sophistry, and he knew it.
In moment he felt it to be SO. There are
something's worse than starvation. 1t was
his wife who had said this just before he
came out. Could he meet her gaze with
food so obtained ?
'I've lived honest so far" he thought;
81 won't turn thief now" !"
1t was with an effort he came to this de-
cision, for all the while there was before his
eyes that vision of cheerless home, and he
could hear Jimmy vainly asking for food.
1t was with an effort that he stepped forward
and placed his hand on the merchants shoul-
der, and extended the hand that held the
pocket-book.
"Thank you,' said the merchant turning
round, 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 to you
"You have reason to be-" said Robert,
in a low voice. 81 came near keeping it. "
"That would have been dishonest" said
Mr.. Grimes, his tone slightlp altering.
eyes, it would; but it's hard on man to
be honest, when he is penniless. and his wife
and children without cent"
"Surely you and your family are not in
that condition." said the merchant earnestly.
eyes" said Robert ''it is too true. ;"
"And you are out of wark
"For two months ! have vainly sought
for work. | applied to you two days since.
81 remember you now. thought had
seen your face before. You still want work?"
81 should feel grateful for it..
GA porter left me yesterday. VIII you
take his place for twelve dollars week %
"Thankfully sir. would for half that.
"Then come tomorrow morning, or rath
er as tomorrow is holiday, the day sue
cecding. Meantime take this for your pres
ent necessities
"He drew from his pocket-book a bank
note and put it into Roberts hand.
''It's fifty dollarsr said Robert in amaze
ment.
81 know it. The pocket-book contains
dollars. But for you should
have lost the whole. wish you Merry
Christmas.
cit will, indeed, be a Merry Christmas"
said Robert, with emotion. "God bless
you sir. Good night
''Good night!'
Jane waited for her husband, in the cold
and cheerless room. which for few days
longer she might call her home.
"Do you think father will bring some
bread ?" said Jimmy as he nestled in her
lap.
81 hope so darling" she said; but her
heart misgave her. She feared it was de-
usive hope.
An hour passed-there was a step on the
stairs-her husbands 1t could not be, for |
this was cheerful, elastic step, coming up
two stairs at once. She looked eagerly to
The door.
Yes, it was he. The door opened. Rob
srt, radiant with joy, entered with a basket
full of substantial provisions
Have you got some bread, father, ask
I'd Jimmy, hopefully.
eyes, Jimmy, some bread and meat from
, restaurant, and here's little tea and SUI
gar. There's little wood left, Jane. Let's
have bright fire and comfortable meal,
or, please God, this shall be Merry Christ