The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1872-11-22
Ssletteo Storp.
NUMBER ONE.

"Take care of No. 1, that is my
motto, gentlemen" said Mr.. Mark
ham, and as he spoke buttoned his
coat tightly about him, as if he
thought this act would be convinc
ing proof, to his auditors, that he
intended to act up to the sentiment
he had just expressed.
But surely we are commanded to
help one another" was the reply
ave should do as we would be done
Eby."
Exactly! I agree to that propo-
sition if my barn should burn down,
1 should not wish my neighbors
asked to share the expense of having
it rebuilt"
"Cer<ainly not, because yuu have
comparatively ample means, and
could easily rebuild it yourself.
But you may be placed in a situa-
tion when help from another will be
very necessary to you"
POSSIBLY; but 1 have never yet
found it so. 1 believe every one
can take care of himself if he has the
disposition to do SO. must beg
you to excuse me, gentlemen; it is
time that 1 was on my way to the
city"
The disappointed visitors took
leave, and Mr.. Markham returned
TO the comfortable apartment where
his wife and children were awaiting
him.
at is early for callers" remarked
Mrs. Markham. "Who are they, my
dear?"
"Two gentlemen who are trying to
get up a subscription to rebuild Mr..
Lawson's barn, which was burned
three or four months ago, just before
we moved here"
'Mr. Lawson! Is he our next
neighbour
"Yes, you can see his house from
the window-that small, old-fashion-
ed farmhouse, the barn stood on the
other side of the road, and was re-
ally quite a good building. 1t was
great loss to him, though there was
some insurance"
"How much did you give, Harry?"
"Nothing at all. 1t was a piece of
assurance to come to me. We have
not lived in the town more than three
months, and I hardly know Mr.. Law
son by sight. What possible claim
has he upon me for assistanc? Be-
sides, I always stick to my motto,
Take care of number one"
Mrs. Markham looked thoughtful,
and shook her head.
Il do not like that motto, Harry"
she said.
Neither do I, father" exclaimed
bright-eyed little girl, who was an
attentive listener; "for Robbie and I
want you to bring US some candJ
this evening, and if you only take
care of number one, l am afraid you
will forget"
'Never fear, Miss PERT" was the
laughing answer. Number one in
cludes a mans whole family"
"That is better, father; so don't
forget the candy" said the child,
well satisfied with the explanation;
but the mother looked thoughtful,
and, as her husband stopped for his
COOd-bVe kiss. she whispered:
"We are all members of one great
family, Harry"
"Yes-perhaps so," was the half
reluctant admission; "but 1 have no
time TO think of it 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 sporm is sometimes rag
ing.
A dark shadow had fallen over Mr..
Markham's household, during his
customary absence, on the day of
our story, Little Julia had been tax
en- suddenly sick, and her symptoms
seemed so alarming that the mother
was anxiousIy awaiting the arrival
of her husband, that she might con
suit with him in regard to sending
for aphysiciaD.
Certainly; 1 will go for Doctor
Merrill at once" said Mr.. Markham,
as he bent fondly over the little suf
ferer, who was in a burning fever,
and tossing restlessly upon her pill
low.
"Here is tue candy she asked for"
he added, in a lower tone, as he hand
ed his wife a small parcel; "but 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, I do not think she is fully