The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1873-08-28


came another thought. The money was
not his, as much as he wanted it.
but I cannot see my wife and chill
dren starve," he thought again. 1t is
not wrong to keep the money, God will
pardon the offence. He will understand
my motives.
All this was sophistry and he knew it.
Ia moment he felt it to be SO. There
was some things worse than starvation.
Lit was his wife who had said it just before
he came out. Could he meet her |
gaze when he returned with food so OBJ
tanned?
I've lived honest so far he thought,
and | won t turn thief now.
1t was with an effort he came to this
decision, for all the while there was be-
fore his eyes that vision of a cherries
home, and he could hear Jimmy vainly
asking for food. 1t was with an effort
that he stepped forward and placed his
hand on the merchants shoulder. and
extended the hand that held the pocket
book.
"Thank you, said the merchant turn
ing round. 81 hadn't perceived my
loss"
You dropped it when you took out
your handkerchief
And you saw it and picked it up.
am much oblighed to you
You have reason to be, said Robert
in low voice. '' came near keeping
it,
That would have been dishonest"
said MIR. Grimes, his tone altering
slightly.
Yes, it would; but it is hard for
man to be honest when he is penniless,
and his wife ard children without
crust"
Surely you and your children are
not in that condition" said the merchant,
earnestly.
Yes" said Robert, sit is only too
true"
For two months I have vainly sought
for work. I applied to you two days
since ~
:" remember you now. thought l
had seen you before. You still want en-
ployment.
II should feel grateful for it,
+" A porter left me yesterday. Will you
take his plfc for twelve dollars week."
Thankfully, sir, I would for half
that"
"Then come tomorrow morning, or
rather, as to morrow will be holiday. the
day succeeding. Meantime take this for
| your present necessities"
He drew from his pocket book a bank
note and put it into Roberts hand.
Its fifty dollars,'' said Robert in
amazement.
!" know it. The pocket book contains
thousand dollars. But for you I should
have lost the whole. wish you merry
Christmas.
I" It will. indeed, be merry Christmas.
God bless you. Good night
Good night
Jane waited for husband in the cold
and cherries room, which for few days
longer she might call her home
DO you think father will bring some
bread ?'' said little Jimmy, as he nestled
in her lap.
81 hope so darling" she said but
her heart misgave her. She feared it was
delusive hope.
An hour passed; there was step on
the stairs-hcr husbands. 1t could not
be, for this was cheerful, elastic step.
coming up two steps at time. She
lookad eagerly to the door.
Yes, it was he. The door opened.
Robert, radiant with joy, entered with
basket of provisions.
"Have you got some bread father?"
said Jimmy, hopefully.
Yes, Jimmy, some bread and meat
from restaurant, and here's little tea
and sugar.
How did it happen? Tell me
Robert"
So Robert told his wife, and soon a
bright fire lit up the cherries room, and
there were four happy hearts that waited
in joyful hope for the dawn of merry
Christmas day.
Robert remained with Mr.. Grimes I'M
til he saved q sufficient sum for his old
age, and his son became partner in the
house.