The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-01-04
AN UNWELCOME GUEST.
by JUDGE CLARK.

lie was single man on principal 1t
was the right thing economically, and
therefore right indubitably.
To one person in the world Richard
Whinstone was generous, and that was
his dear frcnd-Richard Whinstone.
Richard Whinstono had done good
days work. lie had made one or two
profitable shavcs he had sold up the
widow Marten, and turned her and her
six children out of doors for non-pay-
ment of rent; and, finally, had read a
little boy with a pinched and ptiful face,
who had besought the price of II loaf of
bread. and who said he had II sick moth
er at home, IL lecture on the snfulness of
begging, that evidently touched the little
wretch's conscience, for he turned aside
and wcpt bitterly.
You're good citizen, Dick" he said,
as he sat down to dinner, and deserve
to he rewarded"
The dinner was one after his own heart
1t was treat he had promised himself if
things were right, and they had gone
right
He ate, drank and was merry. IF his
appetite lost its edge, the bottle of Bur-
gundy was there to whet it, and fell to
again, till the last morsel, like Macbeth's
amen, stuck in his throat
Safety normally begets placidity.-
The lion, the leopard, and the lamb
might lie down together any day, with
perfect safety to the latter-providcd the
two former had their bellies full. The
boa CONSTRUCTOR gorged with an OK, be-
takes himself, for Il season, to life of
quiet. But the effect on Richard Whin-
stone was different. The expense of
whole pig walloVing in wine, rested
heavy on his consc ,ence, and brain be-
gan to busy itself with schemes of re-
imbursment
The current of his thoughts was inter-
rupted by loud knock. Who could be
coming on business at that hour ? Some
one, perhaps, with bill of discount in
an emergency that would bear no waiting.
So much the better, and he hastened to
open the door.
How arc you, Dick ?" the stranger
greeted him, with familiarity altogether
too careless for needy customer
" have not the pleasure of your ac-
quaintance, sir" said Richard, in tone
more freezing than polite.
But / know you very we'll" returned
the stranger; land pray don't let us
stand here bandying ceremonies. for it's
confounded chilly y saying which he led
the way to the apartment Richaud had
just quilted
"Well, this is comfort he continued,
rubbing his hands before the fire. 81
hadl't felt 50 much at home since | left
there"
A hasty survey Of his visitor added
alarm to Richards astonishment. He
was a wiry, Unlocking little man, in
rusty suit of black, with wicked leer
on his face, and one club foot.
Il say Dick" the little man resumed,
holding his hands in the blaze as if they
were fre-proof, what an inhospitable
dog you are"
Whether hospitable or inhospitable,"
growled Richard, losing his temper as he
gained his courage, " Is not your busl-
ness, but | would like to know what u.s."
" It's bad talking business on an emp
ty stomach"
g | don't see how it's to be helped"
answered Dick, doggedly.
"Don't see how it's to be helped, you
curmudgeon " thundered the little man
fiercely. with the remains of such
feast on the table, there must be more
where it came from"
Upon my word" replied Richard
mcekly, for he was getting frightened
again, " there isn't bite in the house"
Don't lic!' roared the other; " there
is cold ham in the pantry, and demi-
john Of brandy in the closet"
Z" How do you know that 2" it was on
the tip of Richards tongue to. ask, but
he was too much amazed to speak
How did know ~" broke in the
stranger, as if reading his thoughts :
"Why, | smell them; so bring them
out"
Richard would have demurred, but his
guest made Il movement which convinced
him delay might be dangerous. and the