The Toledo chronicle. [volume] (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1873-1924, 1877-10-25

To frozen glory.
Let those we love, though they abide
Far from US now, come to our side
Happy and we'll at Christmastide,
And we will bless thee!
Guy II. AUery in ". Y Erenia0 Post.
LYMAN DEANS TESTIMONIALS.
/ do not believe two more worthy, ex-
cellent people could be found than
Gideon Randall and his wife. To lift
the fallen, and minister to the destitute
was their constant habit and delight,
so that often they shortened their own
comforts for the good of others. Mr.
Randal's friends urged him to reduce
his charities, as such generous giving
might mar his fortune and bring him
to want; but his unfailing reply was:
81 think there's enough left to carry
Martha and me through life, and some
over. What we give to the poor we
lend to the Lord, and if dark day
comes He will provide"
A dark day did come, but it was not
tilTaftef he had reached threescore and
ten years. As old age advanced, his
little farm had become less productive,
and debts accumulated. Being forced
to raise money, he had borrowed a
thousand dollars of Eugene Harrington,
giving him mortgage on his house
for security. The interest was regu-
larly paid, and with this Esquire Har-
rington was well satisfied; but he died
suddenly, and his son, merciless,
grasping man, wrote to Mr.. Randall,
demanding payment of the mortgage.
The old man asked for an extension Of
time, but he pressed the demand, and
threatened, if it was not settled within
a given time, to deprive him of his
home. Mr.. Randall was greatly dis
tressed.
Martha he said to his wife,
"young Harrington is hard man. He
has me in his power now, and fear he
will not scruple to ruin me. l think l
had better go and talk with him, and
tell him how little have. Maybe he'll
pity two old people, and allow us better
terms
'But, husband, you are not used to
travelling, and Harrowtown is hun
dred miles away, and you are old and
feeble, too.'
"True, wife; but can say to him a
great deal more than can write, and,
beside, Luke Conway lives there.
took an interest in him when he was a
poor boy. Perhaps he'll advise and
help me, now that Tn in trouble"
At last, seeing he felt that he must go,
Martha reluctantly consented. and fitted
him out with wifely care.
The next morning was warm and sun
ny for November, and Mr.. Randall
started for Harrowtown.
"Gideon," called Mrs. Randall, as he
walked slowly down the road, "be sure
and take tight hold of the railing when
you get in and out of the cars, and don't
forget to eat your gingerbread and
doughnuts.''
"rll be careful. You take good care
of yourself, Martha;'' and, with a part
ing look, the old man fastened on to
take the stage which was to convey him
to the railroad station. But misfortune
met him at the very outset of his jour
ney. The stage was heavily loaded,
and, on the way, one Of the wheels
broke down, which caused such de-
tention that Mr.. Randall missed the
morning train, and the next did not
come for several hours.
It was afternoon when he finally
started. He was wearied from long
waiting, anxious and Hurried; and,
after three stations had been passed, he
began to ask questions.
How long before we get to Harrow
town" he inquired, stopping the busy
conductor.
1--WE get there at half-past eight"
Another question was upon Mr.. Ran
dal's lips, dut the conductor had hurried
on. He looked round as if to appeal to
some one else, but turned back, talking
to himself. mot get there till into the
evening" he said, !" and pitch dark, for
there no moon now. Isha'n't know
where to go.'' The poor old man was
sorely troubled.
Presently the conductor came back,
and as he passed his seat, he stopped
him again.
Mr.. Conductor, how shall know
when to get out? I've never been to
Harrowtown, and / don't want to get
out at the wrong place.
"Give yourself no concern" was the
polite reply. "rll tell You when we
come to Harrowtown. l won't forget.
YOU" if
Soothed by this assurance, Mr.. Ran
dals mind grew tranquil, and he finally
went to sleep.
In the seat behind him sat tall,
handsome boy. His name was Albert
Gregory. He was bright and intelli-
gent, but his well-featured face was
spoiled by wicked-looking eye and
hard, cruel mouth.
He saw the aged passenger fall asleep,
and nudged his seat-fellow.
Look there, Jown. By-and-by, I'll
play joke on that old country greeny
and you'll see fun
On rushed the swift express; mile
after mile was passed; daylight faded,
and the lamps were lit in the cars, and
still the aged man slept, watched by his
tormentor, and the other boy
who waited to g see fun
At length the speed of the train be-
gan to slacken, coming near a stopping
place. Albert sprang up and shook MI.
Randall violently.
Wake up! Wake up y he called,
sharply, putting his mouth close to his
,ar. 2 This is Harrowtown. You must
ret of here.''
The old man, thus roughly reused.
Itarted from his seat and gazed around
i'm, bewildered.
The change from day to night, the
waking ON moving
rain the glare If the 1i0hfa addod TON. |