The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1873-10-29
NUM- BER ONE.
BY MRS. 5. p. DOUGHTY.

Take care of number one, that i
my motto, gentlemen" said Mr.. Mark
ham, and as he spoke he buttoned hi
coat tightly about him, as f he though
that this act would be convincin.
proof, to his auditors, that he intend
ed to act up to the sentiment he ha,
just expressed.
But, surely, we are commander
to help one another" was the reply
1--WE should do as we would be don,
by"
Exactly! | agree to that last prop
osition. If my barn should be burn
ed down, / should not wish to hav,
my neighbors asked to share the ex
pense of having it rebuilt"
Certainly not, because you hav,
comparatively ample means, ant
could easily have it rebuilt yourself
But you may be placed in situation
when help from another will be very
necessary for you"
Possibly; but l have never We
found it so. | believe every one ear
vet take care Of himself if he has the
disposition to do so. | must beg you
to excuse me gentlemen, it is time
that | 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.
ut was early for callers remark
ed Mrs. Markham. "Who were they
my dear 2"
1.-TWO gentlemen who are trying tc
get up a subscription to rebuild Mr.
Dawson's barn, which was burned
three or four months since, just before
we moved here"
"Mr. Lawson Is he our next
neighbor Z"
"Yes; YOU can see his house from
the window-that small, old-fashion.
ed farm house. The barn stood on
the other side of the road, and was
really quite a good building. 1t was
a great loss to him, though there was
some insurance"
"How much did you give, Henry
Nothing at all. 1t was great
piece of assurance to come to me-
We have not lived in the town more
than three months, and hardly know
Mr.. Lawson by sight. What posi-
BILE claim has he upon me for assis-
tance? Besides | always stick to my
motto, take care of number one"
Mrs. Markham looked thoughtful
and shook her head.
II do not like that motto, Henry
she said.
Neither do /, father" exclaimed
a bright-eyed little girl who was an
attentive listener to the conversation
for Robbie and / want you to bring
US some candy from the city, this eve.
ming, and if you only take care OF
number one" am afraid you will
forget it.
Never fear, Miss Pert" was the
laughing reply, number one," in
cludes mans whole family. How
do you like that?"
THAT is better, father; so please
don't forget the candy" returned the
child, well satisfied with the explana-
ton; but the mother still looked
thoughtful, and as her husband stoop-
ed for his goodbye kiss, she whisp-
cred:
1--WE are all members of one great
family, Henry"
"Yes-perhaps So" was the hall
reluctant admission; 81 have no time
to think about it now. Good morning
to you ALL"
What changes will take place in
one short day In the morning all
may be calm and bright, and ere
nightfall the widest storm is some
times raging.
A dark shadow had fallen over Mr..
Markham's household, during his Gus
tomary absence, on the day of our
story. Little Julia--Miss Pert, as
her father had called her in the morn
ing-had been taken suddenly III, and
her symptoms seemed so alarming that
the mother was anxiously awaiting
the arrival of her husband, that she
might consult with him in regard to
sending for a physician.
Certainly; ] will go for Doctor
Merrin at once" said Mr. Markham,
as he bent fondly over the little suf-
ferer, who was in burning fever, and
tossing restlessly upon her pillow
Here is the candy she asked for" he
added, in q lower tone, as he handed
his wife a small parcel, "but it will
be better not to offer it to her now" I"
"She would not take it," replied
the mother, her eyes filing with tears.
She scarcely noticed anything, and,
indeed, l do not think she is fully
conscious Of what is passing around
her.
well, dear, we will be hopeful"
returned her husband, cheerfully. at
may be only passing attack. l will
go Immediately"
"And what does the doctor say is
ailing Miss Julia, sir ?" asked Bessie,
the maid of all work, as Mr.. Markham
came into the kitchen, soon after the
doctor had made his visit.
Scarlet fever, of the very worst
description" was the desponding re-
ply. MRS. Markham cannot leave
her for an instant, Bessie, and we
shall depend upon you to see that
everything is attended to about the
house; and please keep Robbie from
the sick-roem rs much as possible
Poor little fellow! / fear we shall
not be able to prevent his taking the
disease"