New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-09-22
NUMBER ONE.

"Take care of number one, that is m,
GnottO, gentlemen said 3ir. Markham, aDC
as he spoke buttoned his coat tightly abou
gi1n, as if he thought this act would be con
vincing proof to bis auditors that he intend
ed to act up to the sentiment he had jus
expressed.
"But surely we are commanded to heII
one another" was the reply. I'VE should
do as we would be done by
EXACTLY / agree TO that proposition
9f my barn should burn down, should not
wish my neighbors asked to share the ex
pense of having it rebuilt"
"Certainly not, because you have com
6aratiYely ample means, and could easily
rebuild it yourself. But you may be placed
On d situation when help from another will
DE very necessary to you
"POssibly; but have never vet found it
believe every one can take care Of himself
il he has the disposition to do so. | must
beg you to excuse me, gentlemen; it is
&ime that was ON my way to the city"
The disappointed visitors took leave, and
dMr. Markham returned to the comfortable
apartment where his wife and children
we're awaiting him.
lit is early for callers, remarked Mrs.
Markham. "Who are they, my dear 2"
Two gentlemen who are trying to get up
"a subscription to rebuild Mr.. LaWsons
barn, which was burned three or four
MIR. Lawson Is he our next neighbOr"
eyes, You can see his house from the
window-that small, old fashioned farm
dOuse, the barn stood on the other side of
the road, and was really quite good build
eng 1t was a great loss to him, though
there was some insurance
"H0w much did you give, Harry 2"
Nothing at all. 1t was great piece of
assurance to come to me. We have not lived
an the town more than three months, and |
hardly know Mr.. Lawson by sight. What
possible claim has he upon me for assistance?
Besides, / always stick to my MOTTO Take
care of number one.'n
Mrs. Markham looked thoughtful and
ehook her head.
II do not like that motto Harry" she
said.
"Neither do I, father, exclaimed a bright
eyed little girl, who was an attentive listen
Ger, 'for Robbie and ! want you to bring as
some candy this evening, and II you only
take care of number one, | am afraid you
will forget it,"
Never fear, Miss Pert" was the laugh |
ding answer. Number one includes asmau's |
whole family"
THAT is better, father; so don't forget the
Candy" said the child, well satisfied with |
the explanations but the mother Looked |
dis good-by kiss, she whispered:
We are all members of one great family, |
Harry"
eyes; perhaps so" was the half relectant |
admission; "but | have no time to think Of |
DIT now. Good morning to YOU all"
What change will take place in one short !
day. In the morning all may be calm and |
bright, and ere nightfall the widest storm
dis sometimes raging.
A dark shadow had fallen over Mr. Mark
HAMS household during his customary alb
8ence on the day of our story. Little Julia
ALL I l.,,t -
symptoms seemed so alarming that the
mother was anxiously awaiting the arrival
Of her husband, that she might consult with
3lim I'M regard to sending for physician.
Certainly; | will go for Dr.. Merrill at
once, said Mi. Markham, as he bent fondly
over the little sufferer, who was in a burn /
mi fever and tossing reStiessly upon hex
Here is the candy he she asked for, he
added in d lower tone, as he handed his
wife a small parcel; "Dut it will be better
not to offer it to her now
"She would not take it," replied the
mother, her eyes filled with tears. ''She
scarcely notices anything, and, indeed, do
not think she is fully conscious of what is
passing around her.
"Well, dear, we will be hopeful" replied
ler husband, cheerfully. at may be only
= passing attack | will go Immediately"
'And what does the doctor say is ailing
|
all work, as Mr., Markham came into the
kitchen, soon after the doctor had made his
visit.
Scarlet fever Of the very worst descrip-
tion,n was the Responding reply. Mrs.
Markham can not leave her for an instant,
Bessie, and we shall depend upon you to see
that everything is attended to about the
house; and please keep Robbie from the
;ick-room as much as possible. Poor little
'ellow, fear we shall not be able to pre-
yent his taking the disease
"lndade, an | am very sorry for sc, sir;
'ut must be after leaving. My month was
Up yesterday"
but, surely, Bessie" exclaimed the in I
llgnant gentleman, you would not be so
,ruel or selfish as to leave u.s. now that we
are i'll such trouble n /
cit is not cruel and selfish that / am, sir;
am very sorry for We all, but indade an |
I'm afraid Of the fayer | must leave this
Fery evening"
Representation, persuasion and bribery
we're alike useless Bessie's only reply to
dr. Markhams circumstances was that she
must take care of herself"
This is looking out for number one with
1 vengeance" muttered the discounted s
master, as he turned from the kitchen and f
vent reluctantly to tell his wife of the new t
Misfortune.
In another hour Bessie was gone. q
eve must make the best of it," said Mrs. i
"We can get along very well I
night, and tomorrow will send for Mrs. '
5ates, who sometimes washes for us. She a
vii hetp us for a day or two, until we can
md some one to take Bessies place | il
hould not like TO have a stranger in the il
.ouse Just now; Perhaps DR.. Merrill knows s
f some suitable person \
morning Drought no relief either to the ii
iCk child or the anxious parents. The fear
I'll disease was making fearful progress D
nd It was an extremely critical case. n
Weary with watching and anxietv Nv I
farkham sent at an early hour for Mrs
bates; but received for an answer that sho g,
ould not think of coming where there was n
oarlet fever, and would not be willing to
ave the clothes brought, lest her own little I.
irl should take the disease. Il
What can we do, doctor 2" asked Mr. a
as he told DR.. Merrill how then d
rere situated. "Can y0u tell US of any one v
mo would be willing TO come and help us 81
while 2" +,
Il fear it viii be difficult matter to get il
ny one" returned the doctor. Scarlet
,yer has been so fatal of laTe that n il AZ s,
luch dreaded as smallpox. You should Ii
OF have told Bessie the name OF the dis /
ase, Mr.. Markham T
.! did not suppose any one would be SO t.
9lish as to 60 off in that manner when
lere was sickness in the house" REPLIED in
II. Markham Indignantly. m
ION, as to that. people always look out D
T number one said the doctor. good ii
ituredly, and quite unconscious that lie hi
as treading on delicate ground II viii
AXE inquiries and see what can be done NJ
r you" he added as he took leave, prom ht
ng to see his patient again in the course b.
the day. lii
u think he viii find some one, said Mr..