The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1875-05-19
AN UNwELcoME GUEST.


TO Richard Whinstone's catechism,
were the two chief ends Of man. He
was single man on principle. 1t was
the right thing economically, and
therefore right Individually. To one
person in the world Richard Whin-
stone was generous, and that was his
dear friend Richard Whinstone.
Richard Whinstone had done a good
days work. He had made one or two
profitable bargains; he had sold out
the Widow Morton, and turned her
and her children out of doors for non-
payment Of rent; and, finally, he had
read little boy with a pinched and
pitiful face, who had bcsought the
price of loaf of bread, and who said
be had sick mother at home, lec-
ture on the sinfulness of begging that
evidently touched the little wretch's
conscience, for he turned aside and
wept bitterly.
"You're a good good citizen, Dick" !"
he said, as he sat down at dinner, "and
deserve to be rewarded"
The dinner was one after his own
heart. 1t was treat that he prom
ised himself if things went right, and
they had gone right. He ate, drank
and was merry. If his appetite lost
its edge, the bottle. of Burgundy was
there to whet it, and he fell to again,
till the last morsel, like Macbeth's
amen, stuck in his throat.
Safety nominally begets placidity.
The lion, the leopard and the lamb
might lie down together any day, with
perfect safety to the latter-provided
the former had their bellies full. The
boa constructor, gorged with an OK, be-
takes himself for season to life of
quiet. But the effect on Richard
Whinstone was different. The ex-
penses of whole sucking pig, wallow-
ing in wine, rested heavily on his con-
science, and his brain began to busy
itself with schemes of reimbursement.
The current of his thoughts was in
terrupted by a loud knock. Who
could be coming on business at that
hourf Some one, perhaps, with a bill
to discount in an emergency that
would bear no waiting. So much the
better, and he hastened to open the
door.
slow. are you, Dick?" said the
stranger, greeting him with familiar
ity altogether too careless for a needy
| customer.
81 have not the pleasure of your
acquaintance, sir" said Richard, in q
tone more freezing than polite.
"But / know you very well" re-
turned the stranger "and pray don't
let us stand here bandying ceremonies,
for it is confounded chilly" saying
which he led the way to the apart
ment Richard had just quilted. "Well,
this is comfort" he continued, rubbing
his hands before the fire. II haven't
felt so much at home since / left
there"
A hasty survey of his visitor added
alarm to Richards astonishment. He
was wiry, ill-looking little man, in a
rusty suit of black with wicked leer
on his face, and one club foot.
81 say, Dick" the little man re-
sumed, holding his hands in the blaze,
as if they were 6re-proof "what an
inhospitable dog you are!'
"Whether hospitable or inhospita-
ble," growled Richard, losing his tenn
per as he gained his courage, sis not
your business; but l would like to
know what it is"
"It's bad talking business on an
empty stomach"
81 don't see how it's to be helped, ("
answered Dick, doggedly.
"Don't see how it's to be helped
you curmu dgeonl" thundered the lit
tie man, fercely. "With the remains
of such a feast on the table, there
must be more where it came FROM"
"Upon my wOrd," replied Richard,
meekly, for he was getting frightened
again, "there is not bit in the house" +"
"Don't lie" roared the other /;
"there is a cold ham in tho pantry
and demijohn of brandy in the
closet"
"How do you know that2" it wae
on the tip Of Richards tongue to ask,
but he was too much amazed to speak.
"How do ] know itf" broke in the
stranger, as if reading his thoughts,
"why l smell them; so bring them
out"
Richard would have demurred, but
his guest made movement which con-
vinced him delay might be dangerous,
and the required articles were pro-
duced. Without changing his seat,
the little man drew up to the table