Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1879-04-23
The Heavy Cross.


lived neishbors for more than twelve
wears, and il is probable they would al
ways have been on good terms had moi
Samuel. who had served under Admlra
Nelson. gained at Trafalgar a small pen
sion which he had paid for by the loss
OF one of his legs. This leg less. anc
this pension more. were for Robert a
continual source of jealousy; he accus'
ed fate for having left him his two feet.
and complained bitterly that he had moi
been able, as he said to sell his legs at
the same price wi h Hullins. Every
time he went TO pay his rent he repeat
ed grumblingly that his neighbor was
very fortunate; that he was in con-
dition TO meet his bills, since the klng
gave him good pension, while he
poor fellow, had hard work to make
both ends of the year meet. without
taking into account his creditors.
Robert at first contented himself with
making these reflections inwardly, but
by degrees his dissatisfaction was ex-
pressed aloud and became his labltual
and lavorite theme OF con "ersation.
One week that his rent had fallen be =
hind-hand, and he was sadly advancing
toward the house of Mr.. Taylor, in Or
der 10 make his excuse for the delay, he
met neighbor Hulllns who was as reg
ular as a clock in paying his rent, and
had Just been for that purpose.
The very sight of Samuel produced
on Robert the effect ofa fit OF sickness ;
so. when he bowed in reply TO the sa-
Lutte of Huliins, his glance singnlarly
resembled that of a bull shaking his
horns at dog.
Arrived at the house ofthe proprietor.
Hope did not fail 10 be reprimanded..-
The example of his ueighbor was cited
who always paid punctually, and TO the
last penny.
Yes, yes, murmured Robert ; some
people are born with silver spoon in
their mouts. Hullins is very fortunate
aud am not surprised that he pays
punctualy with such peusiOn.'
'Hullius has a pension, it is true.
replied Mr.. Taylor but his lnfrnity
is a heavy cross. and if you were afdict'
ed with it, l should pity you much
more
Not So said Hope. If had been
so fortunate as to lose a leg like him
twenty years ago, it would have been
a productive day for me. l would sell
all my limbs at the same price. Do
YOU call his oak leg heavy cross? |
think his pension should render it light.
The heaviest cross that 1 know offs to
be obliged to labor incessantly.'
Mr.. Taylor was a man Of joyous hu'
NOR, but a close observer. He had fol
a long time noticed the envioas DISPOSE
ton of Robert, and resolved to con
vince HIM that the lghtest cross might
become heavy to a dscontented mind
i see,' said he to Hope. that yo'
are disposed to do nothing. well!
will exempt you from this obligation tc
labor of which you complain so bitterly
If you think the cross of your neighbor
Samuel, so easy to bear, will you accep
lighter one, if will engage to give
you your rentY'
That depends upon what kind of
cross It is said Robert, anxlously, 10
he feared that the proposition would no
be acceptable.
This said Mr.. Taylor, taking
niece of chalk and tracing white cro@
on Roberts jacket. During the tim
that you wear this, shall not deman
a penny of your rent
Hope thought, at first, his landlor
was testing; but being assured that h
spoke seriously, he exclaimed:
BY St. George! you may say tha
YOU have seen my last money, for an
willing to wear this cross all my life
time.'
Robert immediately went out, con
graduating himself on his good fortune {
and laughing all along the road at tn
folly of Mr.. Taylor, who had let him o
so cheaply FROM payment OF his rent.
He had never been so joyous as
the moment of returning home as h
found nothing to complain OF, and hi
doc came to sit down at his feet withoI
lbis nunishing him for his familiarity.
As he seated himself on bis arriva
his wife did not at first notice the whit
cross which he had on his shoulder ; bl
having passed behind her husband
wind up the clock, she suddenly eS
claimed, in a shrill voice:
why, Robert, where have you been
You have on your back cross To-
, ,ono You have been to the taver