The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1889-11-16
said Mrs. Mercer.

"I can't take it," said Peter. de.
cidedIy.
"But," said Mrs. Mercer, misun-
derstanding him, 81 will pay you
the other two dollars Just as soon as
I can get it,"
What does your boy do 2"
Mrs. Mercer understt cd this ques.
ton to be asked with the idea of en-.
ahling the landlord to judge whether
there was any likelihood of his soon
being able to earn the money requir.
ed to make up the deficiency.
HE sells papers,"
"Does he like the business ?"
Mrs. Mercer began to he surprised.
She did not understand Peters mo.
tive in asking the question.
SHOT very WE'LL" she answered /;
"but poor people have to do as they
can"
MRS. Mercer" said Peter abrupt.
Iy, "you perhaps think me miser,
and so 1 have been but l see the fol.
ly of it. I aas-~going to Grange my
mode of life entirely. 1 shall furn.
ish a comfortable house, and shall
need some one to take care of it will
you be my hOusekeeper. at salary
of three hundred dollars year ?"
"And Charlie -" said thfxss-
tonished woman.
"He shall live with I will take
charge of his educati,
"Heayens bless yO. exclaimed
Mrs. Mercer, seizing his hand and
believing it with tears of JOY. "You
have made me very happy.'
"Have II" asked Peter. In joyful
surprise.
every happy"
"Then l may be of some use in the
world. Keep your money. Mrs.
Mercer, l don't want it. Tell your
boy to get well. and by next week l
shall have home ready for you to
come to. Peter passed on 10 the next
door. This was occupied by young
girl and her mother. They had both
sat up all night 10 earn the last of the
rent, which they knew would be de-
manded in the morning. They look
| aA Ia nd "a. natunrn
"You do not look very WE'LL" said
Peter. do you work very hard ?'
1--WE have to-" said the mother,
surprised at Peters changed manner,
"for we are paid very little. Here is
the rent"
ut is New Years day." said Peter,
cheerfuIIy. 1 shan't take it; you
may consider 1t a New Years pres.
ent."
you are very Kind" said both
with grateful surprise.
"And have concluded to reduce
the rents one. third from henceforth,"
said Peter.
do you make shirts ?" he inquir-
ed, cutting short the grateful rfOtes-
tatiOns.
"Yes."
"Then you shall make me dozen.
Here is the money to buy the mate
rial. How much do you get for
making them?"
ave are paid thirty cents at the
Shops"
"Then will pay you double. and
in advance"
Peter left two happy hearts behind
him.
81 never knew how happy 1t made
one to do good" thought he. joyous.
ly. "What fool 1 have been not to
find out until l was sixiy-two
The next tenant had the money
ready. but Peter noticed that her
boy was without shoes.
"What is the name of your son ~
he asked.
Edward" said the mother.
"Then give the money back to
you as New Years present for him.
The little fellow needs 1t more than
do"
Sc Peter went his rounds. He had
never passed happier day. He re-
mitted the quarters rent in every in.
stance. as he had determined in the
beginning. and his opp0rtune gift
shed sunshine over many an humble
hearth.
This was the beginning of a new
life to Peter Riggs. Henceforth he
lived for others as we'll as himself.
AS he had promised, he fitted up a
house comfortably, and MEs GER
and Charlie came to live mr." jim.
In their cheerful society UotgJyed
himself tenfold as much a. &c ever
did before in his life. The old ex-
preston of greed had faded out, and
In the benevolent looking old man
who now walks the streets warmly
and comfortably clad. you would not
recognize old Peter Riggs, the,miser.