Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1872-12-03
Nar. N7crtOn's E:usc.
BY MRS. VI. WYNKOOP.

canilOl Walt any longer.
must have my money, aud if you
cannot pay it ! must foreclosc the
mortgage and sell the place. said
Mr.. Merton.
''ln that case it viii of course be
sold at a great sacrifice, and after
all the struggles ! have made, my
family will again bc homeless. it
is very hard. | only wish you had
to earn your money as | do mine.
you might then know something of
the hard life Of n poor working
man. II you could only in imagi-
nation, put yourself in my place,
think you would have a little mer-
cy on me-" said Mr. Bishop.
at Is useless talking; / extended
the time one year, and ! can do so
70 longer replied Mr.. Merton, rs
h turned 70 his work and costinu~
ed his writing.
The poor man rose from his seat
and walked sadly out of Mr.. Mcr-
toms Off &c, his last hope gone. He
hld just recovered from q long
siege OF illness which has swallow
ed up all the n cans with which he
had intended to make the last pay
mcnt upon his home. True that,
gentleman had waited cne year
when he had failed to meet the de-
mand owing to sickness in his fam
lily, and he had felt very much
obliged to him for doing so. This
year he had lain sick for several
months, during which lie could
earn nothing, and all his savings
were then needed for the support
of himself and family. Again he
had failed, and now he would be
homeless and have to begin the
world anew. Had the Lord for
sakea hiin, and given him over to
the tender mcrcies of the wicked (
After he had left the office, Mr..
Merton could not drive away from
his thoughts that remark to which
the poor man III his grief had Civ
IN utterancc: IL wish you had TO
earn your money as | DO mine" =
In the midst Of row Of figures.
put yourself in my place." would
Once after it had crossed
lis mind, he laid down lns work,
saying:
"Wcll, / think should find it rath-
~ hard. | have mind to drop in
here this afternoon, and sec how
t goes with the family. That has
Irouscd my curiosity
About five O'Clock he put on q
gray wig, and some Old worn, cast
III clothing, walked TO the residence
If Mr.. Bishop and knocked at the
loor. Mrs. Bishop, a pale, weary
ool,ing woman opened it, and the
Door old man requested permission
o enter and rest awhile, saying he
vas very tired with his long journ-
", for he had walked many mics
hat day.
Mrs. Bishop cordially invited him
II, and gave him the best scat the
iouse afforded. She then began to
make preparations for tea. The
Id gentleman watched her atten-
lively. He saw there was no elias
lefty in her ap, no hope in her
aud pity for her began
D steal into his heart. When her ,,
usband entered her features re-
lxed into smile, and she forced a
heerfulness into her manner. The
raveler noted it all, and he felt
imself compelled TO admire this
roman who could assume n cheer
illness she did not feel, for her hus- :
and's sake. After the table was !
there was nothing upon
but bread, and butter and tea
hey invited the stranger to eat !
18th them, saying: ave have no J
lueh to offer you, but cup of tea
Ill bc refreshing after your long :
,urney."
lie accepted their hospitality, and |,
5 they discussed the frugal meal 1
G led them without seeming TO do
}, TO talk of their affairs. c
81 bought this lot" said Mr..
ishop, cat very low price, and
'stead of waiting, ms ! ought 10 a