The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1906-12-11

lOudy Tic passed, OOp-SnOuluercO, a
kindly, weather beaten face, sad eyes,
that looked at you as if the world had
dealt harshly or unjustly with him
The drawn corners of his sensitive
month gave to his face an expression
of disgust, whether with himself or the
world we will leave our readers to
Judge
His clothes bespoke neither extreme
poverty, nor a superabundance OF this
worlds goods.
He was only master builder, boss
carpenter, CT anything else that the
community in which he lived might
call the person who superintendent the
erection of buildings, either public or
private. Was he young? Oh, no, For
ty-five or sixty, perhaps but appearing
even older. Had he a home? Yes;
the little cottage jpust across the way
is his, or one he rents. Fifteen years
ago he owned the beautiful residence
on the corner of College avenue and
Third street, he was then the proud,
and happy father of five rollicking.
fun-loving boys. In one week four OF
them were carried to their graves, vic
Tins of one of the most fatal diseases
for children scarlet fever.
Carl, the most delicate of the five,
rallied, and is now twenty-five or
three. Since that time there have
been two little daughters given him.
They are the pride of this ever-indul-
gent father
His wife is one Of the very best of
women. Always ready in case of ill
ness. and seems to know just what to
do for the relief of the sufferer.
Oh, how many feyer-tossed weary
and languid ones still live to bless her
for her deeds of charity and nobleness
of heart! She is one Of those women
Solomon speaks ola Grown of glory
to her husband" How she tolls do
ing all the household work, the sew
ing, and having the entire care o
her children.
Often weary, but never complaining,
her good, wholesome, motherly face
brings sunshine with it always. With
all this economy, If it be called econ
cmy TO so overtaX the mother. why do
they live so humbly? Who has their
former home? Was il sold for debt;
or was the poor man unfortunate in
business? Neither. He drank it up.
Just a glass now and then, he was so
exposed to the cold something to keep
him warm. The wife saw, but never
a bitter word. They moved from one
tenement to another. The furniture
grew less. Clothing became old and
worn. At last the husband rambled
home with Keeling, unsteady steps.
The last baby that came had no dain-
ty baby garments. only little night
slip, and coarse flannel TO wrap it in.
The son came in and stood by his
mothers bedside-a thin, palc-faced
youth of fourteen.
Mother" said he, with happy
light I'm his boyish eyes: II have a
place in a store. ! can't earn much
at first. but, oh, / am so glad! Now
you shall soon be well and strong
again. See. Mr. Morse has advanced
me half months wages. and bought
n chicken for you, some good wine and
crackers"
and what is in that bundle, my
SOM" asked the feeble mother.
He blushed and threw the package
on the bed.
1T is a little soft flannel for baby"
"Oh, my noble SOM" and the tears
rained down her pale cheeks
Here was one patch of sunshine In
this otherwise dark and cloudy time.
That evening, as the children sat
eating some cold baked beans. all the
food there was i'm the house the father
came in. They looked up, startled, at
first because. so rare now, he was
sober He asked
Where is SUPPER
Father. this is all there u.s." was
the answer. only what Carl brought
mother"
The man sat down I'm chair, bowed
his head I'm his hands, and wept like
a child. IL Is painful to see big
man 50 weep. The children were
frightened The wife called softly.
William. come here"
He arose, and, with feeble steps, en-
tered the little bedroom
"Oh, Sarah. has &c come TO this? why
haven't you reproached me turned me
anything to have aroused with
In me "A sense or shameY
Dear William. { knew that your
manhood would reasscrt itself have
never for an hour ceased TO pray for
your reform"
Well" said the now humbled hus-
band and father. from this night
will leave the cup. My children shall
mover again blush for their father We
Will have a home once more. my poor.
long-sunering. patient wife"
In the morning he started for his
long neglected shop There was
bridge 20 be built across the river. Ho
bid with the rest, and secured the
Job. re rallied his men, and once
more William Hatch was an energetic
builder
AZ the beautiful structure progressed.
Ulen who had looked 20 him with pity
ing scorn a few weeks before, but new