West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1878-06-08
KITS MISSION.

me MAJOR arrived Just before supper
and when it was over, the young folks,
as usual, took possession of him. Seated
IN his big armchair, before the blazing
fire, with his ruddy face, twinkling blue
eyes, soldierly whiskers and slight
brogue, he was their very ideal of q n
brave old Irish gentleman all of the
Olden time"
And so you've graduated, Tom, my
boy?" he said.
Yes" the young man replied sui
lenly.
With all the honors, of course?"
" With no honOrs. ! never was in
tended to make mark in the world. -
Have you chosen your profession ?''
asked the Major cheerily, pretending
not to see the lads discontinued face.
No. 1t does not much matter what
IdO. Some fellows have money 10 begin
the world with, and some talent. Bob
Fitch has an aptitude for medicine; his
brother, for the law; while Joe, there,
is born machinist. But | have no
capital of any sort. / don't know why
God sends useless people into the world %
The Major made no reply. He saw
that Tom was bitter under some college
defeat 1t was no time for serious re-
proof. He turned TO the children, there
fore, who were climbing his knee and
bringing their stools closer, in expect
alton of q story.
An Irish story, please"
A duel, Major" said Jack.
=" No, mol Lady Leigh's ghost, "
pleaded Mary.
Tut, tutl You know my stock too
well. Let me see? Did | ever tell
you of the man who lived in his coffin ?''
No! Oh, go onp' their eyes dilating
with the delight of a new horror.
1t was in 1920" began the Major,
toasting his feet comfortably, that l was
sent on visit to my uncle, farmer in
County Cork. / was about your age,
Jack, - hearty eater, good shot, and
great deal fonder of fun than of books.
My uncle's house was a great, low,
rambling building, with plenty of win
dows, and big roaring fires; untidy and
comfortable; full and running over with
children, dogs, and servants. ] was
stunned at first with the scale on which
the eating and fun and frolic went on
My uncle was only dairy farmer.
In this country he would have felt it
right TO save every penny for his eleven
children. But in IrelaRd he felt it to
be his duty 10 keep his table filled with
poor friends, the year round.
They're unfortunate my aunt re-
piled, when / questioned why they were
there. Isn't that reason enough? !?
In the kitchen it was Just the same
way. Besides the cooks, farm-hahds.
laundry, and loom-women (for ladies
wove their own linen then), there was a
legion of old, blind and deaf retainers
cluttering up the passages.
They're not beggars they're all of
use, said my aunt, placidly. They earn
their bite and sup
Old Molly, now? She cannot hear
thunder ] suggested.
Oh she sits in the sun and looks
after the hensP
"'And lame DavyY
He-he goes for BARN yeast twice
week triumphantly.
And the idiots, Patsy and Barnev p,
Why, child, they're innocentsl God
have them in His keepingp
My uncle's way Of life was that of
his neighbors. / suppose it was ex-
travagant and foolish and vet. when I
remember how the poor and helpless
were received and fed, as il sent bv God
] wonder sometimes if there we're not
better wisdom than economy in IL.
There was one young lad in the
house with whom I soon formed a friend
ship. His name was Dick Clancy. He
was n hard student, and was reading his
humanities' in the village school. pre-
paratory to entering Trinity College at
Dublin.
Is Clancy a kinsman Of yoursg I
asked my uncle
No. lie is what is called a " moor
scholar" When a poor lad wishes TO re.
ceive an education, he is taught with.
out charge at any school, and goes from
house to house, staying at each as long
rs he chooses a poor scholar" is af
ways welcome We think Gods bIoss
ing gees with him for the love of learp.
ing
We were at supper. remember
when he said this II was Wild stor,ny
night. The ground was covered wiz
snow, and the wind blew fercelv from
the sea. Tn lull Of the storm. We hoard
p knocking at the gate.
RUM cried my uncle. Who can
be abroad ON such night as thisg
When the men unbarred the door
one of them stepped hastily back.
It's Kit iu the coffin, srp
The snow blew with fripbtful gust
INTO the open hall, as four men entered.
carrying a bier, which they set down.