2
l)c imc, Him Bloomficlir, f)cu
The Dark Hour.
" T CAN'T stand it any longer, Jane
I I'll go out and perhaps something
will turn up for us."
" It's a cold night, Kobert."
" Cold, yes 1 But it's not much colder
outsido than in. It would have been
better for you if you had married John
Tremaine," ho said bitterly.
"Don't say that Robert j I'vo never re
gretted my choice."
"Not even now, when thcro is not a
loaf of bread, in tbo houso for you and
the children ("
" Not even now, Kobert. Don't bo
discouraged. Qod has not forsaken us.
Perhaps this Christinas Kvo tho tide will
turn, and better days may dawn upon us
to-morrow."
Hubert Driec shook his head despoud
ingly. , . -
" You nre more hopeful than I, Jano.
Day after day I have been in search of
employment ; I have called at fifty places
only to receive tho samo auswer every
where. Just then little Jimmy, who had been
asleep woko up.
" Mother," ho pleaded, won't you give
me a piece of bread? I'm so hungry."
" Thcro is no bread, Jimmy, darling,"
said the mother, who with an aching
heart.
" AVhen will there be some, asked the
child pitcously.
Tears came to tho mother's eyes. Sho
knew not what to say.
"Jimmy, I'll bring you some bread,"
said the father hoarsely, and he seized his
hat and went to the door.
IJ is wife, alarmed, laid her hand upon
Iub sleeve. Sho saw the look in his eyes,
and she feared to what step desperation
might lead him.
" Kcmcmber, Kobert," she said solemn
ly " it is hard to starve, but there are
things that aro worse."
He shook off her hand but not roughly,
and without a word passed out.
Out in tho cold streets 1 They would
bo bis only home next, ho thought, l'or
a brief time longer ho had tho shelter
of a cheerless room in a cold tenement
house, but tho rent would become duo at
the end of the month, and he had noth
ing to meet it.
.Robert ISrieo was a mechanic, compe
tent and skillful. Three years since ho
Uvea in a country village wlicro his ex
ponscs were moderate and ho found no
. diihculty in meeting them. Uut in an
evil hour ho grew tired of his village
home, and removed to the city. Here he
vainly hoped to do better. For a while
he met with very good success, but he
found his tenement house, in which he
was obliged to live, but a poor substitute
lor tho neat cottago which ho had oecU'
pied in the country. Ho saw his mistake
but was too proud to go back.
" Of courso I can't have as good ac
commodations here as in the country,
he said, "but it is something to live in,
and be in tho midst ot things.
" I'd rather bo back again," said his
wife. " Somehow tho city docs not seem
like home. There I used to run in and
take tea with a neighbor, and have a
pleasant, social time. Hero I know
scarcoly anybody."
" You'll got used to it after a while,"
said her husband.
She did not think so, but did not like
to compluin.
But a timo of great depression came
and with it a suspension of business en
terprise Work ceased for Kobert Krice
and many others. If he had been in his
old home ho could have turned his hands
to something else, and at the worst oould
have borrowed of his neighbors till bet
ter times. But tho friendly relations
arising from neighborhood do not exist
in the city to the same extent as in the
country. So, day by day ho went out to
seek work only to find himself otio of a
large number, all of whom were doomed
to disappointment. If he had been nluno
he could havo got along somehow, but it
was a sore trial to come to a cheerless
room and a palo wife and hungry children
with no relief to offer them.
When on that Christmas Eve, Kobert
Brice went into the streets, he hardly
knew how ho was to redeem the promise
ho had mado to Jimmy. Ho was abso
lutely penniless, and had been so for
three days. There was nothing that ho
was likely to do that night.
" I will pawn my coat," ho said, at
last, " I cannot seo my wife and children
starve."
It was a well-worn overcoat, and that
cold winter night ho needed something
more to keep him warm. Weakened by
enforced fasting, ho was more sensitive to
th cold, and shivered as lie wulked along
tho pavement.
" Yes," ho said, " my coat must go. I
know not how I shall get along without
it, but I cannot see the children sturve
before my eyes."
Ho was not in general an envious man,
but ho Baw sleek, well-fed citizens, but
toned up to the throat in warm overcoats
couio out of the brilliantly-lighted shops
provided with presents for happy chil
dren at homo while his wcro starving;
he suffered gome bitter thoughts upon
the inequality of Fortune's gifts to como
to his mind.
