Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1892-03-18
RETRIBUTION.


lived He was kind neighbour and
affectionate husband and father and a
sober Industrious God fearing man;
but he was always unfortunate from
his boyhood up.
Sickness. death and disaster seemed
always lowering about him. and it
was often hard work to keep out the
wolf of starvation that was ever howl
ing just without his humble dwelling.
He had large family of young and
helpless children, while n row OF lit
tie mounds in the Linwood cemetery
was all that remained OF the older
ones who should nave been the stay
and the support of his declining years;
for Mr.. Foster was getting well along
in his fourth decade and sadly needed
assistance He was considerably in
debt in spite of his utmost efforts for.
as has been stated already, misfortune
relentlessly logged his footsteps.
AT last things seemed to have
reached their worst Mrs. Foster, al
ways in delicate health, was stricken
with consumption; and strive as they
would the insidious disease could not
be dslodged. Money sorely needed
for other purposes was lavishly ex-
pended for medical attendance. but it
was all in vain. Mrs. Foster grew
thinner and more feeble with every
successive day.
Then the mill where Ben, amin had
been employed shut down on account
Of the hard times and no other work
hA ,lNt. i,,.I t,.t. l,.. Tg,,
tunate man would. Then. browning
misery of all. he slipped upon patch
of ice and fell, breaking his left leg
short off below the knee
So the Foster family were reduced
to extremities Farming implements
were sold. COW after COW was disposed
OF. and ere Mr.. Foster could rise
from his bed the stock was almost al
gone. Then came ray of light in
the dark and gloomy future.
Wallace Bright an old friend and
schoolmate OF Mr.. Fosters took the
contract to carry the mail between
Carrsville and Linwood. and offered
him the situation as stage driver as
soon as he was able to take it pro-
vided he could furnish suitable
horse Black Dan. the 4-year- old colt,
was all that was left Of the farm stock
but Benjamin felt confident that he
could be broken in TO do il nicely. So
hope dawned again in his almost de.
spairing heart and he waited patiently
for returning strength and better
times.
Sometimes the children went hun
cry. but there was light ahead, for
Mrs. Foster. though still very feeble,
seemed to improve somewhat in
health. Then came another crushing
blow.
Black Dan had been bought when a
yearling OF a grasping, penurious man
named William Flint; and the pur-
chase money. $50 had not yet been
paid. The colt had grown until he
was a valuable animal worth several
times the original cost and on him
mis- hard-hearted former owner cast a
greedy eye. He still held note OF
hand for the amount with the colt for
security. and knowing Mr.. Foster 5
probable inability 10 pay. he came for
ward and demanded the money or the
horse.
Entreaties were entirely useless.
The utmost Flint would allow was
one week in which to raise the money.
and il it were not forthcoming at the
end Of that time he avoweo hi inten-
ton OF taking the horse. So saying
ne departed.
Neither Mr.. Foster nor his wife
could leave the house. but If Black
Dan went their hope went with him.
Star alton or the poor house surely
awaited them. so they did thor best
The children were sent everywhere
with notes explaining the nece ssity.
aud begging loan for a short time.
but all in vain. The week went by
and still the money had not been found.
True to his word. William Flint
came at the appointed time, and so
sure was he OF his prey that he brought
a halter with HIM and boy TO lead
the colt home. Entering the room
where the unfortunate man was lying
helpless in his bed he again demanded
the money. OF course it was not paid.
Then | shall take the colt" he said
relentlessly, as he arose and started for
the door.
IF you take him you take my life
for we must all starve without his
aid" burst out Mr.. Foster in agonized
appeal you know he is worth four
times the original cost and you will
not rob me of him for few paltry
dollars; you can not be so cruel. The
money would have been ready for you
had been able to get around. Leave
him just little longer and you shall
be we'll paid for it.
Il will not do it," was the stern re-
ply. Il have waited as long as /
agreed and you have not raised the
money. Now l shall take the horse. :"
Give me another week. for God s
salel just one week more!" begged
Mr. Foster I'VE are ruined indeed