Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1900-08-08

forms. Sometimes, sitting snugly
cnsconscd in his easy chair, he
would read indifferently of the
vast increasing army of the
unemployed or would peruse the
details of the desperate deed of some
unfortunate suicide. But his heart
remained untouched with pity. His
feelings were rather those Of incred-
ulous horror These gbastly results
Of our system Of civilization seemed
50 alien to the spirit of his happy
home that his imagination failed to
recognize the cruelty Of the condi-
tions that bred them.
SO the family driftcd contcntedly
along on the calm current of pros
pcrity and no whisper Of darker
destiny troubled their peace of mind.
1t was bright day in early Oc-
tober that marked the beginning of
a great change in their lives. When
James Davis returned home on the
evening Of this evcntful day he
looked troubled and appeared i'll st
ease.
With loving solicitude his wife
asked, care you i'll, James ?"
"No," was the reply, "not ill, but
| have heard bad news"
"Bad news?" she repeated anx-
iously.
"Ycs," he answered. "I'll tell you
later when the babies are asleep"
He tried to reassure her with a
smile as James, junior, proving the
truth of the adage about little pitch
ers, protested loudly against the
stigma of being termed baby.
Mrs. Davis was uncasily conscious
of some threatening disaster. When
she found time to join her gloomy
husband she was in state of apprc-
hensivc fear.
SO soon had impending misfortu-
nate cast its dark shadow over tho
happy household.
"You might as well know at once"
said he. "Thc firm has decided to
close the store, and the beginning of
the new year sees the end Of the
business"
lad he declared that the sun
would shine no longer Mary Davis
could have felt little more incrcdu-
lous surprise.
"Prcscott q paddington p she cx-
claimed
James smiled piteously.
eyes," he gently continued, cit is
quite true. We wore told to-day.
Competition is so sharp that of late
years profits have greatly dimin-
ishcd, hut because OF the hands
the business has been kept up.
Now Mr.. Prcscott's daughter is i'll,
and he desires to take her to France.
MIR. laddlngton, who is sgctting along
IN life, wants to retire. 1t does not
appear to have been a sudden decjs-
ion. The subject has been under
consideration for some time"
"But the mem
eve are treated libcrally," replied
James, "a years salary to each one
and recommendations that ought to
secure other situations for u.s."
After the first effect of the news
passed away the couple became rec
oncllcd to the situation. Mary pos
scsscd no doubt as to her husbands
ability to procure paying position.
She was chiefly concerned because
Of the rude breach in old and valued
associations. She mourncd over the
breaking Of tender ties Of friendship,
many of which had to be severed
amid the inevitable changes.
Davis felt, too, that his long SER
vice in the employ of this honorable
old firm would prove passport to
new duties in reasonable time. He
even took vacation Of some weeks
before he attempted to obtain en-
ploymcnt. When he did try, how.
ever, this serenity Of mind was
quickly dispcllcd. lie returned home
at the close Of his first days search
with cIoudcd countcnancc. Ills
bearing indicated amazemcnt as well
as disappointment.
! 1t was the old, old story. James
Davis had considered himself at
forty-iivc years of age as being capa-
bic Of years Of faithful toll TO his
CONSERVATION and Indignation he
found that in nearly every establish
mcnt where he had been able to &C.
cure momcntary interview with a
head the answer had been, after