The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1876-06-22
The Anti-M0n0poist.

children of mine won't be obliged to ru
away to find work. I've always said me-
don't give their wives half credit enoug
for their work. 1t seems mean way o
looking at things, for a man to expect
wife to live on less money than one of thes
servants our city friends are bringing her
every summer-but there. there's mothe
calling me to tea; she always taps on tn
window that way for me. Walk right in
sir, and take cup of the tea and home
made bread; it's a long WY yet to the tav
ern, and mother never feels put out with un
expected company"
| The stranger hesitated moment, ant
then accepted the invitation with thanks.
Father Bray introduced him in his owl
fashion, saying: "Here's q stranger, mo
Their, to take bite with US; can't justly
call him by name"
"Josephs, SIR" said the stranger, with {
polite bow.
Eyes, yes, Mr.. Josephs, mother; tel
him we always have room for a stranger q,
our table,
'Indeed we have, sir; you are hearth,
welcome
Hannah" said she, addressing her as
sistant, ''bring plate for the gentleman
and all Mother Bray's hospitality was
reused when the stranger said it was long
time since he had tasted home made bread
A very pleasant little tea party of three
and very social one-for the stranger
asked many questions concerning the town
which host and hostess were pleased to an
swer. At last he asked: s'Who has charge
of the mill that you were speaking OFF,
"Gregory," said the old man, zone of ou,
town boys, and the chum of our Joe; jus,
his age, too
Mother Bray put down the teaspoon she
had been balancing on the top of her cur
during the conversation, and a sigh escaped
her.
The stranger looked at her instantly, and
Father Bray FASTENED to say: "There mo-
ther dear, didt mean TO name him; my
tongue grows careless as my hands grow
clumsy"
Mother Bray rose at once, and the old
man led his guest back to the seats under
the maple, saying, as he went, poor mo-
Their, she can't give up her baby yet; my
foolish speech will cost her a sleepless
night. Do you smoke, SIR"
81 confess to a weakness on that point"
AAOA yoA ~ now VOA1 R0uy BULL, lOI
the children come in at night, and Willie is
a great smoker"
do your children visit you every eve
ning?"
ooh, yes; it is one of our family customs,
The boys take turns in looking after the
chores for US, and insist on my coming to
my chair as soon as supper is done; in win
ter they roll my chair close to the window
so can watch them coming i'm
One after another they entered the gate
and walked up the little path; the grand
children running to .'kiss grandpa irst;'
and their elders hesitating as they saw his
guest.
The stranger moved away from the old
man after greeting his children, and stood
apparently looking at the landscape, bat in
reality seeing nothing but the happy group.
A moment or two later fine looking man
came whistling toward the party and was
introduced as my son William" II have
been saying to my guest, Willie you would
soon be here and join him in q smoke
with all my heart said Willie, holding
out his hand to the stranger. "A foolish
habit, sir; but kind of solace only very
busy men can appreciate"
The stranger drew from his pocket an
elegant segar case and requested him to try
one of them; he had brought them across
the sea for his own use; perhaps he nigh,
fancy them.
In ten minutes the two men were chatting
away like old friends, while Mother Bray
aud the girls we're holding an importan,
consultation concerning tomato catsup, and
grandpa was holding Mary's baby.
This is certainly the finest segsr evel
smoked; you have hit my taste exactly
"Ah!" said the stranger, with q quie
smile, Il am glad you appreciate them
wanderers like myself sometimes find rare
article"
speaking of wanderers" said the doc
tor, did father tell you Of our stray one
1t is next to mother, his hobby"
| HE alluded to an absent one, but die
not ask any questions, although WAS great
ly interested. You knew We rovers have
kind of Masonic friendship for one another.
| Il can imagine it, for our absent brother
left US twelve yeare since to see something
of the world: he possessed mania for trav
Ell. At FIRST he thought only Of California
but q year was enough for him; then b.
went to China, and Afterward Joined q scien
ti6c party, and went to Brasil. We heare
| IIOm nun once OK TWICE AlIGT NC leIt III
party. and Joined some gentleman IS rest
less as himself. He had superior mind
was well read, and one of the best brother
= man ever had. Poor, dear Joe; woult
give half, yes, two-thirds Of my income
to hear something of him"
Ibid he never send home anything frou
the places he visited"
"Yes, once only; then . box containing
Chinese present for each of Us. and . pic
ture of himself, poorly painted, bat show
ing US plainly an ugly scar on his forehead
caused by terrible fall. Ben's younges
boy is named for him, and father often Holt
him An hour 1t time, looking 1t the pic
ture, and telling him of dear uncle, Joe
who was always such good little boy"
ID, your parents still think Of his re
turn asked the stranger. who seemes
much moved by the simple tale.
Father gave him up long ago. but moth
/ or and the girls still think he will come