Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1868-06-05
THE MERCHANT AND BEGGAR.
TALE OF THE TIMES.

loved by all. He was always kind 4
the unfortunate. Charity never vainl,
pleaded at his door; his purse and in
fluence were ever at the command of th,
deserving. His wife WAS his very coun
terpart, and many fatherless child ans
widowed mother invoked Gods blessing
on their head.
One summer afternoon. the merchan
had Just returned to his home, the toll
and cares of the day being over, and IL
gown and slippers comfortably ensconset
binsseIf in his arm chair, his love censor
by his side. reading the Evening Chror
icle, when the door bell rang, and a ser
want ushered in stranger.
He was very young man; indeed
had not reachel manhood. He wa,
dressed 10 the style of the very lowest
! grade of society, and bis iIl-iitting gar
nents were worn and soiIed, betraving
great poverty. Through all this mean
ness of attire. to a reader Of the human
countenance there was yet something in
his aspect to arrest attention. He was
pale, even to haggardness; but his eye,
his lip, the expression written by Gods
own hand on his manly countenance and
noble brow, once seen could not be- cas-
lily forgotten.
As he entered he bowed low, and,
with step fol ward. attempted to speak
but the words died away in whisper.
"Well. young man." said the mer
chant, kindly, what is your business
with me9"
ALAS sir, l wish to obtain employ
meLt. am suffering for food p
And he turned away his head, while
tear started in his eye.
Indeed! Why, wife, this must not
be. Where are your friends-your
home. young sr.'
'HomeI | have no home tu. the
open street. Friendsi | had friends
but now II"
"Never mind. hava no employ
nent 20 give you, but you shall not lack
food. Dinner waits. Come, dear, take
my arm; and you, young man, give the
servant your hat, aud dine with us.
Well hear the rest of your story after
wards"
The stranger hssitatingly followed the
merchant to bis table, for his beggardIy
garb i'll became a place at the suiuptous
board spread before them.
They had dined, and The stranger felt
partially relieved.
"Now, young man" said his host,
turning towards him, "you have eaten
tell me why one like you is reduced 10
rags and penury."
"Alas. sir, it is simple story, Ny
father died when | was an infant, leay
ing my mother, penniless among stran-
gers. TO provide as best she might for The
support of herself and their only child.
Reduced from afiiuence to poverty by a
suit of law involving his whole estate,
my father left his home broke, hearted,
with tho hope Of retrieving his fortune
in foreign land. Ny mother, being n
lady Of superior education, supported her
self by her talents comfortably, and gave
me collegiate education. Three years
90 that loved parent died; and, after
breathing last prayer on her grave,
and moistening the green sod with my
tears, | set forth in the wide world alone
| came to this city, aud procured sit
uation IN n mercantile house, which |
held uHtII my employers failed; but, by
their influence, | soon obtained apother,
with every prospect of advancement. A
fellow clerk and | always slept in the
store, and one night he arose from his
bed, unknown to me, took the KEY of
the safe from under my pillow, and
robbed it of large amount. The thief
was Immediately discovered, and so
strong was the suspicion against us both
that, afraid of being discovered, the
thief secreted the money in nv bureau,
where it was found. | was arrested and
thrown into prison, and kept year.
Three weeks ago my time expired, since
which have vainly endeavored to es-
tabish my innocence. and get employ
meut. Ny character is gone. and those
who were once friends now SPUN me
from their doors. Poverty has compelled
me to pawn garment after garment of
my wardrobe, until the last were ex-
changed for these rags. Last night |
slept in the open air-to day L am 3
beggarT
Overpowered with his feelings, the
stranger sank back in his chair, and, COW
ering his face, wept bitterly.
The merchant rose from the table much
affected. while he wife. still more deeply
moved by the strangers story, wiped her
eyes, and, whispering 20 her husband, de-
sired the youth to follow him to the H.
brary. Here he took bag of silver
from secret drawer, containing some
hundreds. and spreading them out on a
table before him:
"There," said he, sis money. Take
what YOU wish. l believe, sir, you are
an injured and honest man. Take, |
say, what will answer your purpose"
The stranger stretched forth his hand,
and took from the gIittering Pile three
pieces.
''This," said he, ais all | want. II
will bear me from the city. L hope 10
meet with better success elsewhere
The merchant demonstrated to the
small amount taken, but in vain. God
bless you, sir" said the youth, and you
kind lady. May you and yours never
know what it is TO want"