The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1873-08-14

escape the quick ear of his wife, "and the
burden most all on you.
50 81 wouldn't mind that so much, but
She kept back the sentence that was
on her tongue.
But what ?'' asked her husband.
John" said Mrs. Wheaton, drawing
herself up in resolute manner, and
looking steadily into her husband face.
as things are going on"
Things shall go on differently, in
terrupted Wheaton. I've thought that
all over
How differently, John?"
ooh in every way. I'll turn over a
new leaf
Wheaton saw a light fash into bis
wife's face.
=" First and foremost, I'm not going to
loose any more DAYS. Last month | had
six days docked from my wages.
+" Why, John ~
Its true-more's the shame for me.
That was eighteen dollars. you see, not
counting the money L fooled away in
idle eompany-enough to pay for all
these babies would eat and wear twice
over"
80 John !" There was something
eager and hopeful in his wife's face as
she leaned toward him.
I'm in downright earnest. Jane" he
answered. " Ifyou'll take the babies II
do my part. I'll turn over a new leaf.
There shall be no more days lost; nc
more foolish wasting of money; no spend
ing Of evenings at McBride's.
so John!"
In her surprise and delight she could
only repeat the exclamation. AS she did
so this time, she rose, and putting hel
hands on his shoulders, bent and kissed
him on the forehead.
g You'll take the babies" said he.
" Yes, and twenty more, if you keep
to this and say so" answered Jane,
laughing through tears.
g All right, then. Its bargain.
And Wheaton caught his wife's hand
and shook it by way of confirmation.
From that time Wheaton turned over
a new leaf, Neighbors expressed surprise
when it was told that Jane Wheaton had
adopted the two orphan children. Eel
lowWorkmen tainted John, calling hin
soft-hearted, and fool, for taking Other
mems brats.''
One said to him:
Are four mouths easier to fill thar
two ?"
Another.
"You Il be sick of all before the year;
out"
And another.
"Pll see you sold out by the constable
in less than six months.
But John had little to say in reply
only maintaining an air of quiet gool
humor, and exhibiting more interest il
his work
For three weeks John Wheaton had
not lost day-something very unusual
and not one evening during that time had
he spent at McBride's drinking saloon.
His poor little home, wkich had come to
have a neglected look, was putting on a
new appearance. The gate that fol
months had hobbled on one hinge, now
swung smoothly. and the mended latch
held it shut. Rank weeds no longer
filled the door-yard the broken steps
were mended, and clean panes of glass
filled many place in the sashes where
had been unsightly rags and sheets of
paper. A neglected running rose was
trimmed and trained to its proper place
over the doorway, and was now pushing
out young, green leaves aud buds.
Within, pleasant changes were also ap-
parent. Various new but inexpensive
articles of furniture were to be found
Old things were mended, polished up,
and wonderfully improved. With all
this, marvellous to relate, Wheaton's
earnings had not only been equal to the
expenditure, but there was an
actual surplus Of ten dollars in hand.
Il never would have believed it,
said John, as he and his wife sat one
evening talking over their improved con-
dition after the babies-loyed now almost
as if their own-were asleep. s. Its just
as old Brown used to say Waste takes
more than want [ declare I've got
heart in me again. thought we should
have to let the place go that [ d never
be able to pay off the mortgage. But
here we are, ten dollars ahead in less
han month; and going at this rate,
we'll have all cleared in eighteen moth s."
Next day fellow workman said to
Wheaton, half in banter:
Didn't see the constable down your
way yesterday p
8 shouldn't WONDER, replied Whea-
on, with more gravity of manner than
MS questioner had expected.
- thought saw him looking around
after things, and counting his fees on his
fingers"
Likely as not" said Wheaton. 81
know of good many rents not paid up
asst quarter. Money gone to McBride's,
instead Otto the landlord-eh ?"
The man WINGED a little
How are the babies ?" he asked.
First-rate," Wheaton answered, and
With smile so real flat his fellow-work-
nan could not pursue his banter.
Time went on, and, to the surprise Of
II, Wheaton's circumstances kept i'm
proving. The babies had brought
blessing to his house. In less than
eighteen months he had paid off the
light mortgage that for years rested on
SIC Eftia bapoa and nof only, tbiS he bad