Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1886-06-05

passed. He applied to this man
only two days before for employment
and had been refused. Just as he
passed Robert Mr.. Grimes drew his
handkerchief from his pocket. AS
he did so he did not perceive that
his pocketbook came with it and fell
on the pavement. He did not per-
ceive, but Robert did.
His heart leaped Into his mouth
and sudden temptation entered his
mind. He bent quickly down and
picked up the pocketbook. He saw
that his movement had not been no.
ticed. Mr.. Grimes went on uncon-
scious of his loss.
"This will buy bread for my wife
and Children" thought Robert in
stantly.
A vision of the comfort the money
would bring into the cheerless room
lighted up his heart for an instant,
but then he was not dishonest. Con.
science spoke. The money was not
bis, much as he needed it.
8" But | can't see my wife and
children starye," he thought. God
has sent this. He dropped 1t in my
way-it will save their lives-a life
is worth more than anything-God
will forgive me-
But all this was sopbistry and he
knew it. In moment he felt 1t to
be so. There were some things
worse then starvation. Dolly had
said so tue last thing before he came
out. Could he meet her gaze if he
returned with food so obtained.
"rve lived honest so far. ] wont
turn thief now" he said.
| He hurried after the owner of the
pocketbook with Jimmy's cry for
bread sounding in his ears. 1t was
with sublime effort that he stepped
forward and placed his hand on the
BRIDESMAIDS shoulder and extended
the hand that held the pocketbook.
"Thank you," said Mr.. Grimes,
turning around; hadn't perceived
my loss. Pm much obliged to you"
"You have reason to be-" said
Robert, in low voice. II was very
near keeping it,"
"That would have been dishon.
est,n said Mr.. Grimes, his tone alter
ing slightly.
ayes, it would; but it is hard for a
man to be honest when he is penni-
less and his wife and children with
out a crust"
"Surely you and your family are
not in that condition." said Mr..
Grimes earnestly.
"Yes,n answered Robert, " it is
too true. For two months | have
looked for work in vain. | applied
to you two days ago."
~ remember you now. / thought
| had seen you before. You still
want work 2"
~ should feel grateful for it,"
my foreman left yesterday. Will
you take his place at twenty dollars
a week 2"
"ThankfuIly, sir" cried Robert,
trembling with joy.
"Then come tomorrow morning,
and take this for present needs"
He drew a note from the pocket.
book and put it into Roberts hand.
"Why, this is twenty dollar bill ~
cried Robert in amazement.
II know it. The pocketbook con-
tains a thousand dollars But for
you | would have lost the whole. If
l find you deserving l will give you
twenty more as bonus at the end
of four months.'
"God bless your said Robert in
a choking voice. "Good night.n
"Good night"
Dolly waited for her husband in
the cold and cherries room.
An hour passed, and there was a
step OH the stair. Could it be that
her husband was coming up with
that light elastic stepg
She ran to the door eagerly.
Yes, it was he, and he carried a
huge basket in his hand.
Jimmy danced at the sight of it
sob, It's bread, isn't it father ~
Il should say So" cried Robert
radiantly. What do you call this p
He heaped on the table the crisT
rolls, the golden pat of butter, the
delicious link of sausages, the pack
ages of tea and sugar and coffee
and some rosy apples for the chill
dren, which made their eyes sparkle
| Soon a man appeared with !:
sack of coal; bright fire warmet
the room, and there was a gay ant
merry laughter about the little tabl,
at night.
, The next week they moved to NOR
comfortable quarters. Mr.. Crime
, proved firm friend and Robert ha
an account in saving bank. Ell