Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1892-05-25
Bread Upon the Waters.

"Ah, Jacob, now you see how all
your hopes are gone. Here we are,
worn out with age-all our child
rem 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 watersp"
The old, white-haired man looked
at his wife. He was, indeed, bent
down with years, and age sat trem-
blingly upon him. Jacob Manfred
had been a comparatively wealthy
man, and while fortune had smiled
upon him, he had ever been among
the first to lend listening ear and
a helping hand to the call of dis
tress. But now misfortune was his.
OF his four boys not one was left.
Sickness and failing strength found
him but little, and they left him
pennyless. An oppressive embar-
go upon the shipping buiness had
been the first weight upon his head,
and other misfortunes came in pain
full succession. Jacob and his wife
were all alone, and gaunt poverty
looked them coldly in the face.
Don't repine, Susan," said the
old man. "True, we are poor, but
we are not yet forsaken."
mot forsaken, Jacob? Who is
there to help us now?"
Jacob Manfred raised his trem-
bling hand towards heaven.
"Ah, Jacob, l know God is our
friend; but we should have friends
here. Look back and see how many
you have befriended in days long
past. You cast your bread upon the
waters with free hand, but it has
not yet returned to YOU"
Hush, Susan, you forget what
you say. To be sure l may have
hoped that some kind hand of earth
would lift ME from the cold depths
of utter want; but | do not expect
it as a reward for anything | may
have done. If have helped the
unfortunate in days gone by, l have
had my full reward in knowing that
have done my duty to my fellows.
| would not for gold have one Of
them blotted from my mem ory.-
All, my fond wife, 'tis the memory
of the good done in life that makes
old age happy. Even now, ! can
hear again the warm thanks of those
whom | have befriended, and again
can see their smiles"
"Yes, Jacob" returned the wife,
in a lower tone, 81 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 a reality upon which
we must dwell. We must beg for
food or starve!'
The old man started, and deep
mark of pain was drawn across his
features.
Beg he replied, with a quick
shudder. mo, Susan-we are"
He hesitated, and a big tear roll
ed down his furrowed cheek.
1--WE are what, Jacob?"
1--WE are going to the poor-house!'
20, God, I thought so!" fell from
the poor wife's lips, as she covered
her face with her hands. 81 have
thought so, and | have tried to
school myself to the thought, but
my poor old heart cannot bear it"
"Do not give up, Susan," softly
urged the old man, laying his hand
upon her arm. 1T makes but little
difference to us now. We have not
long to remain on earth, and let us
not wear out our last days in USE
less repinings. Come, come"
"But when-when-shall we go?"
"Now--to-day."
"Then God have mercy OH u.s."
"He will" murmured Jacob.
That old couple sat for while in
silence. When they were aroused
from their painful thoughts it was
by the stopping Of wagon in front
of the door. A man entered the
room where they sat. He was the
keeper of the poor-house.
"Come, Mr.. Manfred" he said,
1.-THE selectmen have managed to
crowd you into the poor-house.
The wagon is at the door, and you
can get ready as soon as possible"
Jacob Manfred had not calculat-
ed the strength he should need for
this ordeal. There was a coldness
in the very tone and manner of the
man who had come for him that
went like an ice-bolt to his heart,
and with deep groan he sank back
| ~, L,n uoai