The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1867-10-31
EBENSBURG, PA. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 81 1867.

not lntenu 10 ROB you
''Oh, you sinful, wicked creature ~ ex
claimed the good dame, in holy horror
as the diseusted old man turned and wen
out and shut the door with a slam
In less than half an hour the unfortu
nate wayfarer was trying his chances a
the house of Harry Barrett
''Come in" said strong, hearty, cheer
ful voice, in answer to his timid knock.
He entered a large, plainly Furnished
apartment, and beheld group of six per
sons-tather, mother, two sons and two
daughters-seated around pleasant fire,
with bright light on the table near them
and all looked 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.
Il have called" said the old man,
stopping and removing his hat from his
white head, ''to ask if you would be kind
enough to give me some food and lodging
for the night
''Of course we will, my friend, and
glad of the chance to help fellow in
need - SAID Harry Barrett, in frank
cordial tone. ''Sit down and make your
self at home Here, give me your hat !
Come, girls, hurry up something warm
for the old gentleman, who is wet, tired
and chilled through, as l can readily see
You ought not to have been out so late liz
this storm, father, u.
''No, l know replied the old gentle
man, holding his trembling hands to the
fire, ''but the persons to whom l applied
wouldn't take me- in."
"What ! refuse lodging to an old man
like you on such night, in this Christian
community I" exclaimed the indignant
host; ''whO were the inhospitabIe wretch
es ?"
The man described the houses and the
people upon whom he had called
81 see," said the host with a grim
smile 81 understand. The first family
kicked you out'
"Almost."
''The second family prayed you OUT
"Almost," again smilingly answered
the stranger.
''Well, they are both relatives of mine,
but | am ashamed TO own them"
They said by way of excuse pursued
the old man, ''that they were expecting a
rich uncle from India, who wouldn't like
to see a beggar about"
"Aye, my friend, and we are expecting
the same rich uncle, too-an eccentric old
rIaJ,, hT hA
of us heir to his vast possessions. Two
gaIly mounted messengers arrived this
evening to say he would be here tonight
or tomorrow, probably the latter. But
whenever he comes he will find us as we
are, and if he don't like our looks, or the
we keep, he can take himself off
again"
NAY, my friend" said the aged stran-
ger, rising in some trepedition, ''do not.
for the world, let my presence jeopardize
your interests with your rich Binsman !
will merely get something to eat, and
travel on until find arother lodging"
'No, you WON'T" said Harry Barrett.
bluntly. You won't leave this house to-
night for all the uncles that the Indies can
turn out Sit down again, sir. sit down
and make yourself at home | know the
duty Of a man who has his faith in God.
and am going to do it. What is his
money TO me ? | can't eat it, nor drink
it, nor wear it, nor carry it into the next
world and I'm sure it wouldn't bring
me any happiness that don't now enjoy,
and know it could never compensate ME
for one mean action. No! let Joshua
Barrett settle bis money as he chooses
I'll arrange my conscience to suit myself"
"God bless you," murmured the old
man, in a trembling voice, and bowling his
head upon his hands, he wept in silence
He remained at that hospitable house
during the night, and was entertained like
an honored guest. The next day being
fair, he took his leave, ard as he was
about to depart Harry Barrett put crown
into his hand, saying:
''Take it, my friend, and not a word
| don't know who you are, and I've not
felt it my duty to inquire, but this know,
from your appearance, manner and lam
guage, that you are not common 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 may, perhaps, serve to keep you from
some night, or sleeping by the
wayside."
''God will repay you," said the old
man, solemnly, and he walked slowly
away, wiping the tears from his eyes.
''He has already" unused Harry Bar
rett, placing his hand upon his heart
Il have it here-principaI and interest"
Long, and in vain, did the selfish fami-
lies of Moses and Stephen Barrett look for
the appearance of their rich uncle from
India in a carriage ard four, and great was
their disappointment and vexation thereat.
Then came the intelligence that he was
sick in London. Next came the news
hnf he WAS dead and had Left q will