The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1881-12-24

spenI the lhOncy III HldhlIlB you Couiioi'"oio
Take my hand, child, and we will soon be at
home"
During this colloquy John Bentley with
drew into doorway. lie had felt some curl,
osty to learn how his book Keeper would deal
with this claim upon his bounty. There was
something in the straightforward simplicity
and kind heart Of job that touched HIM and
made him feel not Il little compunction tor his
own bearing IN the interview which had Just
taken place between them.
Ale Is about to deprive his children OF their
Christmas presents for the sake of succorlng
that poor little outcast," said John Bentley to
himself ale has noble heart, poor fellow
and he shall be no loser by it. After all, seven
hundred dollars must be quite insufficient IN
these times. | will see what ! can do Tor
him."
IL was the merchants better nature that
spoke He was not naturally selfish man,
only inconsiderate. Now that his benevolent
impulses were excited, he would not rest I'll
they were embodied in action. Honest job!
never hast thou done IA better nights work
than this. Thy kindness to the little outcas'
shall be richly recompensed.
With the little girls hand firmly clasped IN
his job paused before the door OF a small
wooden tenement, and turning the knob softly
entered.
y,
mOthery woman advancing to meet him
"and-mercful goodness! who have you go'
there"
"a poor child, Mary, without father or
mother, who was wandering barefoot and hun
cry through the streets | couldn't help bring
ing her home, could /? Think If II had been
little Eflie!'
you did quite right, Job. Poor little
thing! How thin she is! Are you hungry
little girly"
"Oh, so hungry and cold May warm my
self by your fire ma'am?"
Bless me, child, ought to have thought OF
it before. Yes. 90 and sit down on the cricket,
and will bring you some bread and milk"
While the little girls wants were being sat
lstied, Mrs Warner said: well, job, what
have you got for the childrenr'
II didn't get anything, Mary | was just
going to get some little things when this poor
child came up l thought maybe we might
| be willing to keep her week or so ana III her
ont with some better clothes, and am afraid
we can't afford to do that and buy presents Ton
the children too. Do you think they would
be willing to do without them for this year "
II am sure they will but Us all have hung
lup their stockings, | must tell them tonight
so that they need not be disappointed IN 'he
morning"
ACQUAINTED the children that their father had
brought home a poor little girl who had nc
father nor mother and asked if for her sake
they would be willing to give up their Christ
mas presents. THIS appeal went to the chill
drens hearts. They were also delighted with
the idea of having new tplay-telow, and in
bright anticlpations of the morrow lost sight
entirely of the stockings that were destined &c
Iremain untitled.
i What did the children sayF" asked job, q
little uneasly.
Dear children !" said Mrs. Warner, wlping
her eyes with mO'herly affection and pride
l"They took it like little angels. They are very
anxious to see the lutte girl do believe they
will regard her as the best Christmas present
Ithey could have"
i Il wish we could do something more than
: keep her tor few days." said Job, thought
, fully.
80 do |. If you only had little larger
salary, job tit might be done. Why don't yor
I ask for moTeW
Il did tonight, Mary"
"And what did Mr. Bentley say" inquired
; Mrs. Warner, eagerly.
ale advised me to eConOmize."
} AS if you hadn't been doing it all YOU
life" exclaimed his wife, lndi gnantly. Little
he knows what economy Isl"
HUSH. MARY, Sdlu JoD, HaIl frightened
= "Of course he can't understand how hard
time we have to get along"
NO, but he ought to inquire. what harm
, would 1t do him 10 give you an extra hundred
dolars"
t IL suppose he could afford it," said Job
1 "but perhaps he doesn't think | am worth any
. more As he said, seven hundred dollars use(
s to be considered fair salary"
( so he refused your application"
"Well no, not exactly. He SAID he would
1 take it into consideration. But am sure from
7 his tone that | have nothing to expect. W.
}. must get along rs well as we can through tn
/ hard times and perhaps things will improv
byand by"
'"What a Thoroughly good man you are, job,
said Mrs. Warner looking atiectionately a
j. her husband, who was dear to her III spite o
e his shabby coat.
Y "Of course | haven't got good wife," h
answered, cheerfully; Il won't call mysel
poor as long rs | have you, Mary"
: There were few happier or more thankful
. hearts than those of the shabby book -keepe
, and his good wife, despite their enforced sell
= denial and numerous privaions. Their soul
were filled with a calm and serene trust tina
D the same kind Providence which had guarded
= and guided them hitherto would continue 1t
: benefcent care and protection. Mrs Warne
: took up her knitting, ana Joo, opening III
! wel-used Bible, proceeded to adjust his spec
t taces, preparatory to reading chapter, whel
he was interrupted by quick, sharp, decisiV
e knock on the outer door.
a Taking a tallow candle from the table, 10
e went to the door and opened it, The win
4 caused his candle to flicker, SO that he did nc
e at first recognize the visitor. When he did hi
I heart gave sudden bound, and IN his surpris
e he nearly let fall the light.
1t was his employer-Mr. John Bentley
e who stood before him.
l. "Well, Warner, may come in?" inquire
the merchant, with an unwonted Kindness Il
i his tone.
e ITO be sure Mr. Bentley, sir; | shall b
= most happy If you will condescend to en'e
my poor dwelling. 1t isn't suitable Tor sue
D,,t liz w nlnnmn