Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-02-16


Jim and his three millions, just IN this happy
way. You want 10 hear the whole heard
afew months later that little Annie was sick.
The doctor said, scarlet fever went that
evening TO the little home on Blossom
Terrace, not fearing anything from the
contagion--you remember our Alice had
been taken home before this---and | found
that report instead Of exaggerating, had
lessened the truth. The three children
were sick, but only little Annie seriously.
After doing what | could for them, and get
ting Mrs Gateley's promise that | should
be Immediately Informed, If | could render
any further servce-for Jim was too much
bewildered by this terrible blow to his dar-
lings, 10 hear or heed much that was said
or done, and could only sit looking at them,
or walking restlessly to and fro, in the ad-
joining room--l went my way. was
called out Of town the next day, aud knowing
that my wife could do more and better for
them. in case Of need, did not hesitate 10
go. came in on the half-past nine train,
and having had nothing 10 eat since an early
hurried lunch, was walking rapidly home
As ! came in sight Of the gate, saw man
leaning against the post, My first thought
was one Of pity that a man should so de-
grade himself by drink, that he should get
into such a state. But, getting nearer, the
light from the gas close at hand revealed
policeman.
stood at his side, and touched him. Oh,
the white, weary face, that he lifted up to
me | took his hand in both my own, and
for few moments there was perfect silence
between u.s. No words were needed to tell
me that the brightest jewel Of Jim's home,
little Annie, had been taken to adon that
heavenly crown which contains so many Of
the dearest Of our hearts and homes.
| could not speak. Words are so powerless
to such a grief as this the heart Graves sol
itude. And so it was Jim who first spoke (:
My treasure is in heaven, sir" "Jim,"
said, " the Saviour has called her to Him,
and blessed her" Then look Of ter
rible agony crossed his face as he cried, in
the bitter anguish of his heart, All, all,
sir My treasure is ALL there Oh, my
babies, my blessed babies 4"
cannot-there, my heart aches at the
bare memory Of that scene, even as it did
then, and my tears and Jim's flowed down
together. Then drew him gently into the
house, and, in little while, after calm had
come 10 rs both, Jim told me the sad, sad
story. cannot tell you of it. 1t is too
sad. But you know the nature Of the treach-
through all the simple story that Jim told
broken only by silences that told, more
than sobs or cries, the depth Of sorrow, as
well as Of self-coutrol-I could but watch
his face. Sad b yond expression, the lines
tense and drawn, aud the whole face grown
many years older-yet, withal, the face Of
an angel. This plain, honest man, whose
| life had been bare Of all that we call pleasure
and Joy, save in the strong and sure love of
and for his family, had yet taken hold on
things eternal had grasped with all the
strength Of his simple and earnest nature,
the hand Of the Father. All, sir, he con.
cluded, did not think when said that
children were mo good, when they were
grown up, that the Lord was going to let u.
keep them young forever nor that lie meant
to keep our treasures safe for MS in Iii,
treasure-house, where 'neither moth mol
rust doth corrupt and where we shall find
them again in His good time with the added
interest that His love has given us in thi:
strange and solemn proof of it,"
.Im's home is very quiet now, but very
cheerful. There are many little ones all
about the city, who can testify that Jim and
Annie have tender hearts for the children
and that Jim is trying TO walk humbly and
worthily in view of the great treasure which
is laid up for him
have made a long story out of this, and
| am afraid, have wearied you. Remember
me to your family, please. and call and Sc,
US whenever you are in town again. Coco
morning