The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1876-03-16
the father, hoarsely.

upon MS sleeve. one saw the LOOK IN MS
eyes; she feared to what step desperation
might lead him.
Remember, Robert" she said, solemnly,
sit is hard to starve; but there are things
that are worse"
He shook off her..hand, but not roughly,
and, without word passed out.
Out in the cold streets? There would be
their only home next. For brief time
longer he had the shelter CT cherries
room in cold lodging house but the rent
would become due at the end Of the month,
and he had nothing to meet it.
Robert Brice was a mechanic, compel ent,
and skillful. Three years since, he lived in
country village where his expenses were
moderate, and he found no difficulty in
meeting them. But in an evil hour he grew
tired Of his village home, and removed to
the city. Here he vainly hoped to do bet
ter. For while he met with very good
success; but he found that the lodging
house in which he had lived poor substi-
tute for the neat cottage he had occupied in
the country. He saw his mistake, but was
too proud to go back, although it was his
wifes desire they should do so.
But time of great depression came, and
with it suspension Of business enterprise
Work ceased for Robert Brice and many
others If he had been in his old home, he
could have turned his hand to something
else, and, at the worst, coula have borrowed
of his neighbor till better times.
So day by day he went out to seek work,
only to return disappointed. If he had
been alone he could have got on some way;
but it was sore trial to come to the cheer
less room and his pale wife and hungry
children, with no relief to offer them.
When on that Christmas-eve, Robert Brice
went into the streets, he hardly knew how
he was going to redeem the promise he had
made little Jimmy. He was absolutely
penniless, and had been 80 for three days.
There was nothing that he was likely to
find to do that night.
81 will pawn my coat" he said. 81 can
not see my wife and children starve."
1t was a well-worn coat, and that winter
night he needed something more to keep
him warm-Weakened by enforced fast
shivered as he walked along the pavement.
EYES," he said, "my coat must 60.
know not how shall get on without it;
but cannot see the children starve before
my eyes"
He was not in general an envious man;
but when he saw the sleek, well-feed citi-
zen, buttoned up to the throat in warm over
coats, come out of brilliantly lighted shops,
provided with presents for happy children
at home while his were starving, he suffer
ed some bitter thoughts upon the inequality
of fortunes gifts to come to his mind. Why
should they be so happy, while he was so
miserable!
There was time, he remembered it we'll,
when he, too, suffered not the Christmas
to pass without buying some little gifts for
Jimmy and Agnes How little he dreamed
they should ever want bread!
There was one man, shorter than himse
warmly clad no passed him with his hands
thrust deep in the pockets of his over
coat-There vas pleasant smile on his
face. He was, doubtless, thinking of
happy circle at home.
Robert knew him to be a rich cabinet
maker and upholsterer, whose ample ware
house he often passed. He had applied to
this man only two days before for employ
ment, and been refused 1t was perhaps.
the thought of the wide difference between
them, so far as outward circumstances were
that led Robert to follow him
After while the tradesman, Mr.. Grimes.
drew his handkerchief from his pocket.
As he did so, he did not perceive that his
pocket-book came with it, but Robert did.
His heart leaped into his mouth, and sud
den thought entered his mind. He bent
quickly down and picked up the pocket
book. He raised his eyes to see if the
movement was noticed. 1t was not. Mr..
Grimes went on, unheeding his loss.
This will buy bread for my wife and
children though. Robert, instantly.
A vision Of the comfort which the money
would bring that cherries room lighted up
his heart for an instant, bat then-for be
was not dishonest-there came another
thought. The money was not his. much as
he wanted it.
But cannot see my wife and children
starve," he thought again III it is wrong
offense. He viii understand my motive
All this was sophistry, and be knew it.
In moment he felt it to be So There were
some things worse than starvation. 1t was
his wife who said this just before he came
cut. Could he meet her gaze when he re-
turned with food so obtained.
i've lived honest 80 far, - ne thought: II
won't turn thief now
IL WAS with An euoft ne came to this de-
custom. for all the while there was before
his eyes that vision Of cheerful home. and
he could hear Jimmy vainly asking for food.
1t was with an effort that be stepped for
ward aud placed his hand on the trades
mans shoulder, and extended the hand that
held the pocket book
THANK YOU" said Mr. Grimes. turning
round; Il hadn't perceived my loss. lam
much obliged 10 you"
.Iou have reason to be- said Robert. in
low voice. Il was very near keeping il. =
That would have been dishonest said
Mr.. Grimes his tone altering slightly.
Yes it would; but it is hard to be honest
when one Is penniless, and his wife and
children without . crust
Surely you and your children are not in
that condition." said the tradesman. earn
estly.
YES, said Robert, cit is only too true.
For two months have vainly sought for
work. applied to you two lays since
Il remember You now. thought had
seen You before Tou still want work.,
ssT snan1d f>oi ~r~ssF,,l e.. :. =,