Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-08-18

His wife smiled, but did not volunteer
to enlighten him as to the correctness OF
his conjecture.
So things went on, till at length came
the panic OF lS75-a panic so recent that 1t
will be remembered by many readers OF
this sketch. 1t will be remembered how
universally trade and business of every
kind were depressed at that period. Among
others, the trade which occupied Charles
Lynford suffered.
One evening he came home looking quite
serieus-an expression which seldom came
over his cheerful face.
Caroline, who had watched the signs OF
the times, was not unprepared to see this
She had expected thai her husbands busi-
ness would be affected.
"What is the matter, Charles?" she
asked, cheerfully.
"The matter is. that we shall have to
economic greatly.
Anything uufavorable turned up in
business mstters?"
81 should think there bad. shall have
but half a days work for some time to
come, and I am afraid that even this will
fail before long. You haven't an idea, Car
RE, how dull business of every kind has
become"
81 think have, " said mis- wife, quietly.
al have read the papers carefully, and
have been looking out for something of this
kind"
"Do you think we can reduce our ex-
penses oue-half? ?" asked her husband, doubt
fully.
q l think we shall be able to do go Both
of us are well supplied with clothing, and
we shall not need any more for year a.
least. That will cut off considerable ex-
pense. Then there are great many super
iiuities you are accustomed to buy-httle
things YOU are kind enough to bring home
to me frequently, which can do very well
without. Then we can live more plainly
have less pies and cakes; and / have no
doubt it viii be an improvement so far as
health is concerned.
"What calculator you are, Carrie y
easier in mind. 81 really think, after all
you have said, that it won't be so hard TO
live on half cur usual income-for the pres
ent at least. But" and his countenance
again charged" suppose my work should
entirely fail, suppose you couldn't re.
duce cur expenses to nothing at all, could
yol ?"
"That certainly surpasses my power,
said his wife, smiling; but even in that
case there is no ground for Encouragement.
You have not forgotten our savings bank,
have you?'
"Why, no don't think of that, said
her husband. 81 suppose that would keep
of starvation for a few weeks"
His wife smiled.
"And in those few weeks" she added,
business might revive.
ITO be sure, said her husband. well,
l guess that i'm be all right; I'll not
trouble myself about it any longer"
Tie apprehensions to which Mr.. Lynford
had given expression proved to be only too
well founded. In less than month from
the date of conversation just recorded, the
limited supply of work which he had been
able to secure entirely failed, and he found
himself without work of any kind-thrown
back on his own resources.
Although he had expected this, it seemed
unexpected when it actually came upon
him, and again he returned in fit of dis
couragement. He briefly explained to his
wife the new calamity which had come
upon them.
"And the worst of it is" he added,
"there is no hope of better times until
spring"
"Do you think business will revive
then ?" asked his wife.
1T must by that time but there are
five or six months between. l don't know
how we are to live during that time"
81 do" said his wife, quietly.
You I" exclaimed her husband in sur
prise.
eyes; your income has never been
more than 5000 or 500 a year, and have
no doubt we can live six months on $3.50.
eyes, certainly; but where is that mon
ey to come from / don't want to run IN
debt, and if did Should not know where
to borrow"
Fortunately there is no need of it, )"
said Mrs. Lynford. "You seem to forget
our little savings bank. "
"And is it possible it can amount to
$3.50 % exclaimed Charles in surprise.
Eyes, and 5000 more" said his wife.
Impossible -
"Wait minute and will prove it"
Caroline withdrew moment, and then
resppeared with several certificates of bank
and railroad shares, amounting to $500,
and bank book In which a balance was
deposited to her credit.
Dc Are you quite sure you haven't re-
ceived a legacy?' demanded Charles in
amazement. "Surely dime day has
not produced this ?"
"No but two dimes day have, with
little extra deposit now and then. |
think, Charles, we shall be able to ward
off starvation for time"
IAN this owe to your prudence" said
Charles gratefully. =" How can | repay
you ?"
Charles Lynford remained out of EN-.
ployment for several months, but in the
spring, as he anticipated, business revived,
and he was in receipt of his old income.
More than two-tairds of the fund was
still left, and henceforth Charles was no
less assiduous than his wife in striving to
increase it.
The little tin savings bank still stands
on the ntel-piece, and never fails to re-
ceive deposit daily.