Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1888-06-20
The Sturp Teller.
BREAD UPON THE WATERS.
A SKETCH FROM LIFE.

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, ite-haired man looked up at
his wife. He was, indeed, bent down
with years, and age sat tremollngly upon
him. Jacob Manfred had been compar-
at;velv wealthy man, and while fortune
smiled upon him, he had ever been the
first to lend a listening ear and helping
hand to the call of distress. But now mis-
fortune was his. Of his four boys not one
was left. Sickness and failing strength
had found him with but little, and they
left him penniless. An oppressive empar-
90 upon the shipping business had been
the first weight upon his head, and other
) misfortunes came in palnful succession;
Jacob and his wife were all alone ana
gaunt poverty looked them coldly IN the
face.
.Don't repine, Susan," said the old man:
.!'True, we are poor, but. we are no5 yet
forsaken." wv,
mot forsaken, Jacob: Who is there
to help us noW?" -.
Jacob Manfred raised his trembling mn
ger toward heaven:
'Ah, Jacob, God is our frlend Oue we
should have friends here. Look back an"
Gee how many YOU have befriended in
days long past. You cast your bread upon
the waters with free hand, but 1T has not
vet returned to you"
,iHush, 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 want; but I did not expect
If as reward for anything 1 may have
done. If have helped the unfortunate
in days gone by, have had my full re.
ward in knowing that have done my iuii
duty to my fellows. o, Of all the Kind
deeds T have done to my suffering fellows
I would not for gold have one OF them
blotted QUITO my memory: An my loiu
wife, tits the memory of the good done III
life that makes the old age happy. Even
now, can hear again the warm thanks OF
those whom have befriended, ana again
1 can see their smiles"
Eyes, Jacob" returned the wife, IN
lower tone, II know you have been good,
and in your memory you can be haPPy
but alas! there is present upon WHICH
we must look-there is q reality upon
which we must dwell. We must oeg Jor
food or starUe."
beg" he replied, with shudder'
ssNo, Susan-we are"
He hesitated and big tear rolled down
his furroWed cheek.
"We are what, Jacob? ?" -,
ave are going to the poor house !"
"Oh God! I thought so"' fell from the
poor wife's lips, as she covered her lace
With her hands. II have thought so, ana
Ihave tried to school myselfto the thought,
but my poor heart will not bear 1T !"
"Do not give up, Susan,'" softly urged
the old man, laying his hand upon her
arm. "It makes but little difference TO
ms now. We have not long to remain on
earth, and let US not wear out our last days
in useless repinings. Come, come"
"But twhen-when-shallw we go?"
"Now-to-day."
"Then God have mercy on US!
"He WILL" murmured Jacob.
The old couple sat for while in silence
when thew were aroused from their pain
full thoughts. It was by the stopping OF a
wagon in front of the door. A man en-
tered the room where they sat. He was
the keeper of the poor house.
"Come, Mr.. Manfred" he said, 1.-The Sc
Iectmen have managed to crowd you into
the DOOR house. The wagon is at the door
and you must get ready as soon as posi-
ble."
Jacob Manfred had not calculated the
strength he should need for this oroeai;
There was coldness in the very tone ana
manner of the man that had come for him
that went like an icebolt to his heart, and
with deep groan he sank back to his seat.
"Come-be in a hurry" impatiently
urged the keeper.
At that moment heavy covered carry
all drove up to the door.
sIs this the house of Jacob Manfred ?"
The question was asked by man who
entered from the carryall. He was kind
looking man, about forty years of age.
"That is nv name," said Jacob.
"Then they told me truly" uttered the
new conner. care you from the aims
house ?" he continued, turning towards
the keeper.
"And are you after these people,"
"Yes."
goes to no poor house while live"
The keeper gazed inquisitiyely into ;; the ne;
features of the man who addressed MIN
and then he left the house.
Don't you remember me ?" exclaimed
the stranger, grasping the old man by the
hand. >,
II cannot call you to my memory now"
"Do you remember Lucius Williams?'
civilians 2" repeated Jacob, starting
I'D from his chair, and gazing earnestly
into the face of the man before him:
ayes, Jacob Manfred-Lucius Williams.
That little boy whom thirty years ago, you
saved from the house of correction; that
moor boy whom you kindly took from the
bonds Of the law, and placed on board one
of your: vessels" >,
"And are you"
eyes, yes. / am the man you maze.