The post. [volume] (Middleburg, Snyder County, Pa.) 1864-1883, 1873-09-11

/
a pale wife aud hungry children, and
no relief to offer them.
When, on that evening, Robert
B,ice went into the street, ho hardly
knew how he was going to redeem
the promise he had made to little
Jimmy. lie was absolutely penniless
and had been so for three days. There
was nothing he was likely TO fad to
do that night
Il will pown my coat he said AT
last, 81 cannot see my wifo and chill
dren starve."
IL was n we'll worn osorcoat. and
that cold winter night he nee led
something more to keep him warm,
Weakened by the enforced fast, he
was more sensitive to the cold, AMI
shivered as no walked along the
pavement.
"Ies, he said, "my coat must 90.
| know not how / shall get along
without it, but I can see the chill
dren starvo before my eyes
He was not, in general, an envious
man, but, when he saw sleek, well
fed citizens, buttoned up to the throat
IN warm overcoats, come out OF the
brilliantly lighted shops, provided
with luNuries for happy children Mt
home, while his were starving, he
suffered some bittor thoughts upon
the inequality of Fortunes 5 gifts, to
come to his mini
Why should they be so happy, and
he 80 miscrablel
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 pleasant smile upon his face.
He WAS, doubtless, thinking of the
happy circle at home.
Robert knew him as rich mer-
chant, whose ample warehouse he
had often passed. He applied TO
this man only two days before for
employment, and been refused. II
was, perhaps, the thought of the
wide difference between them, 80 far
as outward circumstances went that
led Robert Briec to follow him.
fter while the merchant, Mr.
Grimes, drew his handkerchief slow
~ from his pocket. lie did no.
perceive that his pocket book came
with it, and fell to the Sidewalk.
He did not perceive it but Robert
did; his heart leaped into his IN puth
and sudden thought entered his
mind. He bent quickly dowa and
picked up the pocket-book. lie
raised his eyes hastily to see il the
movement was noticed 1t was not.
The merchant went on unheeiing
his loss.
"rhis will buy bread for my wife
and children" thought Robert, in
stantly.
A vision of the comfort which the
money would bring that cheorless
room lighted mp his hoart for an in
slant. but then, for he was not dis
honest, there came another thought,
the money was not his, much as he
wanted it.
But / cannot sec my wife and chill
dren starve,' he thought again. If
it is wrong to keep this money, God
will understand my motive.
All this was sophistry, and he
know it. In moment he felt il to
be SO. There was something worse
than starvation. 1t was his wife that
had said that just before ho hal come
out. Could he meet her gaze when
he returned with food 50 obtained.
"l've lived honest 50 far" he
thought-"I won't turn thief now.
1t was with an effort he came to
this decision for all tho while there
was before his eyes that vision of
cheerless home, aud no could hear
Jimmy vainly asking for food. It,
was with an effort that no stepped
forward aud placed his hlnl on the
shoulder, aud extended
the hand that hel | the pocket book
"Thank you" said the merchant.
turning arouod, Il hadut percelveI
uy loss"
"You dropped it when you took
out your handserchief.'
"And you saw It and picked it up
[ am very much obliged to You"
"You have reason 10 be," said R,-
hcrt. in a low voice. III came very
near keeping it,"
THAT would have b,en dishonest"
said Mr.. Grimes, his tone slightly
altering.
Yes, II would, bur it's hard for
man to bo honest when he is pcuni-
less. and his wife and children with
nut crust.
"Surely. you aud your family are
not 10 that con iitiou u said the mer-
chant, earnestly.
"Yes," said Robert. "it is only too
true"
and you arc out of work ?"
"For two months l have vainly
sought for work. | applied to you
two days since.
II remem bcr you now. I thought |
had seen your face before. You
still want work.
II should feel greatfnl for IT,"
"a porter left mo yesterday. Will
you take his place at sl2 a week |
.''Thaokfully, sir will work for
haIfthat.'