Why should they be so happy and ho
so miserable It
There was a timo, lio remembered it
well, whon ho too sufferod not tho
Christmas Eve to pass without buying
some littlo gift for Jimmy and Agnes.
How little did he dream that they
would ever want for bread.
There was ono man, shorter than him
self, warmly clad, who passed him with
his hunds thrust deep into tho pockets of
his overcoat. There was a pleasant smile
upon his face. He was doubtless think
ing of the happy circle at homo.
Kobert knew him as a rich merchant,
whoso ample warchouso ho often passed.
IIo had applied to this man only two days
before for employment, and been refused.
It was, perhaps, tho thought of tho wide
difference between them so far as outward
circumstances went, that led Kobert
Brico to follow him.
After a whilo the merchant Mr.
Grimes drew his handkerchief quickly
from liis pocket. As ho did so, ho did
not pcrcoivo that his pocketbook camo
with it and fell to tho sidewalk.
lie did not perceive it, but Kobert did.
His heart leaped into his mouth, and
a sudden thought entered his mind.
Ho bent quickly down and picked up tho
tho pocketbook. IIo raised his eyes
hastily to sec if tho movement was ob
served. It was not.
Tho merchant went ou unheeding his
loss.
" This will buy bread fur my wifo and
children," thought Kobert instantly.
A vision of tho comfort which tho
money would bring that cheerless room
lightod up his heart fur a moment, but
then, for ho was nut dishonest, thcro came
another thought. The money was not
his however much ho might want it.
" But I cannot sec my wife and chil
dren starve," ho thought again. "If it
is wrong to keep this money, Cod will
pardon the offcuce. Ho will understand
my motive."
All this was sophistry, and ho know it.
In a moment ho felt it to bo so. There
was something worso than starvation.
It was his wifo that had said this just
before he came out. Could ho meet her
gazo, when ho returned with food so ob
tained. " I've lived honest, so far," he
thought "I won't turn thief now."
It was with an effort ho camo to this
decisinn, for all tho whilo before his eyes
thcro was that vision of a cheerloss homo
and he could hear Jimmy vainly asking
for food. It was with an effort that ho
stepped forward and placed his hand on
tho merchant's shoulder, and extended
tho hand that held the pocketbook.
" Sir," ho said hoarsely, " you have
dropped your pocketbook."
"Thank you," said tho merchant,
turning round, " I hadn't perceived my
loss."
" You dropped it when you pulled out
your handkerchief.
" And you saw it and picked it up, I
am very much obliged to you.
" You have reason to be," said Kobert
in a low voice. I came very near keep
ing it."
" That would havo been dishonest,"
said Mr. Grimes, his tone altering slightly-
" Yes, it would, but it's hard on a
man to be honest when he is penni
less, and his wifo and children without
a crust."
" Surely you and your family are- not
in that condition said tho merchant,
earnestly.
" Yes," said Kobert " it is only too
true."
" And you aro out of work ?"
" For two months I havo vainly sought
for work. I applied to you two days
since."
" I remember you now. I thought I
had seen your face before. You still
want work?
" I should feci grateful for it."
" A porter left me yesterday ; will you
take his pluce at $12 a week 'I
" Thankfully, sir. I would for half
that !"
" Then como to-morrow morning or
rather as to-morrow will bo a holiday, tho
day succeeding. Meantime, tako this
for your present necessities."
He drew from his pocketbook a bank
note and put it into Hubert's hand.
" It's $50!" said Kobort, amazed.
" I know it. This book contains a
$1,000. But for you I should have lost
tho whole. I wish you a merry Christ
mas." " It will indeed bo a merry Christ
mas," said Kobert, with emotion, "God
bless you sir 1" Goodnight."
"Good night."
Jane waited fur her husband in tho
cold and cheerless room, which for a few
days longer sho might call her home.
" Do you think lather will bring mo
some bread 1" said littlo Jimmy, as ho
nestled in her lap.
" I hope so, darling," sho said, but her
heart misgave her. She feared it was a
delusive hope.
An hour passed thcro was a step on
tho stairs her husband'B. It could not
be, for it was a cheerful, elastio step,
coming up two stuirs at a timo. Sho look
ed eagerly to tho door.
" Yes, it was ho. Tho door opened.
Kobert, radiant with joy, entered with
a basket full of substantial provisions.
" Have you got some bread, father?"
asked Jimmy, hopefully.
