Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1872-03-23

CoatS, COine out OI tne DrllllanJly ngntcd
shops, provided with luxuries for happy
children at home, while his was starving,
he suffered some bitter thoughts upon the
inequality of Fortunes gifts to come to his
mind.
Why should they be 50 happy and he 80
miserable q?
There was one man, shorter than him
self, warmly clad. who passed him with his
hands thrust deep into the pockets of his
overcoat. There was a pleasant smile up
on his face. lie 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 perhaps, the thought of the WIDE
difference between them, so far as outward
circumstances went, that led Robert Brice
to follow him.
After while the merchandise. Grimes
drew his lndkerchief slowly from his pock-
ct. As he did so, he did not perceive that
his pockct-book came with it and fell TO the
sidewalk
lie did not perceive it, but Robert did.
His heart lcapcd into his mouth, and a sud-
den thought entered his mind. lie bent
quickly down and picked up the pocket
book. He raised his eyes hastily to see if
the movement was noticed. 1t was not.
The merchant went on unheeding his
loss.
This will buy bread for my wife and
children, 81 thought Robert instantly.
A vision of the comfort which the money
would bring that cherries 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 rs
he wanted it,
But, | cannot see my wife and children
starve,' he thought again. IF il is wrong
to keep this money God will pardon the Of
fence. He will understand my motive"
All this was sophistry, and he knew it.
In a moment he felt it to be so. There
were some things woIse than starvation.
1t was his wife that had said just before he
came out. Could he meet her gaze when
he returned with food 50 obtained ,
"I'vc lived honest 50 far" he thought
II won't turn thief now.n
1t was with an effort that he came to this
decision, for nll the while before his eyes
there was th2t vision of a checrless home,
and he could hear Jimmy \ainly asking for
food. 1t was with an effort that he stepped
forward and placed his hand OH the mer-
chants shoulder, and extended the hand
that held the pocket book.
"Sir," he said hoarsely, "you have drop
ped your pocket book
Thank you,'' said the merchant, turn
ing round, Il hadn't peceivcd my loss"
You dropped it when you took out your
handkerchief"
And you saw it, and picked it up.
am very much obliged to you"
you have reason to be, said Robert in
low voice. II came very near keeping il.
That would have been dishonest" " said
Mr.. Grimes, his tone altering slightly.
Yes, it would, but its hard in II man to
be honest when he is penniless. and his
wife and children without Il crust"
Surely you and your family are not in
that condition ~ said the merchant earu-
estly
Yes" said Robert, it is only too true. .
And you are out of work ?''
For two months ! have vainly sought
for work. Iapphod to You two days since. q"
Il remember You now. thought l had
seen your face before. You still want
work 2"
II should feel grateful for it,"
"A porter left me yesterday. Will you
take his place at Sl2 II week ~
"Thankiully, sir. l would work for half
that"
Then come tomorrow morning, or ra-
day succeeding. Meantime take this for
your present necessities
lie drew from his pocket book bank
note and put it in Roberts hand.
Its $50" said Robert, amazed.
Il know il. This pocket book contains
81 600. But for you should have lost the
whole"
God bless you sir +; good night" said
Robert
Good night -
Jane waited for her husband in the cold
and cheerless room, which for a few days
longer she might call her home.
''Do you think father will bring me some
bread 2" asked little Jimmy, as he nestled
in her lap.
Il hope so darling" she said, but her
heart missave her. She feared it was de-
lusive hope.
An hour passed there was step on the
stair-her husbands. 1t could not be, for
this was cheerful, elastic step, coming up
two stairs at a time. She looked eagerly at
the door.
Ies, it was he. The door opened. -Ro-
bert, radiant with joy, entered with u bas-
Ike. full Of substantial provisions.
"llave you got some bread, father ~
asked Jimmy, hopefully.
"Ycs, Jimmy some bread aud meat from
Il restaurant, and here's little tea and su-
gar. There's little wood left, Jane. Let S
have bright tire and comfortable meal,
for, please God, this shall be a comfortable
night" -
"How did it happen Tel me, Robert, 4"
So Robert told his wife, and soon a bright
fire lighted up before the cheerless rooIH,
The next week they moved to n better
hoine. They have never since known what
it is to want. Robert found firm friend
in the savings bank, and has reason to re-
member, with grateful hearts, Gods good
ness on the Eve Of Temptation.
RnNE - l,lnn mo