Middletown transcript., 1898-09-17

have always been on good terms Win
them. But unless this strike ends soon
there IS going to be grea destitution
among the families of the men. Indeed.
I don'l know how we ourselves, with
all our economy, are going to weather
| the Storm"
Ernest, from his rner saw his
father lean his head dtjectedly on his
hand, and not iced how pale his mother
looked.
II had made my annual payment on
the house shortly after the strike be.
gan; that took most of my savings.
Then came baby's sickness and death.
I've paid the funeral expenses and the
DOCTORS bill, but it has taken almost
my last dollar. And as if that we're
not enough, recollect to-day-I don't
like to worry you with all this, dear.
but think it best that you should
knoW-that tomorrow the premium on
my fire insurance policy will fall due.
Twenty five dollars is not large sum
when am drawing my regular salary,
but just now it is small fortune. Why,
I have not much more than that on
hand for our living expenses, and
heaven only knows where shall get
more. And next week when school
opens, it will mean $40 in books, new
shoes, and other necessaries. 1 shall
have to let the insurance go and take
out new policy when I get at work
again."
"But If the house shot Id burn down
in the mean timer" inquired Mrs.
Rutherford.
"Then it would be dead loss; but
we shall have to risk it; see no other
way"
By this time Ernest was wide awake,
but he lay perfectly still until his
parents had left the room. Then he |
sprang up and ran quickly to his own
room. 'I'll do 1t !" he exclaimed,
with sparkling eyes. "Won't the dear |
old dad be surprisedP How lucky 1 |
hadn't spent it ~
The rest of the week Ernest went |
about the house with an air Of sup
pressed excitement; he seemed to be so
happy he could hardly contain himself.
His mother watched him little sadly;
did he realize nothing of his parents
cares Once he almost let the cat out
of the bag. "Mamma," he cried, "isn't
next Sunday papa's birthday?"
eyes, DEAR" answered his mother.
"What are you going to give him for
a birthday presentP" asked Ernest.
81 am afraid cannot give him any
thing this time," she sighed.
20, but I'm going to give him some
thingl" be cried. Then, remembering
bis secret lie added in some confusion,
"That is, I'd like to-"
But alasl That day was destined to
open sadly for Mr.. Rutherford and his
family. On Sunday morning when the
moon had set, and before the first ray
of light streaked the eastern sky, a
dark form crept steadily up to the
house. CrouchiDg down in the sha-
dow he placed a bundle on which he
had poured something from a can in
his hand under the steps of the back
porch. There was flash and a sharp
crackle, then the man ran away and
bid in clump of bushes. Then cry
arose, that terrible cry that makes the
cheek blanch and the heart stand still
with horror. The door bell rang
violently and some one called out:
"Mr. Rutherford, awake up. Your
house is on fire ~
Ah what an awakening from peace
fHl sleep in the midst of his loved ones.
In few minutes they were all outside,
half-dressed and shivering with ex-
citement and cold. Neighbors and
fremen worked with will, but it was
of no use. The fire had gained too
great headway; and when the sun |
rose it shone upon the blackened ruins
of the once comfortable home. {
"Was it insuredp" asked some in. /
quisitive person of his neighb or. +
''Ruthford had insured it for it full l
value" was tine reply, shut he failed
to pay the last premium, SO it's dead
loss."
A murmur of sympathy ran through
the crowd. "And be bad not finished
paying for the house, either" said an
other.
"1'll bet the strikers set it airel"
said third. And with such comments ,
the crowd gradually dispersed. d
The family was housed with SYM )
pathizing neighbor, who had persu AIDED .
Mrs. Rutherford to lie down until
breakfast was ready. Mr.. Rutherford
sat beside her, trying for the sa ke of
bis wife and children, to keep up his !
courage. "Well, Martha" said he i
we've got to begin the world over again Q
and we have debt to start with this !
time. Rather poor outfit, isn't itp" I
and he tried to smile but his voice !
broke and he hid his face In his hands.
81 say, papa," cried Ernest suddenly
coming up to his fathers side and
resting hand on his shoulder, ,"did you 8
know this was your birthday?'' a
s'Will you wish many happy returns p
Of this day?" asked his father bitterly, '
Without needing the question, 9
Ernest said, fumbling in his pocket as 4
he spOkei 81 have birthday present
for you; won't you look at itf" /
Mr.. Rutherford raised bis head wear.
lily and took the offered gift. It was a. a
folded piece Of paper. "A letter for .
meP' be said, trying to smile, He
L. A.