The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-12-29

al II NbhAaAhNhs hN EhhNh bubblI DhlaNt
and the dawning Of the New Year found
him ruined and homeless man. This
was the last night that he and his wife
were to remain in the old homestead, that
had been in his family for four genera
tions, and was linked to his by so many
tender memories. On the morrow they
were to go they hardly knew whittier. 1t
is true, many of the old neighbors-kind,
good souls-had offered him temporary
home; but it was hard for that proud, self
reliant man to accept charity from any.
"What can we do2 Where can we
go?' he groaned, as he thought of the
morrow.
"The Lord will provide, John, said his
wife, lifting her sad, patient eyes to his
"he has never forsaken u.s. Neither will
He ever forsake any who trust in Him"
But the father lacked the Christian
resignation that made the gentle heart
of his wife such heaven of peace and
love.
"Aye, that's what's you've always said,
wife" he retorted, impatiently, "and you
see what we've come to, For my part,
don't think the Lord troubles himself
much about us, any way"
Mrs. Williams might have said that he
had brought his misfortune upon himself,
but she wisely forebore. Just then there
came the sound of quick, buoyant step,
and there burst into the room fine, sturdy
lad Of about ten, his eyes bright, and his
cheeks glowing from the keen, frosty air.
"Its bitter cold, / tell you, tell you p
he exclaimed, ainging his cap boy fashion
upon the kitchen settoo, and stepping up
to the kitchen FIRE.
"Not but what I've been warm as toast,
all but my ears and fingers" he added,
blowing upon the latter as he spoke.
"Here is something for you, mother"
he said, seating himself on a stool at her
feet, and tossing into her lap shining
piece of gold.
"Why, Arthur where did you get
this ?"
"The strange gentleman down at the
tavern gave it to me, mother. He asked
me into his room, and gave me as many
nuts and raisins as | could cat, besides.
al wonder who he is?" she said mus.
ingly.
II can tell you, exclaimed her hus-
band, his eyes flashing angrily ale is
the owner of Red Stone Farmhouse He
is the man who bid against men on the
few articles wanted to reserve. The
curse Of the homeless rests upon him r
"Nay, John" interposed his wife, gen
tly; perhaps he did not know how highly
you priced them"
ayes he did; Parson Woods stepped up
and told him. But he only smiled, and
said he wanted to buy everything just as it
stood"
"Well,' said the boy, gazing thought
fully into the fire, II can't help plying
him, he looked so sorrowful. He asked
lots of questions about you, mother, and
all of u.s. and kept walking up aud down
the room, wringiug his hands and groan-
ing as if he was in great trouble"
81 will buy you new jacket with this
Arthur" said Mrs Williams, as she ex-
nmined anew the gold coin. "You need
one badly enough" she added glanclng,
with sigh, at his we'll patched rounda-
bout,
"You shall do nothing of the sort,
mother" said the generous hearted boy.
"You shall buy yourself and Sissy nice
warm shawlr
Before Mrs. Williams could reply there
was a quiet knock at the door, Farmer
Williams opened it. II was only boy,
who had brought small parcel, for Mrs.
Williams.
"AnOther New Years gift, 1 suppose,
he said bitterly as he handed it to her,
for he was in bitter mood. Mrs. vii.
liams glanced reproachfully at her hus-
band.
"God grant it may bring us as much
comfort" she said, laying her hand fondly
upon the head that was resting against her
knee.
As she opened it, she uttered an excla.
nation of surprise. II was deed Of
Red Stone Farmhouse made out in her
name On the inside wrapper were these
words:
'lnasmach as ye did It unto the least of
these, ye did it unto me.
There were greatful and happy hearts
beneath the roof Of the old homestead that
night. Though with Mrs. Williams joy
there was mingled an uneasy feeling.
She was well assured that it was 10 some
way CONNECTED with Arthur, and trembled
with apprehension lest some one should
appear who had stronger claim to him.
This fear was dissipated the next morning
BY a letter that came to her by the first
nail. II contained check for Rvc
thousand dollars, together with these
words