The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-11-24
The CRYSTAL BELL.

tnE On 10 HI UELAs
1 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
vouched 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 beguile few hours that
were hanging heavily on my hands.
After various Intellectual attempts to en-
ter into conversation with my host, who,
from the dignity of his manner, was
styled "Gen." Dudley, I was just
about falling asleep when the door sud
denly opened and a 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 meal for week, with his
pockets innocent of "cash" during a
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. I
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?"
"Full, every room full, sir answer
ed the General. "We seldom accommo-
date strangers.
"It is a bad night" answered the
stranger. ssAnd I shall not be particu-
lar where you may place me, any small
corner will be welcome"
"Sorry, sir, very sorry but 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 fiinty
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 q 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, did not
overhear the thanks which the stranger
expressed. I do not remember ever hav-
ing seen such picture of surprise. My
courage ebbed perceptibly after my
speech was finished, for 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:
elf 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 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-had seen every
thing, and knew every thing. Nomatter
upon what subject touched, he was at
home. 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 in
his pocket. [ 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 ut my bedside. / immediately
rose to n sitting posture aud recognized
the stranger. He was entirely dressed
and looked like departing spirit in the
dim ghostly light. For moment, be.
fore had time to gather my thoughts,
the idea seized mo that he was about tC
rob mo, and instinctivoly clutched his
arm.
"Calm YOURSELF" he said, smillingly.
"My object in awakening you lis t.
thank You again for your extraordinary
goodness. God bless you for it.
haven't much, but what 1 have is yours.
Here is crystal bell," and he showed
me small, clearly-cut glass bell that
looked like child's plaything. "It
was cast in n foreign country" he said,
"and the master in creating it sang the
magic form over it. 1t is the touch.
stone of truth. If an untruth be told to
the person who carries it, the bell will
make soft ringing noise. You will
laugh over it now, but please try my
talismah--it will not disappoint you.
Farewell |"
He placed the bell upon the table,
and, before had time to answer him,
he disappeared through the door which
he quietly closed behind him. Me-
chanically I took the bell and examined
it. 1t was of the clearcst crystal even
the tongue was crystal, but as pliable as
the finest watch-spring. 1 tried to ring
it. but could not hear tho faintest kind