Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1853-11-05
Hlistrllancous us.
The C0lpOrteur.
BY T. s. ARTHUR.

(which way stranger?" said rough look
ing farmer, 10 man who was carrying a wei
ililcd vallse. The latter was in the act of rails
ing the latch ola gate which opened from tn,
public road into narrow lane leading 20
small rountry-house Of no very inviting as
pect.
The person thus addressed turned and fix
ed pair Of mild, yet steady and penetrating
eyes upon the speaker.
(Which way, stranger?" was repeated
though in modified and more respectful
tones.
"Who lives there ?" said the stranger. point
ing to the house just in view from the road
"Dick JONES'" was answered.
"What kind Of man is he ~ next inquired
the stranger.
"Ralher a hard case You'd better not &C
there
"Why?'
saint you the man that sells Bibles and
Ia k relign?"
suppose am 81
"1ake a friends advice then, and keep n
way from Dick Jones. He'll insult YOU
mlybe do worse"
81 reckon not" replied the colporteur fol
such he was
ale will as sure as fate I've heard him
say, over and over again, that il one of you
Bible sellers dared TO come inside of his gate
he'd set his dogs on you. And he's Just the
man 10 Keep his word 81, take a friend,
advice and let him alone. No good will come
Of it,"
"lIas he wife and children - inquired the
coiportcur.
"A wife and two little boys"
"Wha; kind Of woman is his wife ?"
80, she'll do well enough. But nrighbors
lon't 90 there much on account Of her hus-
band who is II very imp Of satan il the truth
must be told"
Like the blessed MASTER" was replied tc
this 4 come not TO call the righteous, bui sin,
ncrs to repentance. Ofal things in the world
the bible is most needed at Jones's; and an
bound to place one there"
40 very well. Follow your own bent,
said the farmer, slightly annoyed at the 9th
rr's pertinacity, "fou'll remember that
warned you, when his dogs are at your shou
i'rs. Sogood mornin .oyou
'Good morning. returned the stranger
cheerfully, as he threw open the ill-hung gat,
md entered the forbidden grounds OF Dicl
Jones.
Now. our brave friend the colpoteur was no
u strong, robust man, able 10 meet and resis
physical violence. In the Use of carnal weap
ons. be had no skill. But he had conidrn
spirit, strong heart. and above all, an unwa
vering confidence in the protecting power o
| -, 4 4
| lie.
Even on the grounds of Dick Jones th.
birds sang sweelly, the cool brcezes sportet
amid the leafy branches. and the breaths Of I
thousands flowers mingled their fragrance OF
the air; and even as the copo.teur trod lhcst
grounds. he leltan enjoyed the tranquil beat
~ and peace of nature. There was no shrink
| ing in his heart. lie was not in the terror o.
the lions that crouched on bis path. Soon he
stood at the open door of house, around
which was no air Of comfort, nor single yes
tge Of taste.
"Who's there? What's wanted ?" was the
repulsive salutation of of woman, who hur-
riedly drew an old handkerchief across he,
brown neck and half exposed bosom, on seeing
a stranger.
"May Gods peace be on this housed" said
the colporteur, in low, reyerent voice as he
stood, one foot on the ground. and the other
across the threshold.
A change passed instantly lover tho woman,
face. Its whole expression softened. But
she did not invite the stranger to enter.
'Go-go' she said in a hurried voice. go
away quickly Ny husband will be here diret.
ly, and he
She paused. leaving the sentence unfinished
as if reluctant to speak what was in her
mind
"Why should go away quickly ?" asked
the stranger as he stepped into the room ta-
king Oft his hat respectfully. and seating him,
self in a chair. 81 wish to speak to your
husband. Mr. Jones believe is his name %
Yes cir. his name is Jones' But be don't
want 70 see you
Don't want 10 see mel How do you know
Who am lT
4 don't know your name, sir, answered the
woman, timidly; but know who you are
You go round selling good books and talking
religion 10 the people