The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1873-06-18

for three days. There was nothing he
was likely to find to do that night.
81 will pawn my coat" he said at
last 81 cannot see my wife and chill
dren starve."
1t was a we'll worn overcoat, acd
that cold winter night he needed some
thing more to keep him warm. Weak
ened by the enforced fasting he was
more sensitive to the cold, and shiver-
ed as he walked along the pavement
YES" he said, "my coat must 60.
/ know not how l shall get along
without it, but l can't see the children
starve before my eyes"
He was not in general an envious
man, but when he saw sleek, well-fed
citizens, buttened up to the throat in
warm overcoats, come out of the bril-
liantly lighted shops, provided with
luxuries for happy children at home,
while his were starving, he suffered
some hitter thoughts upon the ine-
quality of Fortunes gifts, to come to
his mind.
Why should they be SO happy and
he so miserable?.
There was one man, shorter than
himself, warmly clad, who passed him
with his hands thrust deep into the
pockets of his overcoat.
There was a pleasant smile upon his
face He was doubtless thinking of the
happy circle at home.
Robert knowshim 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 awhile the merchaht-Mr.
Grimes, drew his handkerchief slowly
from his pocket, And be did not per-
ceive that his pocket book came with
it and fell to the sidewalk.
He did not perceive 1t but Robert
did, his heart leapcd into his mouth,
and a sudden thought entered his mind.
He bent quickly down and picked up
the pocket-book He raised his eyes
hastily to see if the movement was no.
tlced. III was not.
The merchant went on unheeding
his loss.
"This will buy bread for ny wife
and Children" thought Robert instant
ly.
A vision of the comfort which the
money would bring that cherries room
lighted up his heart forsn instant, but
then, for he was not dishonest, there
came another thought that the money
was not his, much as he wanted it.
"But | cannet see my wife and chill
dren starve," he thought again. off il
is wrong to keep this money, God will
understand my motive"
All this was sophistry, ond he knew
it. In a moment he felt it to be So
, There was some things worse than
! starvation. 1t was his wife that had
said that just before he came out. Gould
he meet her gaze when he returned with
food SO obtained.
"Ive lived honest So far, he thought
"I won't turn thief now
1t was with an effort he came tC
this decision; for all the while before
, his eyes there was that vision of {
' cherries home, and he could heal
Jimmie vainly asking for food. L
9 was with an effort he stepped forward
t and placed his hand on the merchcnt'
! shoulder, and extended the hand tha
= held the pocket book.
A "Sir," he said, hoarsely, "you have
g dropped your pocket-book.
D "rhank YOU" said the merchant
turning round, 81 hadn't perceived
my loss"
''You dropped it when you took GU
your hankerchief."
"And you saw it and picked it up
l am very much obliged to you"
t "You have reason to be," )" said Rober
! in low voice. Il came very neaI
/ keeping it,"
| "That would have been dishonest
said Mr.. Grimes, his tone altering
. slightly.
ayes, it would, but it's hard for
! man to be honest when he is pennies
and his wife children without crust.
D "Surely, you and your family are n'
: ia that condition." said the merchan
r earnesaly.
e "Yes," said Robert, "it is only to-
4 true"
2 "And you are out of work?"
"For two months have l vainll
!. sought for work. l applied to yo'
n two days since"
y 81 remember you now. l though
!. l had seen your face before. Yel
0 still want work."
e 81 should feel grateful for it, ,"
y A porter left me yesterday. Will
Q you take his place at s12 week?"