The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-05-23

the dark entry way below; and the woman
held the lamp while Roger went down to
speak with him.
The old man was all tremulous with a
vague apprehension that something was
going to happen to him; nor was this
feeling entirely dissipated when. in the
person who took his hand. and addressed
him with kindly tones. he recognized the
man that had so lately helped him 10 re.
gain his footing in the slippery street.
| Il was afraid | should not find you,
said the visitor. But from the time lef,
you. your words, old Roger Johnson
around the corner, third door up the al
tiey'-kept ringing in my ears. and | was
finally compelled to come back and look
TOR you 49,.
God bless you, SIR articulated the
shivering old man. This is an honor
| don't know how have deserved--you
mus, have made a mistake
None at all. thought you might be
very poor and in need Of assistance
True, true; ! am poor enough; but
but
Rogers voice failed him; and he began
to shake again as with an ague.
You are cold,' said his new friend
Come, let's step into yonder shop and
talk over matters
Roger hesitaied.
They turn me out, sir, when 70 there
to get warm
They will not turn me OUT replied the
other. Come along.
They entered q common refreshment
saloon, and by the countenance and pro.
lection Of his new friend. Roger was per-
mitted TO enjoy a seat by the stove.
You look like man who has seen
hard times observed the stranger.
Il have suffered almost everything. sir.
replied Johnson, in .snbdued. unsteady
tone. Il don't know why | am left TO live.
But you have some idea OF happiness
in store for you yet; no man is without
that, you know!'
Il sometimes dream OF such thing. |
have hopes, | have hopes, sir-rain bow
colored, some of 'em are, too. But it's
alI delusion. My castles are built in the
air, and they're forever tumbling down
about my ears. know what would make
me happy. sir; but what's the use Of talk
ing? It's something can't have
Speak il out, friend Johnson!' cried the
stranger. But be careful and not place
your expectations too high. The gods
love modesty. you know
Well sir, lis just this-nothing more
nor less than three meals day.
Three meals day!'
Il knew you'd call it extravagant.' said
Roger, with smile. But wouldn' I mind
your rich dishes; only give me plenty OF
bread and potaioes-w with n ow and then a
bit of cheese. or salt fishs or may be a
morsel Of dried beef or smoked bacon;
make me sure Of that. day after day, as
long as live, so that can keep clear oi
the aims house; and you'd see me hap
py man, if there is not an other in Gre a.
toni
And haven't you as much already!'
cried the astonished stranger.
Roger replied that with his poor health
he had found it so difficult to get work tha,
winter. and il was always so painful for
him TO ask aims. that his subsistence had
not averaged half a meal per day.
Good heavensr exclaimed his friend;
in all this was,eful city. is it possible that
one man can be found reduced toTsuch
extremes! One. too. whose happiness
would be SO cheaply purchased-three
poor meals a dayr aa
Cheap. if one had the money suggest
ed Roger. <'.< ~ 20
| 1 have the money!! and by all that's
precious. will devote so much OF it to a
pension that will afford you this royal
bIiss!' s. -@6 eHe
% sir, don't Jest with mel
| I'm not testing, friend Johnson! TIC
show you how much in earnest | am
Waiter. cook this man the choicest steak
you have. Or would you prefer mutton
chops! OF. anything else on the billl
Speak for YOURSELF 'ae s1@
As soon as the old man had sufficiently
recovered from his amazement to realize
his good fortune. he made choice Of some
cold fowl. with hot biscuit and coffee. be-
cause these comforting items could be
mostreadily produced.
The sympathetic stranger. who. by tbs
way, was a fine looking man Of forty. viii
a tasteful whisker and an exceedingly
pleasant eye-seemed to enjoy the me a
although he tasted nothing. quite as much
as the famished Roger himself. 'ia
Still the old man was un able to realize
that he was to have the luxury Of such liv
ling every day. II seemed SO much like 9
fairy story, or a dream! -" 't
III you don't believe me. look here
this is my business card. You ought tc
know me-perhaps you do. am rich
enough TO afford any little caprice OF thi,
kind. as you will see, by calling at my
store In the morning. s'7 sll s s.
i Roger began to be convinced. BY thi,
time the stimulus Of food was having il.
effect, and the happiuess found expires
sion in deep. quiet laughter and tears.
i Nov are you sure you are going to b,
perfectly hsppy9' asked Mr.. Upton
Three meals day-Eisll the world hal
that. but don't know two really happy
men. Isn't there something else yo,
would ike3' 8l asa
/ i forgot my cloihes,' said Roger. :
should like good warm coat and Who'll,
trousers and shoes, for this cold weather
but then. il L have plenty 10 eat, ca,
manage to keep myself warm.' s;sfs..!
sTha clofha q von oh a IL ha vo.s a,