The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1894-12-21
Highest OF all in Leavenng Fower-Laest S. Govt Report
R@E!a!:'!,!! g! Bsk!Rs BS%5ssz
ABSOLUTELY PURE

the movement was noticed 1t was not
Mr.. Grimes went on, unheeding his loss.
This will buy bread for nv wife and
children thought Roger, instantly.
A vision of the tomfort which the mon
ey would bring that cheerless room light
ell up his heart for an instant, but then
for he was not dishonest-there came an
other thought. The money was not his,
much as he wanted it.
But | cannot see my wife and children
starve, he thought, again IF it is wrong
10 keep the money, God will pardon the
offence He will understand my motive"
All this was sophistry, and he knew it.
In moment he felt it to be so. There
were some things worse than starvation.
it was his wife who said this just before he
came out. Could he meet her gaze when
he returned with food so obtained.
I've lived honest so far" he thought.
Il won't turn thief now"
With an effort he came to this decision.
for all the while there was before his ewes
that vision of cheerless home, and he
could hear Jimmy vainly asking for food.
1t was with an effort that he stepped for
ward and placed his hand on the gentle
mans shoulder, and extended the hand
that held the pocketbook.
Thank you," said Mr. Grimes, turning
round; Il hadn't perceived my loss. lam
much obliged to you
You have reason to be-" said Robert in
low voice. Il was very near keepingit it,"
That would have been dishonest" said
MIR; Grimes, his tone altering slightly.
Yes, it would; but it is hard for man
to be honest when he is peniless, and his
wife and children without crust"
Surely you and your children are not
in that condition." said Grimes earnestly.
"1es," said Robert; lit is only too true
For two months I have vainly sought for
work. Iapplied to you two days since"
Il remember you now. I thought l had
seen you before. You still want workg''
Il should feel grateful for it,
My foreman left me yesterday. Will
you take his place for $15 week."
Thankfully, sir
'Then come tomorrow evening. or
the day succeeding. Meantime take this
for your present necessities
He drew from his pocket some money.
and put it into Roberts hand
Its ten dollars" said Robert, in amaze
ment.
Il know it. The pocketbook contains
nearly two hundred dollars. But for YOU,
should have lost the whole. l wish you
merry Christmas"
1T will indeed be merry Christmas"
said Robert, with emotion. Heaven bless
YOU, sir? Good night
Good night"
Jane waited for her husband in the cold
and cheerless room, which for few days
longer she might call her home
An hour passed; there was step on the
stairs-her husbands. 1t could not be,
for this was cheerful, elastic step, COM
ing up two stairs at time. She looked
eagerly to the door
Yes, it was he. The door opened. Rob-
ert, radiant with joy, entered with bask
ct full of substantial provisions.
Have you got some bread, father"
asked Jimmy, hopefully
"Yes, Jimmy, some bread and meat, and
here's a little tea and sugar. There's
few Goals left are there not, Jane? Let's
have comfortable meal for, please God,
this shall be a merry Christmas.
How did it happen? Pray tell me
Robert
So Robert told his wife; and soon
bright fire lit up the before cheerless room
and there were four happy hearts that
waited in joyful hope for the dawn of a
merry Christmas Day
The next week they moved to better
quarters. They have never since known
what it was to want Robert found firm
friend in Mr.. Grimes, and has reason to
remember, with a grateful heart, Gods
goodness on that Christmas Eve