The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1867-04-25

while talking, and looking mp with n
bright twinkle of tho eyes, 81 do be-
liove You can get a good nights lodg
ing at Harry Barrett's, who lives only
half a mile from here on the road
south. He's a great hand for taking
in strangers.
She looked at her husband, and
they both smiled knowingly, for both
were thinking that in case the rich
uncle should find the beggar there, it
might increase the chances of stephen
Barrett of becoming the fortunate
heir.
Sarah Jane now returned and hand
ed the old man two little cold pota-
toes. lie took them, turned them
slowly over, examined on all sides,
and murmured:
They have eyes; but can they see?
| think not, for if they could they d
blushod red, instead Of keeping such
dark color Then CHANGING slowly
round the neat, tidy, cheerful room,
taking in three prim girls and their
pious parents, he quickly tossed the po-
tatocs into the lap of the astonishod
mistress, saying, as he did so, 81 beg
your pardon, madam, but did not in
tend to rob you.
ooh, you sinful wicked old croa-
turc exclaimed the good dame, in
holy horror as the Disguised old man
turned and went out and shut the
door with a slam
In less than half an hour the unfor-
tunate wayfaror was trying his chan
cos at the house Of Harry Barrett
"Come in, said Il strong, hearty
chcc ful voice, in answer to his umid
knock
He entered largo, plainly furnished
apartment, and beheld group of six
persons father, mother, two sons and
two daughters seated around pleas
ant fire, with Il bright light on the ta-
bic near them, and all looking con
tented and happy. On seeing his Wis
itor was an Old man and a stranger
the master Of the house arose and in
yited him to walk forward and take a
seat, and all the others drew back re-
spoc.fully, to enlarge the circle and
give him the best place at the fire
81 have called, said the old man.
stopping and removing his hat from
his white head, TO ask if you would
be K nd enough to give me some food
and lodging for the night.
COT course we will, my friend, and
glad Of the chance to help a poor fell
ow in need = said Henry Barrett, in a
frank, cordial tone "Sit down and
make yourself at home Hero, 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 sec. You
ought not to have been out so long in
this storm, father"
NO, | know, returned the old gen
tIoman, holding his trembling hands
to the fire, but the persons l applied
to wouldn't take me in.
What refuse lodging to an Old
man like you on such a night, in this
Christian community !" exclaimed the
indignant host. -"Who were the in
hosptable wrctches %
The man described the houses and
people where he had called. II see, +"
SAID the host, with a grim smile; 81
understand The first family kicked
You out?'
Almost"
"Thc second family prayed you
out q
almost, again smiled the stranger
Well, they are both relatives of
mine, but am ashamed to own them
They said, by way of excuse, pur-
sued the old man, ''that they were ex-
pccting rich uncle from India, who
wouldn't like to see a beggar about
aye, my friend, and we are expect
ing the same rich uncle, too-an &c.
centric old bachelor, who says he
wants to make one of us heir to his
/ vast possessions. Two gaily mounted
messengers arrived this evening to say
that he would be here tonight or to-
morrow, probably the latter. But
whenever he does come, he Will find
MS 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
ieopardize your interests with your
rich kinsman! will merely get some
thing TO eat, and travel on till find
another lodging"
"No, you won't leave this house to-
night for all the uncles that all the In
dias can turn out Sit down again
sir sit down, and make yourself al
home. know the duty of a man who
has faith in God, and I'm going to dc
it. What is his money to me? can't
eat it. nor drink it, nor wear it, noI
carry it into the other world; and I'm
sure it won't bring me any happiness
that ] don't now enjoy, and | know il
couldn't ever compensate me for one
mean action. No let Joshua Barrett
settle his money as he chooses II
arrange my conscience to suit my
self 1"
God bless you = murmured the ole
man. in a trembling voice, and bowine
his head upon his hands he wept il
silence.
He remained at that hospitablc
house during the night, and was en-
tertained like an honored guest. The