The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1881-11-24
The CRYSTAL BELL.


The CRYSTAL BELL.
was seated in the bar room of half
way house one stormy winter night,
where / was obliged to stop on my way
to New York. The landlord of the inn
was one of the surly kind, who never
spoke an unnecessary word and hardly
youched an answer to civil question
This was doubly disagreeable to me, be-
cause there were no books or newspa-
pers, neighbors or acquaintance within
the premises, with whom to chat and
gossip, and SO beguie few hours that
were hanging heavily on my hands
After various Intellectual attempts to en-
ter into conversation with my host, who
from -the-dissity- of manner WAS
styled "Gen." Dudley, was just
about falling asleep when the door sud-
denly opened and man walked In.
After he had shaken the large fakes of
snow from his coat, he walked to the
fire which was cracking merrily in the
CRATE. He looked exceedingly shabby,
his apparel consisting of threa 1bare
coat which was buttoned to his throat,
old and thoroughly -drenched shoes,
which came within few inches OF
meeting his pants. Poor fellow he
looked altogether as though he had not
eaten q meal for week, with his
pockets innocent of "cash" during
still longer time.
When he entered, the General (who
was seated at the bar counting his
money! raised his head and inspected
his new customer from head to foot. /
noticed the poor man was somewhat
frightened at the stern look, but he
seemed TO gather enough courage to ask
in an imploring manner: "Can I find
shelter for the night 2"
Full. every room full, sir answer
ed the General "We seldom accommo-
date strangers"
"It is q bad night" answered the
stranger. "And shall not be particu-
lar where. you may place me, any small
corner will be welcome"
"Sorry, sir, very sorry but I cannot
help you" and the General coolly went
back to his former occupation.
The stranger cast one longing look at
the bright fire, another at the hinty
landlord, then turned and was about to
leave the room, but all my fear and re-
spect for the General vanished at the
moment.
"Stopl" I cried, rising from my
chair; "wait minute, sir, this weather
is too bad to allow man to spend the
night out of doors. True, have not the
pleasure of knowing you, but my bed
room contains two beds, one of which is
at your disposal.
In my anxiety to see the effect my
words produced on my landlord, I did not
overhear the thanks which the stranger
expressed. I do not remember ever hav-
ing seen such picture of surprise. My
courage ebbed percepGbly after my
speech was finished, fer I expected moth
ing less than to be put out of doors in
company with the stranger. Tony great
est astonishment the General changed
his manner and said:
"H Mr.. Massey wishes to practice
such unselfish generosity, I have no OBJ
lection to his plan"
This change gave me my native cour-
age, and I determined {" to strike while
the iron was hot" I peremptorily or
dered hot supper.
"But you have just eaten your sup
per-" replied the General, trying to re-
gain his former dignity.
That does not matter I want to
eat again I often eat two suppers."
In my victory over the General I be-
gan to be impertinent. Suffice it to
say that within half an hour we had a
steaming supper between us. During
the meal the stranger and myself be-
came the best of friends. I had never
met more agreeable companion. He
had been everywhere-hads seen every
thing, and knew everything. Nomattel
| upon what subject touched, he was at
| heHae.-He amused me to such an eX-
tent that we sat together in my room
until nearly o'clock, and it never en-
tered my mind to ask whence he came,
where he was going, or why he Travelled
in snowy country without cent il
his pocket. 1 even went to bed without
locking the door, or putting my watch
under my pillow.
just as morning was dawning I was
suddenly awakened and found somebody
seated at my bedside. I Immediately
rose to sitting posture and recognized
the stranger. He was entirely dressed
and looked like departing spirit in ths
dim ghostly light. For moment, be
fore I had time to gather my thoughts
the idea seized me that he was about t.
rob me, and instinctively clutched hi
arm.
"Calm yourself" he said, smillingly
"My object in awakening you is t
thank you again for your extraordinar..
goodness. God bless you for it.
haven't much, but what have is yours
Here is a crystal bell," and he showe'
me a small, clearly-cut glass bell tina
looked like child's plaything. g!
was cast in foreign country" he said
"and the master in creating it sang tn
magic form over it. 1t is the touch
stone of truth. If an untruth be told I
the person who carries it, the bell WI
make soft ringing noise. You WI
laugh over it now, but please try m
talisman-it will not disappoint yoI
Farewell !"
He placed the bell upon the tabl'
and, before I had time to answer hin
he disappeared through the door whie
! he quietly closed behind him. M
chanically I took the bell and examine
it. 1t was of the clearest crystal eve
the tongue was crystal. but as pliable
the finest watch-spring. tried to rir
II, but could not hear the faintest kiz