Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1867-05-10

indignant host. "Who were the in
hospitable wretches ?"
The man described the houses and
people where he had called. II see,
said the host, with a grim smile; "]
understand! The first family kicked
you out ?"
"Almost."
"The second family prayed you
out 2"
"Almost," again smiled the stranger.
"Well, they are both relatives of
mine, but I am ashamed to own them" "
"They said, by way of excuse" pur-
sued the old man, athat they were ex-
pecting'a a 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
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
rich kinsman {! I 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 at
home. know the duty of a man who
has faith in God, and I'm going to do
it. What his money to me? Ican'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 [ don't now enjoy, and | know it
couldn't ever compensate me for one
mean action, No! let Joshua Barrett
settle his money as he chooses-I'll
arrange my conscience to suit my
selfr'
"God bless your murmured the
old. man, in trembling voice, and
bowing his head upon his hands he
wept in silence.
He remained at that hospitable
house during the night, and was en-
tertained like an honored guest. The
next day being fair, he took his leave.
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
L know-from your appearance, man
ner, and language-that you are not
a common beggar, and that you have
seen better days, which | sincerely
hope you may again, It's as much as
my circumstances will justify, and il
may, perhaps, serve to keep you from
starving some night or sleeping by
the wayside."
"God will repay your said the old
man, solemnly; and he walked slow
ly away, wiping the tears from hi:
eyes.
"He has alreadyr' mused Harry
Barrett, placing his hand upon his
heart, II have it here, principal anc
interest"
Long, and in vain, did the selfisl
families Of Moses and Stephen Barret
look for the appearance of their ricl
uncle from India, in a carriage ant
four, and great was their disappoint
ment and vexation thereat.
Then came the intelligence that h
was sick in London. Next came tn
news that he was dead and had left {
will. What an intense desire to know
the contents of that will! What
wild, furious excitement when its cor
tents became known!
To Moses Barrett he devised on
pound, to buy coffin for the dog tina
his precious son had threatened t
set On beggar.
To Stephen Barrett he had b'
queathed one pound three pence-th
pound to be devoted to the paris
: poor-the three pence to buy cold p(
/ tatoes for beggars, with the hope tha
/ he and his pious family would pl
E their trust in the Lord.
To Harry Barrett, and his heil
: forever, he had willed all the remain
: der of his vast wealth, some half
million pounds stearling, with hop
:, that he and they would sometimes r
call with pleasure the visit of the oil
white-haired man they had once {
|. kindly entertained.
f The old beggar of that dark, rair
g might, was no other than Joshua Ba
a rett himself!
81 SAD INCIDENT.-An instance of ;
IS most Sunerhuman endurance and pe