The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-04-15
a BRAVE IRISH BOY.
A Story of Kentucky.


In the month of May, 1864, boy of
fifteen, with small bundle under his
arm, might have been seen walking
YEARLY over rough Kentucky road
His hair was brown, his eyes were gray,
and there was a good-humored express
sion on his broad Celtic face, for our
hero was and Irish boy, who had gone
out into the world to seek his fortune.
Where will sleep to nightp" thought
Pat Roach, for that was his name. Last
night / slept on the ground, and it's stiff
/ was this morning"
At this moment his eyes fell upon q
large and imposing mansion. on q little
eminence to the right.
MAYBE they'll let me sleep in the
barn." he thought. Anyhow, III give
them the chance
He turned into the front gate and
walked up to the front door and knock
ed, for there was no bell.
The door was opened by colored wo-
man.
'.Well, child, what do you want?'' she
asked, not unkindly.
''Can you let me sleep in the barn?''
asked Pat.
What does the boy want, Chloe?''
asked a young lady who had Just enter
ed the broad hall.
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 goingT'
ITO seek my fortune, Miss"
Haven't you home?'
hint rxf
than father can keep, and I'm the old
est. So I'm goin' out for myself"
Where did you sleep last nights
ION the ground
THAT was pity. You didn't enjoy
it, did you?''
Not much, answered Pat, Struggling
his shoulders. but it was cheaper"
II suppose you haven't much money?''
said the young lady smiling.
Not a cent, Miss
| '.Have you had any supper?''
'.Yes, Miss, I've had cracker
"You must still be hungry?'
'|Try me and see," said Pat, dro1ly.
II WILL said the young lady, smiling.
''Chloe, take this boy into the kitchen
and give him a good supper"
sAnd may I sleep in the barn after
ward, Miss?'
mo, but you may sleep in the house
Chloe let him occupy the little back
room on the second floor" Thank you,
Miss said Pat gratefully. at viii be
fine thing to sleep in a real bed again"
Chloe was well disposed to second the
benevolent intentions of her young mis-
tress. She gave Pat the best meal he
had eaten for months, and drew out the
bows story, which Pat was quite ready
to 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. Besides herself
there was a man-servant, but he was ly-
ing.sick with a fever
You'd better hire me-" suggested
Pat. ''whilc he's sick
You can't do a mans work, chile"
'"Try me and see,'' said Pat. Il can
ate a mans supper, anyhow"
You're right there, honey" said
Chloe, showing her teeth.
A little after eight 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, a company of
men, ten in number, approaching the
house.
At this time it was not uncommon for
small rowing bands, passing themselves
off as Confederate soldiers, but really
only robbers, intent upon plumber, to
scour the country, forcing their entrance
into lonely houses, and carrying off
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 in 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,
vennie?'' she asked i'll tone of distress.
Where can we hide it?''
Il know of no safe place. The house.
will be thoroughly searched
''But can't afford to lose it, said
Mrs. Stanton in dismay.
Give it to me, mother. have
thought of 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 tren-
bling hands delivered it to her daughter.
'.What are you going to do, JennieP'
81 will tell you afterwards. Now
there is no time"
The young lady summoned Chloe.
briefly explained her purpose, and pro-
ceeded to the room occupied by Pat
Roach.
Patawoke, on being shaken. and stared
in surprise at his visitors.
whats wanted?'' he asked.
..Are you an honest boy? Can trust
your" asked the young lady abruptly.
Il never stole a cent in my lfe,a said
Pat proudly.
II will trust you. Them said Jennie
briefly. There are some robbers APP
preaching the house, who viii carry off
all they can find. Now we have 1000
in the house"