The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1872-12-27
NUMBER as.

his heart Tor an instant but then-for he
was not dishoneSt-there came another
thought. The money was not his. asmucn
as he wanted it.
But | cannot see my wife and children
starve," he thought again. If ii issswrong
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 II 10 be So. There
were some things worse than starvation.
1t was his wife who said this Just before hg
came cat. Could lac meet her gaze When
he returned with food So obtained?
I've lived hurest so fan" -" he tEcC.
IL won't turn thief now
1t was with an effort lie came to tlris =
cision, for all the while there was befr--
his eyes that vision of a cherries ..p--.=-
and he could hear Jimmy vainly as.-.Cg t-r
food. 1t was with an effort that he start
ed forward aud placed his hand on the
merchants shoulder, and extended tie
hand that held the pOelet-book
Thank you, - said the merchant. turn
ing round Il hadn't perceived my loss
You dropped it when you took out your
handkerchief"
And you saw it aud picked it up. I
am much obliged to you
~ on have reason 10 be. - said Robert,
( in low voice. Il came near keeping it
THAT would have been dishonest" said
Yes, 1t would /; but it's hard on a man
to be honest when he is penniless. and his
wife and children without a crust"
''Surely you and your family are not in
that condition? ? said the merchant earn
estly.
''res," said Robert, '.it is only too true
And your are out of work -
For two months have vainly sought
forwork. Iappied toyou two days since"
Il remember you now. Thought had
seen your face before. You still want work.
y should feel grateful for it.
"a porter left me yesterday. VIII you
take his place for $l2 a week?'
''Thankfully, sir. Iwould for halfthat'' -
"Ihen come tomorrow morning, or rath-
er, rs tomorrow viii be a holiday. the day
succeeding. Meantime take this for Your
present necessities
He drew from his pocket bank note,
and put it into Roberts hand.
''It'sfifty dollars, said Robert, in amaze
ment
Il know it. The pnclzetbook contains
thousand dollars. But for you I should
have lost the whole. | wish you 4 merry
Christmas"
1t viii indeed be merry Christmas"
said Robert with emotion. God bless you,
sir. 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 little Jimmy, IS nc nestled IL
her lap.
i hope so, darling" she said but her
heart misgave her. She feared it was a
delusive hope.
An hour passed-there was step on the
stairs-her husband >. 1t could not be,
for this WAS a cheerful, elastic step. coming
up two steps at time. She looked at the
door.
Yes, it was he. The door opened. Rob
ert, radiant with joy, entered with 4, bask-
et full of substantial provisions.
''Have you got some bread, father?"-
asked Jimmy, hopefully.
eyes, Jimmy, some bread and meat from
restaurant, and here's little tea and
sugar. There's little wood left Jane
Let's have bright fire and comfortable
meal, for, please God, this shall be merry
Christmas. -
''How did it happen? Tell ne Robert
So Robert told his wife.
The next week they moved to q better
home. They have never since known
what it is TO want. Robert fJund "a fam
friend in the mel chant, and has auacc1J-t
i'll the savings bank and reason L. r-.ae.-.-
Der with grateful heart God EesdAess o..
that Christmas Eve.