The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-11-28

poor Bob. He felt relieved. Enjoying
for few moments the calm thus produced.
he at length bethOught himself of getting
up. to face bravely, once more, the struggles
of long and dreary day. Suiting the
action to the thought -indulging first in a
few anticipatory shivers-he jumped up,
and proceeded to don the few rags that
lay upon small stool (the only article
of furniture in the rOOn) at his bedside.
mo" he resumed in his meditatiOns as
with chattering teeth he completed his SIM
pie toilet, and indulged in few moments
contemplation of the snOw-bedecked roofs
of neighboring houses that greeted his view
through the small round aperture which
served as window to the humble home.
mo; all my prayers were uttered in vain.
No friend-such as | once read about in a
novel; where very wealthy merchant met
a poor starving boy: took compassion, and
then took him to his large, fine mansion,
clothed, fed and finally gave him position
in his counting indeed. no such
friend ever came to me, and offered me
work. Not even when 1 went to them.
begging and entreating. did ever a one of
these kind hearted christian gentlemen.
that attend church regularly ever Sunday
for what purpose don't know-give me
the work prayed for. Pve got no one to
thank but myself. that I'm alive. Though L
might as well be dead) on this-this Thanks
giving morning"
Course, this morning! this dayw he
vehemently burst forth. his thoughts drift
ing into another channel, "'Twas on this
morning, ten years ago. that father left for
South America. On bitter cold anniver-
sary of that day-l am sitting here in this
hn1 wifi q nf hu win
cup of coffee to warm up this freezing body
of mine; much less, of getting a good,
warm meal. Again, say-curse the day!
It's brought and brings me nothing but
wOeful reflections. and nothing at all to be
thankful for"
Poor Bob, at this point, with his eyes
staring vacantly before him. dropped nlo a
moody silence. Now and then. when the
wind carried into his chamber the beautiful.
nlelOdiOuS strains of the chimes that were
tOlling in distant Spire, he would moment
arily arouse himself from his state of leth-
argy and listen in rapt attention; but the
power of the sweet music was not sufficient
to hold him out of it. and bring him to take
brighter view of his desolate condition.
An hour passed thus-at last change was
visible. A smile fitted across the pallid
face of Bob But such smile So for
eign to his nature did it seem. 1t was a
smile, at once. triumphant and satanic
Poor Bob. hold! reflect! Think where you
are going. Danish that fiendsh smile from
you, and cast away those wicked thoughts
that you have allowed to mature in your
excited and feveriSh brain. Away with
them all, poor boy, lest you walk headlong
into the great gulf that knows no outlet!
Oh, dear reader, had there been but one kind
friend, in this moment of the poor boys
greatest peril. to take him by the hand and
guide him. Poor Bob! Poor. poor boy!
The smile still alive on BOb's features. he
dOnned the piece Of rag that served him as
a hat and started down the rickety stairs
for the street. He had proceeded no farther
than the second flight however, when
he was met and accOsted by little Patrick
O'ROuke. the landlady's boy:
"Misther Burton, my ma says as she'd
like to see yOu."
Hearing this, Bob lost no time; he fol-
lowed little Pat into the dirty kitchen,
where Mrs. O'Rouke was busily engaged
among potts. etc.
''Misther Burton" the latter began on see
ing him enter, this is Thanksgivin'."
Yes, Mrs. O'Rouke, l know" replied
Bob, his heart taking great bound in Joy
full expectancy.
and" continued the good dame,
not needing Bob, Its a day whin
honest folk lOiks to ate a bite o. tur-
key; but divil bit o. turkey will OF have
this day, because vagabonds th lok av
you-confOund yez-bate me out O. me
dues. Will yez pay tn rint? Yis or no?"
Bob had not waited to hear this latter
part of the wOman's TRADE; at the first