The Union. [volume] (Georgetown, Del.) 1863-1866, 1863-10-02

have made mistake" ia ~ i4''s
mot at all. thought you might have
need of assistance a se4
"True, true, am poor enough, but
Rogers voice failed him, and he began
to shake again as with ague,
"You are cold," said his new friend
"Come, let's step into yonder shop and talk
over matters" 5ri5
Roger hesitated. taas
"They turn me out, sir, when | go there
to get warm"
"They will not turn me out," replied
the other. ESQ come along"
They entered 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 had seen
hard times, observed the stranger.
II have suffered almost everything, sir,
replied johnson, in subdued, unsteady
tone. ~ 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 knew" E io5ai
II sometimes dream of such thing, I
have hopes, sir; rainbow colored some Of
them are, too. But it's all delusion. My
castles are built in the air, and they are
forever tim6ling down about my ears l
know what woGld make me happy, sir ;
but what's the use OF talking? It'ssome-
thing | cannot have" g..
"Speak out, friend johnson" cried the
stranger. "But be careful not to place
your expectations too high. The gods love
modesty, you know" 81. as
"Well, sir, it just this; nothing more
or less; three meals day."
"Three meals a day p
"I knew you'd call it extrasagant," said
Roger, with a faint smile. "But would
not mind your rich dishes; only give me a
plenty of bread and potatoes, with now and
then bit of cheese, or salt fish, or maybe
a morsel of smoked beef Or dried bacon
Make me sure of that day after day as long
as live, so that l can Keep clear Of the
almshouse, and you'd see me happy man
if there's not another in creation"
Sand haven't you as much already p
cried the astonished stranger.
Roger replied that, with his poor health
it was difficult to get work that winter, anC
it was so painful to ask aims that his sub
sistence did not average half "a meala day
Good heavens 2" exclaimed his friend
lin all this wasteful city is it possible tha
one man can be found reduced to such ex
tremes? One, too, whose happiness cal
be so cheaply purchased; three poor meal
day Y s Tauar. r. la
CHEAP, if one had the money" sug
gested Roger.
| have the money, and, by all that
precious, / will devote so much of it to
pension that will afford you this roya
bliss" hsiisaaa a,,.
30, sir, don't jest with me-"
~ am not jesting, friend Johnsoni T.
show you how earnest am-waiter, cool
for this man the choicest steak you have
Or would you prefer mutton chops or any
thingIelse on the bill Speak for your
self r.
As soon as the old man had sufficient,
recovered from his amazement to realiz
his good fortune, he made choice of som
cold fowl, with hot biscuit and coffee, be
: cause these comforting items could be mos
readily procured.
. The sympathizing stranger; who, by tn
} way, was fne-looking man of forty, witt
, tasteful whiskers, and an exceedingl
: pleasant eye seemed to enjoy the meal
/ although he had tasted nothing, quite a
much like fairy story, or dream
! eff you don't believe me, look here
9 this is my business card You ought t
Y know me-perhaps you do. J. am ric
: enough toaford any little caprice of thi
: kind, as you will see by calling at my stor
: in the morning" t@s~
Roger began to be convinced. By thi
a time the stimulus of food was having ii
effect, and the happiness found expressio
v in deep quiet laughter and tears.
t Now, are you sure you are going to b
e perfectly happy?" asked Mr.. Uptor
e Three meals day-all the world ha
g that-but l don't know two really happ
men. Isn't there something else yo
would like ?"
d 81 forgot my Clothes" said Roger. i"
: should like good warm coat, and Who'll
e trousers, and shoes, for this cold weather
r. but if have plenty to eat | can manag
to keep warm"
n "The clothes you shall have" rejoine
the other. Il had forgotten them mysel
4 Waiter, call hack for me. You shall G
n to my house, friend johnson, and I'll loo
over my wardrobe this very evening an
e see if 1 can't furnish you with an outfit
is The old mans heart leaped with jo
s. Still he seemed to be more than half il
q clined to believe it was a trick, even aft,
Ie Mr.. Upton took him with him into hacl
k aI've made sure of my supper, at an
Ie rate" said Roger to himself There
q; no trick about that" ..v .,.. -.....
,e They alighted before a handsome brio
d dwelling house, with silver knob on IL
IL door, and silver bell handle, and Il
i name of Upton on a silver plate-as Il
IL old man saw by a bright gaslight th
% burned before the just painted steps. a
IN The merchant entered by means of
night-key, showing that be felt at home
y the premises, and presently the old mt
N was introduced into snug little ibrar
Z where, among other comforts, there was
l. fire glowing brightly in the CRATE. .ls
as g The adventure looked more and mo
X like reality; and when, with his ov
hands, the merchant brought from an a