The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1873-02-21
WHO WOULD IEAyE THOUGHTTrs ?
BY HOWARD GORDON.

vi pllN FNbNpii9 tth' HH S"'S''o AS~
minder of the severe winter which
was soon to hold Its icy sway.
Few there were who vcntured out
of doors, unless compelled by ne
eeSsity, aid then they hurried rap
idly through the streets, in order
to Get home again as soon as posi-
bic, aid drew up before a good lire,
now Indispensable.
James Wrighton was Fastening
along with the rest, but with no
cheerful prospect before him. No,
if one obs rved him closely, dis
tress was very visible upon his
face. stout man as he was, he
now and then brushed away the
tears that blinded his eyes, and
then hurried on faster than ever.
Well might this man be sorrow-
fnl. ANY one in his circumstances
might be pardoued for it; Tor
would not the brav6st heart trem-
ble before the picture that rose this
night to his view?
James Wrighton was as brave,
honest, and Industrious a man as
ever lived. Although very poor,
and burdened with much trouble
through Sickness at home, yet he
had always had plenty Of work for
the maintenance Of his wife and two
children. This autumn, however,
had been unfortunate for him. The
large establishment in which he was
employed was suddenly destroyed
BY lire, aud he was cast out upon
tne world to start anew somewhere
else. Far from being discouraged,
he tried ineverY way to get employ
mei,t; but all to no purpose The
scanty amount he had been able to
lay by from his earnings was soon
exhausted, and he was beginning to
I've very low spirited, when he heard
of a new chance for work. He ap-
piled in vain; and as he went home
this night, with no plan or hope for
tle future, and the insufficient pro-
vision for the present, his heart sank
within him, and he Shed.ln silence
the tears which he never would
Lave suffered flis family to witness.
As he reared his home. change
took place in his manner and coun-
tana,ce. He stepped more briskly,
and a cheerful expression spread
over his face; he even began to
whistle. In o minnie more the door
ofthe house opened, and a bright
little boy ran out, exclaiming:
"ilallo, papa! You don't know
how long ! have been listening to
hear you whistle I"
"!Iave you been waiting dear p
responded tie father, AS he took his
boy up IN his arms and kissed Kim
over aid over again.
Then tair, graceful girl about
fifteen years ofage met him, throw
ins her arms about his neck to share
his coveted welcome.
"Ny own pet, Amy! What
should do without you? And
how are You Tonight, May, dear?"
le asked rs he bent down to kiss
his invalid wife.
"Niceiy, James, said his wife,
Ar ghtenlt,g up.
always cheerful and happy! !
never saw anything like it !" ex-
claimed tie admir!ug husband.
Not more 50 than you always
are, DEAR" replied Mrs. Wrighton.
ANY success to-day, James 2"
80, Mary; but it will bo all
r,ght Noon will do my very best,
a.d five all try to do that, and
help ourselves, God will not see us
suffer beyond what we are able to
bear"
"'rue, James How could one
despair while you were near to
speak such cheering words. If /
ogly had my health, how much |
could help you, while now | can do
nothing"
"t)h, yes, you can and do" re-
joined the other. "fhink how