The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1886-11-02
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Bread Upon the Waters.
A SKETCH FROM LIFE.
s.KISp WORDS AND KIND ACTS NEVER
DIE"

Oh, sOoNOpf ho' y w. wv nv oAi
your hopes are gone. Here we are,
worn out with age-all our children
removed from us by the hand of
death, and ere long we must be the
inmates of the poor-house. Where,
now, is all the bread you have cast
upon the waters?"
The old, white-haired man looked
up at his wife. He was, indeed bent
down with years, and age sat trem-
blingly upon him. Jacob Manfred
had been comparatively a wealthy
man, and while fortune smiled upon
him he had ever been among the first
to lend a listening ear and a helping
hand to the call of distress. But
now misfortune was his. Of his
four hoys not one was left. Sickness
and failing strength found him with
but little, and they left him penni-
less. An oppressive embargo upon
the shipping business had been the
first weight upon his head, and 9th
CT misfortunes came in painful sue
cession. Jacob and his wife were all
alone, and gaunt poverty looked
them coldly in the face.
.Don't repine, Susan" said the
old man. "True, we are poor, but
we are not vet forsaken."
Not forsaken, Jacob? Who is
there to help us now?"
Jacob Manfred raised his trem-
bling finger toward heaven.
'.Ah, Jacob, / know God is our
friend; but we should have friends
here. Look back and see how many
you have befriended in days long
past. You cast your bread upon
the waters with free hand, but it
has not yet returned ito, YOU" ffr
Hush, Susan, you forget what
you say. To be sure / may have
hoped that some kind hand of earth
would lift me from the cold depths
of utter. want; but l do not expect
it as reward for anything I may
have done. If | have helped the
unfortunate in days gone by, l have
had my full reward in knowing that
] have done my duty to my fellows.
O, of all the kind deeds | have done
to my suffering fellows, / would not
for gold have one of them blotted
ont of my memory. All, my fond
wife, tits the memory of the good
in life that makes old age happy.
Even now,I can hear again the warm
thanks of those whom / have be-
friended, and again / can see their
smiles"
.'Yes. Jacob" returned the wife in
a lower tone, 81 know you have been
good, and in your memory you can
be happy; but, alas! there is a pres
eat upon which we must look-there
is a reality upon which we must
dwell. We mast beg for food, OF
stdrre."
The old man started, and deep
mark of pain was drawn across his
features.
aBeg" he replied with a quick
shudder. mo, Susan-we are"
He hesitated,and a big tear rolled
down his furrowed cheek.
s.We are what, jacob"
s'We are going to the poor -house!'
20, God! / thought sou fell from
wife's lips, as she covered her face
with her hands. / thought SO, anu
have tried to school myself, the
thought, but my poor heart will not
bear itr.'
'sDo not give up, Susan" softly
urged the old man, laying his hand
upon her arm. at makes but little
difference now. We have not long
to remain on earth, and let us not
wear out our lastdays in useless re
pinings Come, come
"But when-when shall we go?"
eNow-to-day."
Then God have mercy on usr'
s.He. will" murmnred Jacob.
That old couple sat for a while il
silence. When they were aroused
from their painful thoughts it was
by the stopping of "a wagon in front
of the door, A man entered the
room where they sat- He was the
keeper of the poor-house
Come, Mr.. Manfred" he said
4the selectmen have managed tt
crowd you into the poor-house Th'
wagon is at the door, and you cal
get ready as soon as possible"
Jacob Manfred had not calculated
the strength he should need for this
ordeal. There was coldness in th'
very tone and manner of the MAJ
who had come for him that wen
like an ice-bolt to his heart and will
deep groan he sank back in hi
seat.
"Come-be in a hurry" impatient
ly urged the keeper. .-- - r