The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1876-02-17

and walked np the little path The grand
children running to kiss grandpa first
aud their elders hesitAling As they saw
his guest.
II The stranger moved away from ,he old
mah and bis children, aud Stood sppar.
entity locking at the landscape, but 10 re.
Aiiiy seeing nothing but the happy group.
A moment or two later dnc looking
man came whiSllng toward the party,
and was introduced as my son William.
have been saying to my guest Willie,
you would soon be here and join him 10
a smoke.
With all my heart, said Willie, holding
out bis hand to the stranger. A foolish
habit, air, but kind OF solace only very
busy men can appreciate.
The stranger drew from his pocket an
elegant cigar case and requested him 10
try one Of them; he had brought them
across the sea for bis own use; perhaps
be might fancy them.
In ten minutes the two men were chat
ting away like old friends, while Mother
Bray and The girls were holding an in-
portAnt consultation concerning tomato
catsup, and grandpa was holding Mary's
baby.
This 10 certainly the fnest cigar ever
smoked; you have bit my taste exactly.
Ahi said the stranger, with a quiet
smile, am glad you appreciate them; /;
wanderers like myself sometimes find a
rare article.
Speaking of wanderers, said the doctor,
did father tell you OF our stray one5 II
is next to mother, bis hobby.
lie alluded to an absent one, but did
not ask any questions, although ! was
greatly interested. You know we rovers
have kind OF Masonic friendship for
one another.
can imagine It /, for our absent brother
left Us twelve yesrs since to see some
thing of the world; he possessed mania
for travel. At first, he thought only OF
California, but year was enough for
him; then he went 10 China, and after
ward joined scientific patty and went
to Brazil. We heard from him once or
twice after be left the party, and joined
some gentlemen as restless as himself.
He had q superior mind, was well read
and one of the best brothers man ever
had. Poor dear, Joe, would give half,
yes, two-thirds of my income, to hear
something Of him.
Did he never send home anything from
the places he visited?
Yes, once only; then box containing
Chinese present for each of us, and
picture Of himself, poorly painted, but
showing US plainly an ugly scar on his
forehead caused by terrible fall. Ben's
youngest boy is named for him, and faith
er often holds him an hour at time,
looking at the picture and telling him of
dear uncle Joe, who was always such
good little boy.
Do your parents still think of his re-
turn3 asked the stranger, who seemed
much moved by the simple tale.
Father gave him up long ago, but
mother and the girls still think be will
come, and little Ben comforts father and
mother by declaring Uncle Joe will come
some day, and then won't we love him.
Father says, poor Joe, poor Joe, he must
have gone to the other three.
The light had gone out in the strangers
cigar; be was looking once more toward
the family group, and just then Father
Bray called out: Willie, can't you pre-
vail on our new friend to pass the night
with us; the tavern is a poor place at
best.
With all my heart, said the doctor; ]
can assure you mothers beds are an i'm
provement on the ones you will find at
our only hotel, and as for us we are al
ways glad 10 sec stranger iace, although
we are quite q settlement among our
selves.
Do you give every ono such hearty
receptionI asked the stranger. II SO,
wonder how many ever try the landlords
bedsf
1t is selfish in us, sir, said Mother
Bray; we are pleased with guest to
entertain, and more than that, hold it a
command for US 20 use hospitality with
out grudging.
The stranger rose, touched his hat, and
said, you may never know how deeply
feel your kindness.
Mary and her husband had just said
they mast go, for baby had fallen asleep
in grAndmA's arms, when Ben came
around the corner OF the house, leading
little Joe by the hand.
I've helped do aIl your work, grand
pa, and the child stopped short, and
glanced at the stranger, who was listen
log to uncle Willie.
i Come here, Joey, come zee this gentle
man; he can tell you wonderful stories.
! Joe walked slowly up 10 uncle Viii,
keeping bis eJes fastened on the stran-
ger; at last be found himself safely
nestled in the Doctors lap, where be sat
looking eagerly at the strange face.
My little man, said the stranger, won't
you sit In my lspS Uncle win has babie.
to love him, all these good people have
some one 10 csre for and pet them, bat
/ have not one person ia this great world
to love and pet me tonight.
] Then will, said the child, aud with q
bound be was IN the strangers arms
The gentlemen looked at each other and
smiled. The boy played with the stran