The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-06-17
The Beggar.
A TRUE TALE AND NO FICTION.

One cold, windy morning, the last Sunday in
December. 1917, a half naked man knocked
timidiy at the basement door Of fine, substan-
tial mansion in the city OF Brooklyn. Though
the weather was bitter, even for the season,the
young man had no clothing but a pair of rag
gea cloth pants ard The remains of flannel
shirt, in many large rents, and which exposed
his muscular chest. But IN spite of his tat
tered apparal and evident fa'igne, as he leaned
heavily uponihe railing Of TIE basement stairs
a critical observer would not fail to notice a
conscious air of dignity. and the marked 'ra-
ces of civilization and refnemen: in his pale
and haggard countenance.
The door was speedily opened and disclosed
acomfortably furnished room with its glowing
grate of anthracite, before which was placed a
luxuriously furnished breakfast table. A FASH
ionably attired young man, in brocade dres-
sing gown and velvet slippers, was reclining
in a soft fauteuil busily reading the morning
papers. The beautiful young wife had linger-
ed at the table, giving to the servant in wait
ing her orders for the household matters Of the
day, when the tirnt rap at the door attracted
her attention. She commanded it to be OPEN
ed; but the young master of the house replied
that it was quite useless-being no one but
some thievish beggar. But the door was al
ready opened and the sympathies of Mrs
haywood enlisted at once.
"Come in to the fire." cried tie young wife
inpulsively, "before you perish!'
The mendicant, without exhibiting any
surprise a such unusual treatment of a street
beggar, slowly entered the room, manifesting
painful weakness ateyery step. On his en-
trance, Mr.. haywood, with displeased air.
gathered up his papers and left the apartment.
The compassionate lady unwiselv placed the
half frozen man rear the fire, while she pre-
pared bowl of fragrant coffee, which, with
abundant food was placed before him. Bat
noticing the abrupt departure of her husband
M~s haywood, with a clouded countenance
left the room. whispering to the servant to
remain until the stranger should leave.
She then ran hastily up the richly mounted
staircase, and paused before the entrance of a
cupied solely by her husband. who was ply
sician and practical chemist She opened the
door and entered the room. Mr.. haywood
was sitting at small table with his head rest.
ing on his hands. apparently deep in thought
edward" said the young wife gently ton.
ching his arm, "l fear have displeased you
but the man looked so wretched could not
bear 10 drive him away;" and her sweet voice
treinhled as she added-'.You know take the
sacrament to-day"
"Dear Merry" renlied the really fond hus'
band, IL appreciate ~cur motives. I know i
is pure goodness of heart which leads you t.
disobey me, but still must insist upon my
former mands--that no beggar shall evel
be permitted to enter the house. 1t is fol
your safety that insi ST upon it. How deepl,
yon might be imposed upon in my frequent alb
sences from home, I shudder to think TIL,
man who is below may be burglar in dis
guise, and already in your absence taking i'm
pressions in wax OF the different key holes il
the room, so as to enter some night at his lei
sure. Your limited experience of city Iif,
makes it difficult for you to credit so much de.
pravity. 1t is no charity TO give TO street beg
gars, it only encourages vice, dearest"
''It may be So" responded Mrs. haywood
''bnt If seems wicked not to relieve suffering
and want, even IL the person has behaved bad
ly, and we know it. But I promise you no
to ask another beggar into the house."
AT this moment the servant raped Violently
at the door, crying out that the beggar was dy.
ing.
"Come Edward, your skill can save him
know" said his notwithstanding from the room
The doctor did not refuse this appeal to hi
professional vanity, for he Immediately follow.
ed her flying footsteps as she descended to tn,
basement. They found the mendicant lyine
pale and unconscious upon the carpet, where
he had slipped in lis weakness from the chair
where Mrs. Maywocd had seated him.
s.He is handsome fellow,o muttered tn,
doctor, as he bent over him to ascertain tn,
state Of has pulse.
And well he might say so. The gloss,
locks of raven hair had fallen away from ,
broad white forehead, his closed eyelids were
hordered by long raven lashes, which lay lik,
a silken fringe upon his pale, brouzed cheeks,
while delicate aqueline nose, and square
massive chin, displayed model of manly
beauty.
SIs he dead!'' asked the young wife anxious.
ly.
"Oh, no; it is only fain.ing fit induced by
the sudden change Of temperature, and, per-
haps the first stage OF starvation" replied the
doctor sympathizingly. He had forgotten fol-
the monent his ol6 maxims Of prudence, and
added, che must be carried to a warm room,
without fire, and placed in comfortable
bed.n
The coachman was called in to assist in lift
ing the athletic stranger, who was soon car
ried TO room in the chambers, where the doc
tor administered with his own hands port
vino sangaree. The young man soon became
partly conscious, but all conversation was for
hidden him, and he sunk quietly to sleep.
"He is dsing well, let him rest as long as he
can; should ne awake in our absence, give him
beef tea and toast nd ibitum," said the doctor
professionally, as he LEFT the room.