The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-05-17
KITS Mission.

The Major arrived just before supper, and
when 1t was over the young folks as usual
took possession of him. Seated in his big
arm chair, before the blazing fire, with his
ruddy face, twinkling blue eyes, soldierly
whiskero and slight brogue, he was their
very ideal of "a brave old Irish gentleman
all of the olden time" ,.. ~g,.
"And so you've graduated, Tom, my,boy7'
he said.
EYES," the young man replied, sullenly.
"With oil the honors, of courseT
"With no honors. never was intended
to make mark IN the world"
"Have you chose your protession2" asked
the Major chcerily, pretending not 10 see
the lads discontinued face.
''No. 1t does not matter much what
do. Some fellows have money to begin the
world with, and some talent. Bob Fitch
had an aptitude for medicine: his brother,
for the law; while Joe there is born ma
chinist. But have no capital of any sort.
cont know why God sends useless people
into the world"
The Major made no reply. lie saw that
Tom was bitter under some college defeat.
II was no time for serious reproof. He
turned to the children, therefore, who were
climbing his knees and bringing their stools
closer,ln preparation for story.
''An Irish story, please"
"a duel, Major" said Jack
"No, no! Lady Leigh's ghost" pleaded
Mary.
'1rut, tutl You know my stock too
we'll Let me see. Did ever tell you of
tho man who lived Ill his coftin2"
"Nol Oh, go onp' their eyes dilating
with the delight of new horror. ..
''lt was in 1920" began the Major, toast
ing his feet comfortably, that was sent on
visit to my uncle, farmer, III County
Cork. was about your age, Jack. hear
~ eater,a good shot, and great deal fon-
der of fua than of books.
My unclc's house was great, low, RAM
bling building, with plenty of windows,
and big roaring fires; untidy and comfort
able; tull 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 Ireland, he felt it 10 be his duty to
keep his table filled with poor friends the
year round.
''They're unfortunate" "my aunt replied,
whcn questioned why they wero there.
*Isn't that reason. cnough2"
''In the kitchen 1t was Just the same
way. Besides the cooks, farm hands, laun-
dry and loom women (for tho ladies wove
their own linen them, there was legion of
old, blind and deaf retainers cluttering up
the passages.
''rhey're not beggars; they're all of use,
said my aunt, placidedly. They earn their
bite and sup"
''Oh Molly, now2 She cannot hear thun-
der" suggested.
''Oh, she sits In the sun and looks after
the hens!" +
sand lame Davy2"
''He-he goes for BARN (yeast) twice a
week." triumphantly. ,,9 :
'.And the idiots, Patsy and .Barney2'
"Wny, child. they're lnnocentsl God
have them in His keepingl'' :
"My uncles way Of lite was that of his
nelghbors. suppose 1t was exlravagant
and foolish; and yet, when remember
how the poor and helpless were received
and fed, as if sent by God, wonder some
times If there were not better wisdom
than economy In 1t,
''rhere was one young lad in the house
with whom soon formed friendship.
His name was Dick Clancy, He was
hard student, and was reading his human.
itics' in the village school, preparatory tc
entering Trinity College, Dublin. .
''Is Clancy kinsman of yours9'' l ask
ed my uncle. s,.I : ,
"No. lie Is what Is called a "poor
scholar" When poor lad wishes to re-
ceiye all education, he Is taught wIthou,
charge at any school, and goes from house
to house, staying at each as long as III
chooses. A 'poor scholar" Is always wei
come. We think Gods blessing goes with
! him for the love of learning l.ic f.e.
we were at supper, ! remember, .wher
he said this. twas Wild stormy night
The ground was covered with snow, ant
the wind blewsicrcoly from the. sea. J In
lull of the storm, we heard a Knocking a
the gate. go. 4 a.g-g. r.. Is;
4, ,krnl' cried my unclo. 'Who. can b,
abroad On such anight as this?' 4. J o..
When the men unbarrcd the door, on,
Of them stepped hastily back.
M'ssKit in the coffin, srl'
. SThe snow blew with frightful gus
:, into the open hall, as tour men entered
q carrying a bier, which they set down, ant
then haetily retreated. Onsthe bier restct
what seemed to be n,open coffin.
&. THE cloth was thrown off, and from
within the coffin a mans head, rose up.
~ God be with all herel' said the heart,
syoice.5 V =
s God be with you, KilI' replied dozer
voices. - r.. ~
g who could have turned you out on sucl
: a night, lad9' said my uncle.
tOh,iI Swsuld come. was, at Larry
a@;O'Noili's and they were 10th to bee me 60
But said I'm, due at the squire's, and III
not disappoint HIM. And | had the ealv,