Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-02-01

engagements, by fourishing his hammer,
rolling his eyes, and using his tongue.
The molly crowd gathered around him.
The house was put up first; free from
all membranes, and subject to but a
yerv small ground rent. 1t was rtarted
at five thousand dollars. There were
several bidders, all of whom seemed
anxious to purchase it. Seven thou
sand five hundred dollars was tie last
bid. upon which the auctionner dwelt
for moment. Mr.. Sunderland com.
pressed his lips together, and muttered
to himself, at cost my father fifteen
thousand dollars" Seven thousand five
hundred dollars, going-once-twice-
three times-for the last time going
"eight housand'-thank you. sir-go.
ing at eight thousand-once-eight
thousand twice-eight thousand three
neutrality-suspicious. name 2
"Clifford, was the response, and all
eyes rested ON a tall, noble-lookine
man, who had remained silent during
the rapid bidding of the spectators
and who, as the whisper went round
was total stranger.
"It is gone" whispered Mr.. Sunder.
land to his wife, as he pressed he,
hand in silent grief. "We have nc
home now"
"Now. gentlemen" cried the auc
tioneer, 1--WE will sell this sideboard, in
regard to which I am requested by the
creditor to say that it is an old family
piece, and it is the wish of the owner to
retain it, if possible. I merely men
ton this, as it is known to you under
what peculiar circumstances these
things are Sold"
This had the desired effect; no one
seemed willing to bid against the un.
fortunate man, who started it at ten
dollars. Twenty was bid by Mr.. Cliff.
ford; twenty-five from Mr.. Sunderland
fifty from Mr.. Clifford silenced the anx.
ious parent, and the family piece of fur
niture was knocked down to the new
owner of the house. A gentleman who
stood by remarked that the act was a
cold, heartless one.
"Was it?" sarcastically asked Mr..
Clifford; "then, sir, why did you not
buy it for him?"
Mr.. Sunderland was much affected OF
this little incident. che little knows
how much he has lacerated this heart.
But will purchase the piano for my
child" he stepped up to MIR. Clifford,
and told him the desire he had to pur.
chase the piano for his daughter, and
hoped he would not bid against him.
"Sir," said the stranger, 81 will moi
deceive you, as much as respect your
feeling, and the sympathy of the good
company, cannot, nay, will not, alter
the determination made when first en-
tered this house."
Sand pray, sir, what may that be ?
"To purchase everything in it, and
by heaven I'll do it, though 1 pay double
price,"
"Strange." muttered Mr.. Sunderland
as he found his family in another part
of the room.
The stranger fulfilled his promise
and actually bought everything, from
the house itself down to the very axe il
the cellar.
After the sale was over, and the com
pany had retired, Mr.. Clifford requested
the auctioneer to walk with him into ar
adjoining room. After the lapse of a few
moments they both returned to the par
lor, where the family still remained
The auctioneer looked around, gave 6
knowing smile-wished them all good
day, and as he left the room, was heard
to say, ~ never heard of such thing
perfect romance-ha! hal hal'
"You are now," observed Mr.. Sun
derland to Mr.. Clifford. the owner Of
this house and furniture-they were
once mine-let that pass"
81 am, sir, for the time being. your
landlord"
81 understand you, sir, but will moi
long remain your tenant. I was going
to observe, however, that there are two
or three articles which am anxious to
purchase that sideboard, for instance
is family relic-I will give you the
fifty dollars, the price you paid, and
feel assured, under the circumstances
you will not refuse me this favor"
81 cannot take it, sir"
"Obdurate-ungrateful man"
"Will you not let pa buy my piano
sir?" humbly asked Ellen; she will
give you the price at which it was
sold"
"It is painful for me. young lady, to
refuse even this, I will sell nothing
not even the wood-saw in the cellar"
"Then, Mr.. Clifford" exclaimed Mr.
Sunderland, 1--WE have no further bust.
ness; come, my dear Ellen, get your
bonnet-that's your handbook; let us
quit this house, we are not even free
from insult. Where is Mary?"
81 am here, sir; the key of my trunk
is lost, and am fastening it with q
rope"
"Stop, my girl, but methinks pur-
chased that trunk" coolly observed the
stranger.
"Mr. Clifford, am not so old, but
that can resent an insult; nay will, il
you carry this arrogant, and, to me,
strange conduct much farther. That
poor girl has been to me and mine the
best, and, may say, the only friend
she has remained with us in poverty,
assisted us in our distress, not only
with her purse, but her hands; she is to
me not as servant, but one of nv
family. For there is, thank Heaven,
no such base distinctions in poverty
that exist in state of bloated wealth.
Here, here, with nothing but what we
have upon our backs, the master and
servant are enual Che 10 ,,o~t 80 -