The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1888-06-13


his hands thrust deep into the pockets
of his overcoat. There was pleasant
smile upon his face. He was doubtless
thinking of the happy circle at home.
Robert knew him as rich merchant,
whose ample warehouse he often passed.
He had applied to this man only two
days before for employment and been
refused. 1t was, perhaps, the thought
of the wide difference between them,
so far as outward circumstances went,
that led Robert Brice to follow him.
After awhile the merchant = Mr..
Grimes-drew his handkerchief from
his pocket. AS he did so he did not
perceive that his pocket-book came
with it and fell to the sidewalk.
He did not perceive it, but Robert
did His heart leaped into his mouth
and sudden thought entered his mind.
He bent quickly down and picked up
the pocket-book. He raised his eyes
hastily to see if the movement was
noticed. 1t was not.
The merchant went on, unheeding
his loss.
"This will buy bread for my wife
and children" thought Robert in
stantly.
A vision of the comfort which the
money would bring that cherries room
lighted up his heart for an instant, but
! then, for he was not dishonest, there
came another thought. The money
was not his, as much as he wanted it.
4" But | can not see my wife and
children starve," he thought again.
elf it is wrong to keep this money
God will pardon the offence. He will
understand my motive"
All this was sophistry, and he knew
it. In a moment he felt it to be so.
There were some things worse than
starvation. 1t was his wife that had
said this just before he came out.
Could he meet her gaze when he re-
turned with food so obtained?
"I've lived honest 50 far" he
thought. 'sI won't turn thief now"
1t was with an effort he came to this
decision, for all the while before his
eyes there was that vision of cheer
less home, and he could hear Jimmy
vainly asking for food. 1t was
with effort that he stepped forward,
placed his hand on the merchants
shoulder and extended the hand that
held the pocket-book.
" Sir" he said, hoarsely, you have
dropped your pocket-book.
"Thank you," said the merchant,
turning round; " hadn't perceived my
loss"
You dropped it when you took out
your handkerchief"
And you saw it and picked it up.
1 am very much obliged to you"
You have reason to be-" said Rob-
ert, in low voice. came very near
keeping it,"
"That would have been dishonest"
said Mr.. Grimes, his tone altering
slightly.
Yes, it would, but it's hard on a
man to be honest when he is penniless
and his wife and children without a
crust"
"Surely you and your family are not
in that condition." said the merchant,
earnestly.
eyes, said Robert, "it's only toe
true"
"And you are out of work."
90 For two months | have vainly
sought for work. applied to you two
days since"
" remember you now. thought
had seen your face before. You still
want work"
:" | should feel grateful for it,
" A porter left me yesterday. vii
: you take his place for twelve dollars a
, week?n
Thankfully, sir. would work fol
half that"
"Then come tomorrow morning, o.
rather, as tomorrow will be holiday
the day succeeding. Meantime taxi
this for your present necessities"
He drew from his pocket-book banl
note and put it into Roberts hand.
Its fifty dollars said Robert, il
amazement.
81 know it. This pocket-book con
tains a thousand dollars. But for you
should have lost the whole. | wish yol
merry Christmas"
1t will indeed be merry Christ
; mas" said Robert, with emotion
Good bless you, sir; good night"
"Good night"
) Jane waited for her husband in thu
cold and cherries room which TO
l a few days longer she might call he
) home.
> "Do you think father will bring SOM
bread?" said Jimmy, as he nestled il
7 her lap.
I" hope so, darling" she said, bu
t her heart misgave her. She feared
e was a delusive hope.
An hour passed. There was ste
l on the stars-her husbands? 1t coul
I not be, for this was cheerful, elias
t tic step, coming up two stairs at time
i She looked eagerly to the door.
e Yes it was he. The door opened
: Robert, radiant with joy, entered wit
basket full of substantial provisions.
t Have you got some bread, father?'