Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1879-12-28
THE TOREURED DRUMMER.


| age maiden, and she seemed somewhat
Hurried as she stepped into the grocery
store where our city drummer was loung-
ing.
The clerk knew her, and while he did up
her parcel of tea, he asked if she WASH
afraid to walk home alone so late at n ig 1t.
She asked the clerk nervously if it was so
late. When he assured her it was but 6 O.
clock, she took up the parcel and huTrie
away.
The city drummer, locked on, though.
70 himself: 1T really is too bad for such u
pretty little girl to walk alone" So throw
ing his cigar away, he skipped out and
overlook her just as she was turning dark
corner.
Wouldn't you like some company he
a'ked, graeiousiy offering his arm.
But don't know you," she said, hesi-
tatingly.
"Don't you? Why, I'm an old friend of
''Indeedp' she replied; but she did not
take his arm.
They chatted pleasantly along, he asked
many questions about her home etc He
learned that her father was an invalid con-
fined to his room, and that her brother was
absent from town.
They soon came to a neat and somewhat
pretentious cottage, and pausing at the gate,
she timidly asked him to come in
Charmed nth her sbyness and believing
the coasts entirely clear, the unsuspicious
drummer accepted the Invitation. She
showed HIM into tasty little parlor; then
she asked to be excused for a few minutes
As she passed out of the door smile no.
vered about her lips, but the drummer did
not see it,
Passing down little hall, she tapped
lightly at another door, which was opened
by gentleman Of de- idedly ministerial
aspect ;, .n
man in the parlor who seems to be a very
anxious Inquirer; won't you go and talk 10
him?" Certainly. my DEAR" answered
her pastor, who was as prompt to improve
an opportunity to attend to his business of
saving souls as men of different callings are
to drive sharp bargains. He FASTENED TO
the parlor, glasses and ALL and grasping
the drummer warmly by the hand, ex.
claimed heartily:
Glad to see you, my friend very glad
to see you"
The drummer stared at the old gentle
man in establishment, and wondered vain
~ who he was, snd why he was SO glad to
see him.
The minister drew chair close beside
him, laying one hand ON his knee, began:
Our young friend tells me that you are
an anxious inquirer am always glad to
talk with one who is interested in matters
relating to the welfare of the SOUL"
The minister paused for moment. and
the drummer began to turn hot and cold.
religion? Do you belong to any church,
the minister asked, encouragingly,
IN no." stammered the drummer, out
loud. ''Confouud that grip he muttered
under his breath.
The minister began to see that he was
not getting on, and, noticing the drum
mer's disturbed manner, remarked
Something troubles you my friend.
Can you not confde in me-? Perhaps /
can relieve your doubts and fears"
IL think I'd better CO." the drum
mer said, rising and vainly trying to guess
which door he came in at.
LET US have d season of prayer together"
said the minister; and suiting the action to
the word, he kneeled down, by his chair.
Not having decided which he came in at,
and not daring to risk meeting that 'con-
founded CIR ~ by opening another, the
drummer had nothing better to do than SUI b.
NIT to the novel experience of hearing
himself prayed for.
AS soon as the prayer was ended, he
again essayed to g., but Mr.. G. bethought
himself of the girl" and, stepped to the
dining-room door, called:
Wife, has n ettie gomez"
''Ohl yes, she did not stay. Willie went
with her, and he's been gone long enough
to get back
At last the minister showed the discomft-
ed drummer the door, shook him warmly
by the hand, and hoped to meet him in
heaven, and let him out in the fresh air
once more.
As he passed out the gate he heard sub
dued giggle, saw two figures dimly out
lined against the sky, and heard boys
voice remark
II wonder if pa converted himP'
THE anxious inquirer" isn't anxious to
inquire after innocent young maidens of
that town any more.