The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1869-07-16
sllanspas.
THE ODD FELLOW.
OF, THE SECRET ASSOCIATION.
(CONTINUED.)
GH PTER. TT

4
CHAPTER II.
Tho story Of the Guest with tho Torn
Hat aud ragged habiliments was full OF
interest TO the little party oflisteners,
and was narrated In a pleasing manner,
and was briefly rs follows:
lie had bccn shipwrcckcd on The coast
of Maine, about six weeks before, with
the loss OF everything, and had been
dependent upon tho charity Of persons
in the towns no had passed through for
means 10 reach Boston, where he knew
he would be assisted toBaliimorc, his re-
sidcnce, by the association of Odd-Fcl-
lows, of which he was member. He
said he had loft Baltimore six months
boforo as sppercafgo ofa ship bound 10
tho North Sea, and was shipwrcckcd on
his return voyage.
~ had no claim" he said proceeding
with his narration, upon the citizcns
OF tho small towns passed through, DO
yond Tho ordinary ono Of charity, which
has hecnme 20 often reiterated TINT |
find il has got 10 be little needed. !
knew il ! could meet @ brother Odd
Follow / should find friend and a
home. In Portland l inquired, but
found there was 40 Lodge established
there; and also in Portsmouth and 9th
or towns. Finally, this afternoon i
reached Boston, stranger TO every per.
son IN 1t. l had previously drawn up a
papor stating my situation, in which
had put tho secret designation of a mem
borship IN my Order, knowing that II
should by chance pretont il to brother
he would Immediately recognize tho
mystic sIgn,' and extend to me, ragged
and wretched rs I was, the fellowship
OF his heart and hand"
At these words James Layton turned
slightly and glanced ut both his wife
and brothcr-in-law, while quiet smile
of prideful triumph sparkicd in his
eye.
~ had been 10 several houses" con-
tinued the stranger, without obtain
ing even courtesy from The servant al
the door, yet hoping Providence would
lat length bring me TO that of a Fellow
OF the Order, Of whom | knew there
was large nunper in Boston. had
inquired in The streets of two or three,
asking If any OF thcm would tell me
where could lnGan' ld.Fe!low, when
taking my question rs an Odd onH they
only called me an 'odd-fellow,' and
bado me walk about my business! l
had pas ,ed by your door when some
thing within me prompted me 10 turn
back and once more make an effort
for on finding member Of tho Order
depended my hopes of sustcnance and
shcitor tonight, a5 well ~ my retu RI
10 Baltimore. now feel that Provi
dcncc prompted me 10 call ut your
door, AID cannot DO too grateful 70,
your hospitality and kindness to q
stranger"
"a brother OF our Order iu never 1
stranger" said James, kindly, 81 fee
|. happy In being the instrument Of doing
! you the service you need, Our brethrei
meet tonight and ] was going out
. when you calleit, toaitcnd tho meeting
/ will lay your ease leioie IL tonight
; and, n, have no spare bed, II you vii
} put on thia cmblet wrapper, and obiig'
me by wearing this hal--!or Tie nigh
Is rough out--l will accompany you 10
comfortable i'm Which lies ON the way
. and find you Il lodging. Tomorrow a
| ton O'Clock 6a,i on me here, and
will tell you what we have done 70
you" .......
i Tho friendly kindness of james voice
c and his manner Of speaking To this way
iarer, struck both his wife and brother