"Yes, Jimmy, some bread and meat
from a restaur uut, and here's a littlo tea
and sugar. . Tlioro'i a little wood left,
Jane. Let's have a bright Cre and a
comfortablo meal, for, please God, this
shall be a merry Christmas."
" How did it happen 1 Tell mo Kob
ert." So Robert told his wife, and soon a
bright fire lighted up tho beforo cheerless
room, and thcro were four happy hearts
that waited in joyful hopo for tho dawn
of a merry Christmas day.
The next week they moved to a better
homo. They havo never since known
what it is to want. Kobert found a firm
friend in tho merchant, and has an ac
count in tho savings bank, and has reason
to remember, with n grateful heart. God's
goodness on that Christinas Eve.
A Short find Expensive Courtship.
I MADE the acquaintance of a young
lady at a party, who was rather good
looking ; and I, being rather susceptible,
of courso fell in love.
I accompanied tho young lady home,
but had a very polite invitation from tho
lady's father to stay at homo ! But,
nothing daunted, I resolved to win Jano
Ann at all hazards. If anything, I
rather liked old K 's objection, for that
made the thing romantic, you know.
Tho next evening, knowing that Jano
Ann would bo at church, I borrowed
a horse and carriago from a friend, and
went there fur the purpose of taking June
Ann home after church was over.
I am afraid I did not pay much attcir
tion to the sermon .on that evenins
and
I thought, at that time, it was the longest
I had ever listened to. But as every
thing earthly has an end, so had that
sermon ; and I thought it the happiest
moment in my life, when I assisted Jane
Ann into my carriage.
We, of course, tonk the longest road to
Mr. B 's possible ; and as it was in
an opposite direction from my horse's
homo, and as he had not had his supper,
ho did not care much about going; but 1
at last got him under way, and then gave
my attention to my companion and com
menced conversation, which ran some
what in this way:
" Dear Janie, isn't this a beautiful
whoa there ! Where aro you going to V
Tho last was addressed to tho horse,
who had suddenly tako a notion to turn
around.
" Seo how beautiful tho moon whoa,
there ! Whcro in the dickens aro you
going to '("
Tho horso was going squaro into tho
fence. " Oh ! Janie, I've long wished for
this opportunity to whoa, there! Con
found that horse I'vo long wished for
the opportunity to tell you how much 1
come out of that, you oat-muncher !
Whcro in the mischief aro you going
to?"
The horso was going into tho fenco
again, but I straightened him, and com
menced again :
" I've lung wanted to tell you, Janie,
how much I love you come out of that,
you sou-of-a gun ! What aro you turn
ing around for ? and oh, Janie, If I
thought you where the deuce aro you
going? Whoa, there ! loved mo half as
well as confound that horse 1 Whoa,
there ! I lovo you como out of that !
I'd bo perfectly con found that horse !
Yes, Junie, I'd bo perfectly darn that
horse! Whoa, there !"
I was too late ; tho horse turned squaro
around, upsetting tho carriago and break
ing it all to smash, but fortunately not
hurting Janie or me. I walked homo with
Jano, but never finished my speech.
Tho curriago cost mo forty dollars to
get it repaired, nnd I hav'nt indulged in
tho luxury of falling in love since.
BfiJT Thcro is, or was, recently living
in Penobscot county, Maino, a centena
rian negro, by tho iiamo of Van Meter.
Ho was once called as a witness before
tho County Court, then held by a rather
aged official, Judge I'erham. Tho law
yers on each side, by questioning and
cross-questioning, had pumped tho negro
pretty dry, and got him into a state of ex
treme perplexity. The judge, in kind
ness, thought ho would interfere, and put
Bomo plain questions l'or Van Meter's re
lief. Tho nogro, not appreciating tho
motive, and thinking fho gamo of cross
questions was still to eontiiiuo, broke out
with a beseeching look to tho bunch :
" Duu't you meddle nor make in this bu
siness, old grandsir; I've gut us much as
I can do 'tend to those men down hero."
Tho Judge subsided, and the negro kept
dark as to any further answers.
Cir! A Learned writer says of books:
" They arc masters who instruct us with
out rods or ferules, without wood or au
ger, without bread or money. If you
approach them they are not asleep; if
you blunder they do nut scold; if you
aro igunrant they do nut laugh at you.
BfjV" "It is a pleasing thing to reflect
upon," sayd Dickens, " and furnishes a
comploto answer to thoso who contend
for tho gradual degeneration of tho hu
man species, that every baby born into
tho world is a finer ono than tho last."
