Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-04-18

APRIL 1S, 1867
man, 'and all the parishes in the world can't do
me any good tonight" ~.
'But you should have thought of that before you
left home" now ehimed in the good housewife
dence, as it is called and whoever SINS must ex-
pect punishment. never go away without pro-
Viding for the journey, and, Of course don't exs
pect anybody to feed and shelter me for nothing
It is sin, too to be idle when one is able to work.
and it is against my principle as true Christian
to encourage any one shining"
'Then, suppose I'm to understand that you
refuse me both food and lodging, said the old
man. ....
Gas to food" said the pious dame, gancing at
her husband, 'f you are very hungry, suppose
we can do something fo- you in that way but lodg-
ing is out Of the question-for two mounted coT-
of ours from India, will be here very soon and he
wrote some time ago, that he didn't like to have
beggars about where he was, and we would mt like
to offend him. True, we hardly expect he will
come tonight; but, then, he might, you know, and
we wouldn' like to run any risks"
swell, them. said the old man with sigh, 81
viii take the food, fyou please and go on' evenif
fiPut your trust in the Lord, my friend, put
your trust in the Lord p said Stephen Barrett
solemnly. :,
Lord that is what we do when in trouble. Sa-
couple of those cold potatoes for this old man-they
are very good eating when one is hungry 1 like
them myself Yes, put your trust in the Lord
and don't leave home again without some means
By-the-by, while l think of it," added the good
woman, laying down o cap-frll, on which she had
been busily at work while talking, and looking up
with bright twinkle of her eyes, II do beEve you
can get good nights lodging at Harry Barrett 8,
who lives only half mile from here on the road
South He's great hand for taking in stran'
gers"
She looked at her husband, and both smiled
knowingly, for both were thinking that in case the
rich uncle should find the beggar there, it might
increase Stephen Barrett's chances OF being the
fortunate heir.
Sarah Jane now returned and handed the d
man two little cold potatoes: he took them' tarn-
and murmured:
| ''They have eyes-but can they see? l think
not-for if they could they blush red instead OF
keeping such dark color" Then glancing slow
ly around the neat, tidy cheerful room, taking in
three prime girls and their pous parents, he quick
ly tossed the potatoes into the lap of the astonished
mistress, saying as he did so II beg your pardon,
madam, but did not intend to rob you
"Oh, you sinful, wicked old creature p exclaim.
ed the good dame, in holy horror, as the dsgusted
old man turneda and went out and shut the door
with a slam.
In less than an hour the unfortunate wayfarer
was trying his chances at the house of Henry Bar
rett.
"Come in,'' said strong, hearty, cheerful voice,
in answer to his timid knock. .,
He entered large, plainly furnished apartment,
and beheld group Of six persons father, moth
er, two sons, and two daughters seated around a
pleasant fire, with bright light on the table near
them, and all looking contented and happy. On
seeing his visitor was an old man and stranger,
the master of the house arose and invited him to
walk forward and take seat and all the Others
drew back respectfully, to enlarge the circle and
give him the best place at the fire.
IT have called, " said the old man, stopping and
removing his hat from his white head. "to ask j!
| and lodgine.tor tho -F;eht....
"Of course we will, my friend, and glad Of the
chance to help a fellow in need :, said Henry Bar
rett, in frank, cordial tone. 'Sit down and make
yourself at home Here, give me your hat Come
girls hurry up something warm for the old gentle
man, who is wet, tired, and chilled through, as
can readily see You ought not to have been out
so late in this storm, fatherr'
| "No know, returned the old gentleman, hold
ing his trembling hands to the fire, but the per
sons which applied to wouldn't ia Ike me in"
"What" refuse lodging to an old man like you
on such night, in this Christian community r
hospitable wretches?'
The man described the house and people where
he had called -,
II see |" said the host with grim smile; 81
understand The first family kicked you out"
| almost"
'The SECOND family prayed you out t."
"Almost," again smiled the stranger.
"Well, they are both relations Of mine, but l am
ashamed to own them" .
'They said, by way of excuse" pursued the old
man. that they were expecting rich uncle from
India, who wouldn't like to see beggar about
"Aye, my friend, and we are expecting the same
rich uncle, too-an eccentric old bachelor, who
says he wants to max one Of us heir to his vast
possessions. Two gally mounted messengers ar
rived this evening" to say he would be here tonight
or tomorrow, probably the latter. But whenever
he does come he will find us as we are; and if he
don't like our looks, or the, company we keep he
can take himself off again.
"Nay, my friend, said the aged stranger, rising
in some trepidation, do not for the world let my
presence jeopardize your interests with your ricl
kinsmanl 1 will merely get something to eat, and
travel on till find another lodging:
"No you WON'T" said Harry Barrett, buntly
''You won't leave this house tonight, for all the
uncles that all the Indies can turn out Sit dowI
again, sir, sit down and make yourself at home!
know the duty of man who has faith in God, and
I'm going to do it. What is his money to me2
can't eat it, nor drink it, nor wear it, nor carry il
into the other world; and I'm sure it would moi
bring me any happiness that don't now enjoy
and know it couldn't ever compensate me fol
one mean action MOI Let Joshua Barrett set
tie his money as he chooses-I'l arrange my con-
science to suit myself."
"God bless you ' murmured the old man, in Q
trembling voice, and bowling his head upon hi:
hands, he wept in silence.
| He remained at that hospitable house during
the night, and was entertained like an honoreo
guest. The nextday being fair, he took his leave
as he was about to depart, Harry Barrett put q
crown into his hand, saying:
'Take it, my friend, and not word / don't
know who you are, and I've not felt it my duty tc
inquire but this know-from your appearance,
manners, and language-that you are. not com:
mon beggar, and that you have seen better days,
which sincerely hope you may see again, It's as
much as my circumstances will justify, and it may,
perhaps, serve to keep you from starving some
night, or sleeping by the wayside.
7'God will repay you'll said the old man, sol,
/ H.