The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1882-04-28
A BRAVE IRISH BOY.
A story Of Kentucky.

over rough Kentucky road. His hair
was brown, his eyes were gray, and there
was good-humored expression on his
broad Celtic face, for our hero was an
Irish boy, who had gone out into the
world to seek his fortune.
"Where will I sleep to-night?"
thought Pat Roach, for that was his name.
Last night l slept on the ground, and
it's stiff l was this morning."
At this moment his eyes fell upon
large and imposing mansion, on little
eminence to the right.
maybe they'll let me sleep in the
barn, he thought. Anyhow, I'll give
them the chance"
He turned into the front gate and
walked up to the front door and knocked,
for there was no bell.
The door was opened by a colored
woman
"Well, child. what do you want" she
asked, not unkindly.
"Can you let me sleep in the barn 2"
asked Pat.
"What does the boy want, Chloe 2"
asked young lady, who had just entered
the broad haA.
he wants to sleep in the barn, Miss
Jennie"
The young lady came forward and
looked pleasantly at the boy.
"What Is your name ?" she asked.
"Pat Roach, Miss.
"Where are you going?"
"To seek my fortune, Miss"
Haven't you home?"
eyes, Miss, but there's more of us
than father can keep, and I'm the oldest.
30 I'm going out for myself.
"Where did you sleep last night?"
"On the ground"
THAT was pity. You didn't enjoy
It, did you?"
"Not much, answered Pat Struggling
his shoulders. "But it was cheaper"
81 suppose you haven't much mon
ey?" said the young lady, smiling.
"Not cent, Hiss"
Have you had any supper ?"
"Yes, Miss, I've had cracker"
You must still be hungry ?"
"Try me and sec, said Pat, drolly.
/" will" said the young lady, smil-
ing. "Chloe, take this boy into the
kitchen and give him good supper"
Aud may l sleep in the barn after
ward. Miss?"
" No, but you may sleep in the house.
Chloe, let him occupy the little back
room on the second floor"
Thank you, Miss" said Pat, grace
fully. I" Ii will be a fine thing to sleep
in real bed again"
Chloe was we'll disposed 70 second the
benevolent intentions,of her young mis-
tress. She gave Pat the best meal he
had eaten for months, and drew out the
boys story, which Pat was quite ready
10 tell. In return she told the boy that
the estate was owned by Mrs. Stanton
and her daughter, who were left wealthy
by the late Mr.. Stanton, who had died
during the last year. Beside herself
there was man-servant, but he was
lying sick with fever.
You'd better hire me-" suggested
Pat, "while he's sick.
You can't do mans work, chile"
Try me and see," said Pat. 81 can
ate n mans supper, anyhow"
You're right there, honey" said
Chloe, showing her teeth.
A little after s o'clock, Pat, being
fatigued with his long tramp, went to
bed and was soon fast asleep. Mrs.
Stanton and her daughter sat in room
on the second floor, one working and
the other reading aloud, when the
daughter approaching the window de
serted to her alarm company of men,
ten in number, approaching the house.
At this time it was not uncommon for
small rowing bands, passing themselves
of as Confederate soldiers, but really
only robbers, intent upon plumber, to
ecour the country, forcing their entrance
into lonely houses, and carrying OFT
whatever of value they found.
Now it happened that Mrs. Stanton,
who had recently received large pay
ment, had no less than two thousand
dollars iii Northern greenbacks in her
house, and these she feared would be
discovered in ransacking the house, and
carried off. This money was uppermost
in her mind and that of her daughter.
"What shall we do with the money,
Jennie ?" she asked in tone of distress.
"Where can we hide it?"
CT know of no safe place. The house
will be thoroughly searched"
"But / can't afford to lose it." said
Mrs. Stanton in dismay.
"Give il to me, mother. I have
thought OF q way of saving it. There
may be some risk about it, but it may
do"
From bureau drawer the mother
took roll of large bills, and with
trembling hands delivered it to her
daughter"
"What are you going to do, Jennie ?"
CT will tell you afterward. Now
there is no time"
The young lady summoned Chloe,
briefly explained her purpose and pro-
ceeded to the room occupied by Pat
Roach.
pa. awolSe, on being shaken, and
stared in surprise at his visitors.
whats wan.ad?" he asked.
"Are you an honest boy2 Can
trust you 2" asked the young lady ab-
mptly.
81 never stole cent in my life. said
Pat preudly.