The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1885-10-15

Ill, rs lew were pIephIeu w HleeG tHe
emergency, and no one could see ray
of hope in the future.
To Henry West, so tenderly caring
for his loved ones, the failure of his
employers was terrible blow. How
could he continue to support widow
ed mother, and aid a helpless orphan
sister, when he could find no work?
His expenses in the past had consum-
ed all his earnings, and he had not
been able to lay up for rainy day.
Now the shadows were falling thick
around him. Day after day he sought
employment, and night after night
returned to his home, weary, hopeless,
respondent. There seemed no ave-
nue. of escape from his wretched con-
dition, and circumstances rendered
him powerless to overcome the cruel
forces of fate that seemed working
against him.
At last his last dollar was gone.
There was not even crust OF bread
in the house.
He left the house with heavy
heart, determined to find something
to do.
AS he passed dowd the street, heart
sore and respondent, he met an old
friend, who was engaged in the ex-
press business. To him the sufferer
told the sad story of his wants.
John Wilson was deeply moved on
learning of his young friends trouble
and grasping the youths hand warm.
ly, he he said, in a voice of emotion
"Dear boy, l cannot offer you az
pleasant a situation as the one you
have lost, but if you are willing to take
charge of one of my wagons, the reg
ular driver being sick, l will promise
to keep your mother and sister from
starving. What do you say?"
For an instant Henry hesitated
Here was an opportunity to show hi
true manhood, chance to bring hap
piness to those he loved.
1t seemed sudden downfall from
! the height Of his ambition, step low
er on the ladder of fame; but it wal
an honorable calling and he coulC
not afford to declin3 the kind offer
1t was life or death for his loved ones
: and duty called one way.
If his old friends should not approv,
his course, then he must turn ava,
from the sunshine of their presence
His aged mother and helpless siste
should be saved, and he would suffe
! the consequences of his act uncom
9 plainingly.
He thought OF Bessie Hardwick
: Could he give her up? Would Viii
liam Leonard win her sweet smile
: and triumph in her love? The fear 0
u losing her was the hardest cross h
/ was called to bear, but it should no
h deter him from duty.
/ Turning to Mr.. Wilson, he said
u thankfully:
I, "My more than friend, you have re
moved heavy burden from my heart
6 Yes, will gladly do the work you o.
/; fer me-"
} Henry West began his labors tina
y day with cheerful heart, and at nigh
e he carried happiness to the waitin
d ones at home.
y "You are good son and brother,
the happy mother said, as she kisse
is his flushed cheeks, "and wonde
o what we should do without you"
During these three months Williar
ot Leonard made no efforts to obtain en-
'e ployment. AS he had no one to Cal
le for, he could afford to remain in idl
ID ness and live at his ease until goo
'e situation was offered him.
ID His astonishment was great whe
If he first beheld Henry West drivin
an express wagon, but it pleased hi
o TO know that his most formidable +
a. val for the hand OF Bessie Hardwic
was now out of the way.
n He believed that Bessie would loc
le with contempt upon the driver of q
" express wagon, and his heart was ella
r ed by the thought.
lg But he little knew the noble natu
Of Bessie Hardwick.
rs Thus the months went slowly b
lie Henry West was found daily at
I'd labor, cheerful and contented, and
10 came so interested in his employer
!. business that Mr.. Wilson raised
rd salary, until he was receiving the san
is amount as from his previous emplo
IN ers. This kind act brought many
ir comfort to his pleasant home.
Id He was fast learning to enjoy
Id new situation. The business was n
only bringing him happiness, but wh
ne is better, health. He had long need
ss, out-of-door exercise; now he was G.
IN ting his full share, and its healthi
r; effect was perceptible in his ro
'ss cheeks and brilliant eyes.
ns He mat pass;a Ho~dw;ol, n ,,,,r,l