&&" A politician, in writing a letter of
conilulenuo to the widow of n " country
member," who hail been his fiiond, says :
" I nm pained to hear that has guno
to heaven. We wcro busuni friends, but
now wo shall never meet uguiu."
SUNDAY HEADING.
GOOD LIFE.
IIo llvetn long who llveth well (
All else is life but flung away
IIo llvcth longest who can toll
Of good things truly done each day.
Then fill each hour with what will last
Buy up tho momonts as thoy goj
Tho Ufa abovo when this is past
Is the rlpo iruit of lift below.
Sow lovo, and tnsto Its frultngo pure j
Sow poaco, and reap its harvest bright ;
Sow sunbeams on the rock and moor,
And flud a harvest-homo of light.
What M ill Ho Become ?
rpiIIS question is often asked by
parents in regard to their sons, and
bv the friends nfmnnv vnnn A ,i
although thcro is no definito rulo fur as
certaining, wo may get souio idea of what
a young man will becomo by observing
his actions and works.
Solomon said, many centuries ago, that
" even a child is known hv 1
whether it bo good or whether it be
evil." Therefore, when tun n 1,
slow to go to school, indifferent about
1 I . 1 1 n
learning, unit giau ot every opportunity
to neglect his lessons vnn innv i4 ;
for granted that he will be a blockhead,
wi i .
neu you seo a ooy anxious to Fpend
money, and who'snnnrl ronm mi
soon as ho gets it, you may know that ho
win uo a spcnutiirut.
When you seo a boy hoarding up his
pennies and unwilling to part with them
to any good purpose, you may set it down
mat no win no a miser.
When you sco a boy willing to taste
strong drink, you may rightfully suppose
that ho will become a drunkard.
When a boy is disrespectful to his pa
rents, disobedient to his teacher, and un
kind to his friends and playmates, it is a
sign that he will never bo ol'much account.
When you seo a boy looking nut for
hiniself,and unwilling to share good things
with others, it is a sign that he will grow
up a selfish man.
When you hear a boy using profano
language, you may tako it for a sign that
ho will become a wicked and profligate
man.
When you see boys rudo to each other,
you may know they will become disagree
able men.
When you seo boys pouting and grum
bling when told to do anything, and always
displeased when they havo any work to
perform, it is a sign that they will bo
good-for-nothing men.
But when you seo boys that aro kind
and obliging to each other, obedient and
respectful to their parents, attentive to
their studies and duties, it is a sign that
they will becomo good and useful men.
When you seo a boy that loves his
Bible, and is well acquainted with it, it
is a sign of a future blessing from Al
mighty God.
When you sco a boy that stays away
from tho theaters, grog-shops, ball-rooms,
and gambling-houses, it is a sign that ho
will grow up a man in principle, knowl
edge, and goodness.
When you sco a boy practising tho
virtues of morality and Christianity,
you may know that ho will becomo an
honor to himself and family, useful to
his country, and the glory of his Maker.
Although great changes sometimes
take lilllCO in thn eliuriietne tlmun cl.ma
. - . D,rj"aj
as a general rulo, hold good.
The First Glass.
Dr. Patton met ft fast vnnlli nn oliln.
board who said gaily, " I care for nothing
out too iirsi glass, out wnen tlio tirst
class frets down it feels so laiu.lv (lint T
t-f
send down a second to keep it company,
wncn tncy uegin quarreling with each
other, and 1 send down a third to put
things right, when they turn and ask tho
i .i i . . . .
new-comer wnat, no nas to Uo with their
family matters; then goes down a fourth
and fifth, and they all enter into a baso
conspiracy to mako mo dead druuk."
Tho way to completo safety is so plain
that ho who never lets the first drop " get
down" will never bo drunk. But letting
the fust glass down ruins more than one
fifth of tho boys of tho State. To-day I
camo across the Connecticut river in a
skiff; now, if it was so perilous to cross
that onoju every five was lost, I never
should havo venturod. No one in his
senses would venture. Equally unwise
is it to venturo upon tho perilous flood of
immoderate drinking. Nobody means to
be a drunkard. Tho tippler says, " I am
safe," tho drunkard repels you with, " I
can drink, or I can let alone," and tho
dying inubriato totters to his grave under
tho delusion that ho can control his appe
tite. Young man, venturo not on that do
ceitful tido. Wine is a mocker, and who
is deceived thereby is not wise.
tG" Somewhere in tho East, thcro is a
tree which is a non-conductor of electric
ity, Tho pooplo know it, und whou n
storm comes, they fleo toward it lor safe
ty. Beautiful picture of tho Saviour 1
Beautiful emblem of the tree of Calvary !
