Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1879-09-10
ed TO 90 where railroads are unknown,
where the Kissing and screeching cam
not reach me.
An Anxious Inquirer.

1 a w osltlu pdPSi ss''S '~
how q city drummer met his match in a
little country girl:
She was sweet, shy, innocent little
village maiden. and she seemed some
what flurried as she stepped into the
grocery store where our city drummer
was lounging.
The CLERK knew her, and while he
did up her parcel of tea he asked her II
she wasn't afraid to walk home 80 late
at night. She asked the clerk nervous
| ly if it was so very late.
When he assured her that it was but
lust nine O'Clock, she took up the parcel
and hurried away.
The city drummer, looking on
thought to himself, 1t really is too bad
for such a pretty little girl to walk
home alone
So, throwing aside his cigar, he
skipped out and overlook her just as
she was turning dark corner.
Wouldn't you like some company"
he asked graciously, offering bis arm.
But I don't know you'' she said,
hesitalingly.
Don't your why, Pm an old friend
of your fathers.'
Indeed y she replied, but she did
not take his arm.
They chatted pleasantly along, he
asking many questions about her home
etc. He learned that her father was an
invalid confined to his room, and that
her brother was absent from town.
They soon came 10 neat and some-
what pretentious cottage and pauslaR
at the gate she timidly asked him to
come in.
Charmed with her shyness and be-
lieying the coast entirely clear. the un-
suspicious drummer accepted the invita-
tion.
She showed him into a tasty little
parlOr, then asked to be excused for a
few minutes. As she passed out OF the
door smile lowered about her lips,
but the drummer did not it.
Passing down little hall she tapped
lightly at another door, which was
opened by gentleman of decidedly
ministerial aspect.
Mr.. c., she said, there's a gentle
man in the parlor who seems to be
very anxious inquirer wont you &c
and talk to him?'
Certainly, my dear answered heI
pastor, who was as prompt to improve
an opportunity to attend to his business
of saving souls as men OF different call
lngs are 10 drive sharp bargains.
He hastened to the parlor, glasses
and all. and grasped the drummer
warmly by the hand, exclamln9 hearth
ly.
'Glad to see you, my friend, verl
glad to see you.'
The drummer stared at the olt
gentleman in astonishment, aud Won
dered vain!y who he was and why be
was so very glad to see him.
The minister drew chair clos'
beside him, and laying one hand on hi
knee, began very earnestly: 'Ou
Young friend tells me that you are al
anxious inquirer. l am always glad t.
talk with any one who is interested il
matters relating to the welfare OF th'
soul.'
The mi mister paused for a moment
and the drummer began to turn hot AM
cold.
Have you ever made any profession
of religion do you belong to any church:
the minister asked, encouragngly.
sN.no,' stammered the drummer ou
loud. 'Confound that girl J! he mutter
ed under his breath.
The minister began to see that h
was not getting on, and noticing tn
drummer's disturbed manner. remark
ed:
Something troubles ysu, my friend
Can you not confde in me' Perhaps
can relieve your doubts and fears.'
IL think 1 had better co. thu
drummer said, rising and vainly tryinl
to guess which door he came in at.
Let us have o season of prayer to
gether,' and, suiting the action to th
word, he kneelcd down by his chair
Not having decided which door h
came in at, and not daring to ris
meeting that coniounded girl b.
opening any other, the drummer ha
nothing better to do than to submit L
, the novel experience ofhearing himsel
! prayed for.
As soon as the prayer was ended h
again essayed to 60, but Mr.. e. be
thought himse If Of the girl, aud ster
ping to the dlning-room door called:
wife, has Lcttie gone?
'Oh, yes, she did not stay. Will
, went with her, and he's been gone Ion
t enough to get back
At last the minister showed the dis
/ comftted drummer to the door. shool
, him warmly by the hand, hoped
meet him in heaven, and let him ou
| into the free air once more.
> As he passed ont Of the gate h
; heard a subdued giggle, saw two figure
dimly outlined against the sky, and
boys voice remarked:
Il wonder If pa converted him.
The anxious inquirer isn't anxiou
8 to inquire after the innocent younI
= madens Of our town any more.
d