The Shasta courier., 1867-06-29

work, aud 1T Is against my principle, as
true Christian, to encourage any one in
SHINING" Then, suppose, I'm to under
stand that you refuse me both food and
Lodgings said the old man.
9 As to food. ." said the pious DAME glanc
ing at her husband, If you are very
hungry, l suppose we can do something for
you in that way; but lodging is out of the
question-for two mounted couriers have
been here to say that very rich uncle of
ours, from India, will be here very s5gn
and he wrote some time ago that he didn't
like to have beggars about where he was,
and we wouldn't like to do anything to
offend him. True. we hardly expect he will
come to night; but, then, be might. you
know, and we wouldn't like to run any
risks" ''Well, then,' said the old man,
with sigh, II will take food, if you please,
and 90 on, even if l perish" :. Put your
trust in the Lord ~ said Stephen Barrett,
solemnly.
YES" echoed his wife, &c put your trust
in the Lord that is what we do in trouble
Sarah Jane, 90 down in the cellar and bring
up couple of those cold potatoes for this
old man-they are very good eating when
one is hungry-I like them myself. Yes,
put your trust in the Lord and don't
leave home again without means. Blythe
by while | think of it," added the good
woman, laying down a -fril, on which
she had been busily at work while talking,
and looking up with bright twinkle of her
eyes, Il do believe you can get a good
nights lodging. at Harry Barrett's, who
lives only half a mile from here on the road
south. He's great hand for taking in
strangers"
a1 81
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 becoming the fortunate
heir. Sarah Jane now returned and handed
the old man two little cold potatoes. lie
took them, turned them slowly over, examin-
ed them on all sides, and murmured
" They have eyes-but can they see p? |
think not-for if they could they'd blush
red, instead of keeping such dark color"
Then glancing slowly around the neat, tidy,
cheerful room. taking in three prim girls
and their pous parents, he quickly tossed
the potatoes into the lap of the astonished
mistress, saying, as he did so, II beg your
pardon, madam, out did not intend to rob
you" " Oh. you sinful, wicked old crea-
ture ~ exclaimed the good old dame, in
holy horror, as the disGusted old man turn
ed and went out and shut the door with a
slam.
In less than half an hour the unfortunate
wayfarer was trying his chances at the
house of Harry Barrett g Come in," said
strong, hearty, cheerful voice, in answer to
his tmid knock
He enterE- .xrge, plainly furnished
apartment, ard behed group Of six persons
father, mother, two sona and two Gaugh-
tcrs-seated around pleasant fire, with
bright light ON a table near them, and all
looking contented and happy. On seeing
that his visitor was an old man and
stranger, the master of the house arose and
invited him to walk forward and take a seat,
and all the others drew back respectfully to
enlarge the circle and give him the best place
at the fire.
81 have called" said the old man, stop
ping 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 poor fellow
in need ~ said Harry Barrett, in frank,
cordial tonei g Sit down and make yourself
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 | can readily see. You ought
not to have been out 80 long in the storm,
father?i' +" No / know" retorted the old
gentleman, holding his hands to the fire,
:. but the persons applied to wouldn't take
me in" What refuse lodging TO an old
man like you on such night in this Chris
tian communIty?" ?" exclaimed the indignant
host Who were the inhospitable wretch
es % @
The man described the houses and people
where he had called. $ see," said the
host, with grim smile; !" | understand u
The first family kicked you out?" AL
most" The second family prayed you
out?" I" Almost" again smiled the stran-
ger. '.Well, they are both relatives of mine,
but l am ashamed to own them" They
said by way of excuse" pursued the old
man, ''tbat 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
bachelor, who says he wants to make one of
us heir to his vast possessions. Two .gally
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 us as we are and
if he don't like or 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 in,
terests with your rich kinsman will
merely get something to eat, and travel ON
till find another lodging"
"No, you won't leave this house to night
for all the uncles that the Indias can turn
outl Sit down 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 money to me? | can't eat
it, nor drink it, nor wear it, nor carry it into
the other world: and I'm sure it won't
bring me any happiness that do not now
enjoy, and / know it couldn't ever compen-
safe me for one mean action. No, let
Joshua Barrett settle his money as be
chooses-I'll arrange my conscience to suit
myselfp' God bless you," murmured the
old man, in trembling voice, and bowlng
his head upon his hands wept in silence.
He remained at that hospitable house DUR
ing the night, and was entertained like an
honored guest. The next day beng iair,
he took his leave. As he was about to
depart Harry Barrett put crown INTO his
hand saying: