Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1865-12-21

Or would you prefer mutton chops, or any
thing else on the bill? Speak for yourself" {
AS soon as the old man had sufficiently
recovered from his amazcment to realize his I
good fortune, he made choice of some cold
fowl, with hot biscuit and coffee, because 1
these comforting items could be most rcadi- |
ly procured.
The sympathizing stranger-who, by the
way, was fine looking man Of forty, with
tasteful whiskers, and an exceedingly pleas
ant eye-seemed to enjoy the meal, although
he has tasted nothing, quite as much as a
fairy story or dream
IF you don't believe me, look here, this
is my business card. You ought to know
me-perhaps you do. am rich enough to
afford any little caprice Of this kind, as you
Will see by calling at my store in the morn
ing
Roger began to be convinced. BY this
time the stimulous of food was having its
effect, and his happiness fsund expression
in deep, quiet laughter and tears
Now, are you sure you are perfectly
happy" asked Mr. Upton. Three meals
a day-all the world has that-but don't
know two really happy men. Isn't there
something else you would like %
81 forgot my clothes, said Roger. 81
should like a good warm coat, and whole
trousers and shoes, for this cold weather;
but then if have plenty to eat | can man
age to keep warm"
'The clothes you shall have" rejoined
the other.
II had forgotten them myself Waiter,
call hack for me. You shall go to my
house, friend johnson, and I'll look over
my wardrobe this very evening, aud see if |
cant furnish you with an outfit.
The old mans heart leapcd with joy
Still he seemed to be more than half inclin-
ed to believe it was a trick, even after Mr..
Upton took him with him into hack
I've made sure of my supper, at any
rate, said Roger to himself. There no
trick about that
They alighted before a handsome brick
dwelling house, with a silver knob on the
door, and silver bell handle, and the name
of Upton on Il silver plate-as the old man
saw by bright gas-light that burned before
the Just painted steps.
! The merchant entered by means of a
night-key, showing that he felt at home on
the premises, and presently the old man
was introduced into snug, little library,
where, among other comforts there was Il
! fire glowing brightly in the CRATE.
! The adventure looked more and more like
a reality; and, when with his own hands,
the merchant brought from an adjoining
room, coats, vests, pantaloons, and shirts,
all good, and whole, some scarcely worn al
all, and told him to choose what suited hin
best. Roger chuckled with deep, inward
JOY, scarcely clouded with doubt,
4 But ought to have good wash and
shave before getting into anything respect
able in the shape of clothing.
. thought Of that, SO | ordered a warn
bath, which will be ready for You in a few
/, minutes. | am determined to see if it i
| possible to make one man perfectly happy.
You've chosen a promising subject
4 said johnson, with smile Of quiet glee.-
II We good natured capacity that way
and if any man is suffered to appreciate
comfort, can set up the modest claim ~
SO the old man was put into bath, tbel
, barbercd by skilltul fellow with razor
and shears !; and finally clad in garment
that would have been respectable oil
: Change.
, Then Roger sat dow in the easy chai
, which Upton placed for him before tn
| CRATE, and wept like child.
What is the matter with you?' aske'
his friend.
This reminds me of my better days
, brings such strange things to my memory
/ muttered the old man.
j is that all?" l thought there nigh
: be something else necessary to complet
A your happiness. T"
Nothing ng-nothng.
Nothing at all? Are you sure there
u nothing more?' --rsr -. ga.
: Indeed, "a cloud passed over the ol
; man's face-''there is one thing | would lik
V to have mended little, but | had no ide
i of aaking the favor of you. .. -..t
e Speak out, tell you, oldm Ikne'
| there was something else.
e My lodging is cherries and cold.
freeze these raw nights; and amt sure
d three meals day, and warmest clothln
will be sufficient to carry happincssinto tn;
- gloomy hole.
"What will you have, then?'
to 80, ask nothing, but the truth is, if
were able to rent Il little more comlortab
= lodging
Tx WHAT would you fancy? Twill do
narm to talk
Il am well aware that the only genui
re civilized way of living is to have a house
ones own-but that, of course, l am n
he foolish enough to think Of. y
But supposing you were to have hou
"a what sort of one would you like?'
&c. IF you mean just such a house as
ed would like-why, d say some such hou
as this of yours. Everything seems
rd comfortable hcre A man ought to be
Adam in an Eden like this
:" ''Now, II tell you what, old man, 81
]v the enthusiastic merchant Il can't think
=" turning myself out of doors, even for t
in sake Of philanthropy; but if you will
1t, me live here, and have my own way, a lltt
III give yon this house to be your home
| long as you live. r :,