It is a non-conductor of wrath. Get un
derneath it, ami you are, safe safe- forever.
Till!:
"Bleos Patent"
NOISELESS, LINK MOTION,
LOCK-STITCH
Sowing Machine
Challenge the World In Perfection of Work,
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AT 1'IiINCirAL OFFICE,
623 Broadway, New York.
4 2Sly-a
$1140
Ilnw I made It In 6 mos. with StenclR
Samples nml led tree. A.J.FuiXAM.N.Y.Om
A GREAT OFFER.
HORACE WATERS,
No. 4S1 Ji road way, 2fcw York
"TiriM, dispose of One IIuntihei) Pianos, Me
TV iodkons and oikians, of six first class ma
kim's, including ('dickering fi Sons, at kxtiikmfi.y
Miw run es run cash, imuino this mon th, or will
tako from 35 to&!3 monthly until paid. 4 17 ly a
OU WOR3I3 IN THE FACE.
A trcatlno on their Causes, and how to cure
them including tho prepared Kcmcdy, will be
sent free by mall for 85 cents, or jjcscriplive
Pamphlet gratia on receiptor ftiimp. Address.
M. LAFAYETTE BYKON, M. D.,
Box 4001), P. O., New York.
4,50,4t (Oilleo SO Cedar St.)
LONGEST ROOF
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F.aston, l'a., ono third of a mile long, and is cov
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ICEADYKOOFINUCO..
I 23 lya o. 01 Courtland St. New York.
fiK FlfJST PREMIUM
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IMFKOVEt) FAMILY
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and neat, Willi ease. Uses all kinds of silk or
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l ids beautiful sewing machine is one of the most
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Forward cash by registered letter, or 1". O. money
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Address Family Sewing Machlno Co., Olllce 80
Nassau Street, New York.
JAMES 33. CLARK,
MANL'FACTUKEIl AND DEALEll IN
Stoves, Tin nnd Sheet Iron "Ware
New Blooiufleld, Terry co., Pa.,
KEEPS constantly on hand every article usually
kept lu a llrst-class esUibllshiiicnt.
All the latest styles and most improved
Parlor and EtUchcu Ntores,
TO BUUN EITiiKH COAL Oil WOODI
-Spouting and Hoofing put up In the most
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Use Dr. Frederick's
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THE MEDICAL WONDER!
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-Siilil by lu ugglsts und Country Store Keen
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Muwport, Perry Countv, l'a.
l'UIt'E OOCK.Vl'S l'KR HOTTLK 411
Stop Chewing Tobacco
S
AVE YOUH MONKY and restore your health,
J'hls Is nota substftole lint a cure for Smoking,
Chewing, and Snuff-taking. Few persons are
iv usiiiu m. nvms .Auimoio lor looaeeo.
hwuiii 01 nm icn line eiiecis 01 the noxious weed
on tho human system. Dyspepsia. Headache,
Disease of the Liver, Sallow Complexion, Costive
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diseases are the alllielluns brought oil by its use.
The Antidote is purely vegetable and harmless.
It acts as a tonic on tho system, puriliesthe blood,
and enables apcrson to digest the heartiest food.
Samples sent free for SO cents ia per dozen.
Address M. J. Varueil. M Cannon St. K. Y. 14473m
Thomas Moonn,
8. 8. Weheu.
H It 13 ATLY 131 lIfiO Y12I
AND
It E - F 1 T T E D I
' THE union;
This tine Hotel Is located on
Arch Street, Between Third and Fourth Street,
Philadelphia, Pa.
MOOltE & WEBEIt
Proprietors.
January 1, lsfi'j.
N1
OTICE TO LAND OWNERS !
After the 12th day of August of Mils year, (1870)
suits will he liable lo bo brought m Hie Court of
Dauphin County for money due ou lauds In Perry
County, unpatented.
S. For informal ion relative to the Patenting of
lamia, cull on or address
H. 11. (iALllllAlTII.
AHoriiey-at Law & County Surveyor.
Biooindeld.MarchS, 1870. tf.