The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1878-02-07

Nothing, nothing!" he groaned. 81
made out to get q dinner with an old
chum, but could not find work."
And where have you looked to-day2"
Oh, every where. I've been to hun
.dred places, but it's the same story in
every place. It's nothing but one eternal
no, no, no. I'm sick and tired of It,"
':And what have you offered to do?"
=" Why, ! have even gone 30 far as to
offer to tend liquor store down the
street.
The wife smiled.
Now what shall We do?'' uttered
Peter.
Nov we will eat our supper, and
then talk the matter over''
Supper? Have you any?'
Plenty of it,
"But you told me you had none.'
"Neither had we this morning, but I
have been after work to-day and found
some"
"'Been after work aud found some'2"
EYES,"
'But how where!"
"Why first I went to Mrs. Shows. I
knew her girl was sick, and hoped she
might have work to be done, I went to
her and told her my story, and she set
me at work at once doug her washing.
She gave me food to bring home to my
child1en, and paid me three shilllings
when got through"
"You washing for our butcher wife?'
said Peter, looking very much surprised.
"Of course have, and have thereby
earned enough to keep us in food through
to- morrow at any rate; so tomorrow you
can come home to dinner"
''But how about the rcnt?'
"Oh, ] have seen Mr.. Simpson, told
him just how we were situated, and Offer
ed him my watch in pledge for the pay
ment of our rent within two months, with
interest on arrearages up to date. told
him did the business because you were
away hunting for work."
So he's got your watchl''
mo, he wouldn't take it. He said if
l would become responsible for the rent
he would let it rest"
"There, eve got roof to cover us,
and good food for tomorrow, but what
next! Oh, what curse these hard times
are:'
"Don't despair, Peter for we shall not
starve. 1--we got enough engaged to
keep rs alive"
:'Ah, what is that?'
"Mr. Snow has engaged me to carry
small packages, baskets, bundles and 50
forth to his rich customers. He has had
to give up one of his horses
maria, what do you mean"
'Just what say. Mr.. Snow came tc
dinner: l was there and asked him if he
ever had light articles which he wished
to send around to his custimorcs. Never
mind what he said He did happen tc
want just such work done, though he had
meant to call upon the idles that lounge
baout the market. He promised to give
me all the work he could, and am sure
to be there in good season in the morn
ing"
This is Il pretty go; my wife turnec
butchers boy! You viii. not do any such
thing"
And why not"
"Bccause.'
Say because it will lower me in socia
scale''
swell, 50 It will"
Then it is more honorable to lie still
and starve, too, than to earn honest breai
by honest work? tell you, Peter, if 70,
cannot find work I must. We should
have been without bread tonight had.
not found work to-day. You know tina
all kinds of light, agreeable business al,
seized upon by those who have particula
friends and engage in them. At such
time as this it is not for usto consider
what kind Of work we will do, so long
it is honest. Oh! give me the liberty o
living upon my own deserts and the indie
pendence to be governed by my own con
yictions OF right"
''But, my wife, only think, you carry
ing about butchers stuff! Why, l woul<
sooner do it myself"
IF you will CO." said the wife, with
smile, II will stay home with the chill.
dren."
1t was hard for Peter Stanwood, but til
more he thought upon the matter tn,
more he saw the justice and right of tn
path into which his wife had thus led him
Before he went to bed he promised
that he would go to the butchers in tn
morning.
And Peter Stanwood went to his new
business. Mr. Snow greeted him warm
ly, praised his faithful wife, and then sen
him off with two baskets, one to a MI
Smiths, and another to Mr. Dixall's
The new carrier worked all day, and whcl
it came night he had earned nincty-sevcl
cents. 1t had been a day of trials, but NJ
one had snccred at him, and all his ole
acquaintance whom he met greeted hin
the same as usual. He was far happie
now than he was when he went home TIN
. night before, Tor now he was independ
ent.
The next day he earned over dollar
and thus he continued to work for wcel
At the end of whish time he had five dol
lars and scyenty-tive cents in his pocket
, besides having paid for all the food 70
his family, save some few pieces of mca
that Snow had given them. Satur
day evening he met Mark Leeds, anotl,e
binder, who had been discharg ed wit
himself. Leeds looked care-worn an,
rusty.
''How goes it," asked Peter.
"Don't ask me-" groaned Mark; m,
family are half starved"
bat can't you find anything to do?"
''Nothing"
"Have you tricd?''
Everywhere; but it's no use. I bav
pawned all my clothes save those I hav
on. I've been to the bindery to-day, an,
what do you suppose he offered me?'