Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-16
Bread Unon the Matters.

under the weight OF heavy basket on the
afternoon of sultry day in August He
had been sent home with some goods to o
customer who lived a short distance In the
country. The boy was slightly built, and
his burden was almost beyond his strength
Many times he sat down to rest himself on
his way up the hill. But it seemed as If he
would never reach the summit. Each time
he lifted the basket, it felt heavier than
before.
The boy was about half way up the hill
with his basket, when a gentleman overlook
and passed him. He had not gone on many
paces when he stopped, and turning round tc
the lad, looked at him for moment or two
and then said kindly
"That's heavy load you have, my boy
Come, let me help you"
And the gentleman took the basket and
carried it to the top of the hill.
"There. Do you think you can get
along now ?" said he with smile, as he set
down the basket, cor shall I carry it a little
farther?"
"Oh, no, thank you, SIR" returned the
boy, with a glow of gratitude on his fine
young face. 81 can carry it now very well
and am very much obliged to you"
"You are right welcome, my little man,
Twenty years from that time, a careworn
man, well advanced in life, sat motionless in
an old armchair, with his ewes fixed intently
upon the glowing CRATE. He was alone, and
appeared to be in state of deep abstraction
In little while, however, the door of the
room opened, and the light form Of young
and lovely girl glided in.
"Papa," said low, sweet voice, and q
hand was laid gently upon the old mans
arm.
as it you, dear ?" he returned, with a
low sigh.
eyes, papa" and the young girl leaned
against him, and parted with her delicate
fingers the thin gray locks that lay in disor.
der about his forehead.
81 would like to be alone for this evening
Florence" said the old man. q" have a
good deal to think about, and expect per.
son on business"
And he kissed her tenderly; yet sighed as
he pressed his lips to hers.
The girl passed from the room as noise
lessly as she had entered. The old man had
been calm before her coming in; but the
moment she retired he became agtated
and arose and walked the floor uneasily
He continued to pace to and fro for nearly
half an -Four, when he stopped suddenly
and listened. The street door bell hat
rung. In little while man entered thu
room.
"Pardon this intrusion, sir he said
"but facts that have learned this evening
have prompted me to call upon you without
a moments delay. My name is Greer, o.
Greer, Miller & Co."
Mr. Mason bowed, and said
81 know your house very well and nov
remember to have met you more than ono,
in business transactions"
eyes. You have bought one or two bill
of goods from us" replied the visitor. Thei
after moments pause he said, in changed
voice
"Mr. Mason, learned tonight, from
source which leaves me no room to doub
the truth of the statement, that your aft air
have become seriously embarrassed-tha
you are, in fact, on the very eve of bank
ruptcy. Tell me, frankly, whether this i
indeed so. | ask from no idle curiosity, no
from concealed and sinister motive, but t.
the end that | may prevent the threatene,
disaster, if it is in my power to do So"
Mr.. Mason was dumb with surprise at 8
unexpected declaration. He made two o
three efforts to speak, but his lips uttere
no sound.
"Confide in me, sir" urged the visitor
"Trust me as you would your own brother
and lean upon me if your strength be il
deed failing. Tell me then-is it as hav
said ?"
1t is" was all the merchant could ute
How much will save you Mention tn
sum, and, if within the compass of m
ability to raise, you shall have it in hand t.
morrow. Will four thousand dollars r,
lieve you from your present embarrassment
Then let your anxiety subside, Mr.. Masol
That sum you shall have. To-morro'
morning / will see you. Good evening
And the visitor arose, and was gone befoI
his bewildered auditor had sufficiently n
covered his senses TO know what TO think {
say.
Greer called upon Mr.. Mason, and tendere
cheque for two thousand dollars, with h
note of hand at thirty days for two tho,
sand more, which was almost the same
money.
While the note and cheque lay before hi
upon the desk, and ere he had offered
touch them, Mr. Mason looked earnestly
the man who had so suddenly taken IL
character of disinterested, self-sacrifcir
friend, and said
"My dear sir, cannot understand thi
Are you not laboring under some mistake
"Oh, no. You once did me a serviC
that / am now seeking to repay. 1t is m
first opportunity, and | embrace it eagerly
"Did you service2 When 2"
"Twenty years ago." replied the ma
was poor boy, and you man OF wealt
One hot day was sent long distance vii
heavy basket. While toiling up hi
with the hot sun upon me, and almost owe
come with heat and fatigue, you came alon
and not only spoke to me kindly. but toe
my basket, and carried it to the top of ii
hill. All, sir, you do not know how deep
that act OF kindness sank into my heart, al
longed for opportunity TO show you
some act how grateful ! felt. But MOI
came. Often, afterward, did meet you
the street, and look into your face wi
pleasure. But you did not remember n
Ever since have regarded you with diff,
ent feelings from those | entertained
others and there has been no time that
would not have put myself out TO serve yo
Last night heard of your embarrassment
and Immediately called upon you. II
rest you know"
Mr.. Mason was astonished at so strange
declaration.
ado you remember the fact TO which
allude I" asked Mr.. Greer.
at had faded from my external memo
entirely; but your words have brought ba
dim recollection OF the fact But it "
little matter, sir, very little matter, a
not entitled to the importance that you hs
given it,"
To me it was not little matter, sir"
turned he. was weak boy, Just sinki
under burden that was too heavy, VIII
you put forth your hand and carried it
me. ! could not forget it. And now
me return the favor at the first opportuni
by carrying your burden for you, which
become too heavy, until the hill is ascend
and you are able to bear it onward again
your own strength"
Mr.. Mason was deeply moved. Wo
failed him in his effort TO express his b
feelings. The bread cast upon the wat
had returned to him after many days, 9
he gathered it with wonder and thank
ness. The merchant was saved from r,
kind act is never lost, even though d.
to q chiId.-T. 3. Arthur,