The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1882-08-08
Selfff Stury.
A BRAVE IRISH BOY.
A TALE OF KENTUCKY.

In the month Of May, 1854, hoy OF
fifteen, with 8 small bundle under bis
arm, might have been seen walking wea
rily over q rough Kentucky road. His
hair was brown, his eyes we're gray, and
there was eood-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 sleep to night P 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 little
eminence to the right.
"Maybe they'll let me sleep in the
barn ?" he thought. "Anyhow, I'll give
them the cha nce."
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 coIored
woman
"Well. child. what do you want p she
asked not unkindly.
"Can you let me sleep in the barn p
asked Pat.
"Wbat does the boy want, Chloe p
asked 5 young lady who had just entered
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 p she asked.
"Pat Roach, Miss"
"Where are you going"
ITO seek my fortune, Miss"
Haven't you homer"
"Yes, Miss; but there's more Of u.
than father can keep, and I'm the oldest
So I'm going out for myself"
"Where did you sleep last night"
son the ground
"That was pity. You didn't enjoy
it, did your"
Mot much," answered Pat Struggling
bis shoulders. "But it wss cheaper"
II suppose you haven't much money ?
said the young lady smiling.
"Not cent, Miss"
"Have you had any supper p
"Yes, Miss, I've had cracker"
"Yos must still be hungry2"
"Try me snd eee," said Pat droly.
81 WILL" said the young lady smiling
.Chloe, take this boy into the kitchez
and give him good supper"
4 rnou I olaor, in ho harp off ~
ward, Miss p
"No, but you may sleep in the house
Chloe, let him occupy the little bach
room on the second floor"
"Thank you, Miss" said Pa. grateful
llY. SIT will be fine thing to sleep in ,
real bed again."
Chloe was we'll disposed TO second th.
benevolent intentions of her young mis-.
tress. She gave Pat the best meal ht
had eaten for months, and drew out thu
boys story which he was quite ready tc
tell. In return she told the hoy that tht
estate was owned by Mrs. Stanton ant
her daughter, who were left wealthy b,
the late Mr.. Stanton who had died du
ring the last year; beside herself there
was a aE-servant, but he mas lying sicl
with fever.
"You'd better hire me while he's sick,
suggested Pat.
"You can't do mans work, chile"
"Try me and see. / can ate man
supper, anyhow"
you're right there, honey" sai'
Chloe showing her teeth.
| A littlo after eight o'clock Pat bein
fatigued with his long tramp went t.
bed and was soon fast asleep. Mrs
Stanton and her daughter sat in roor
on The second floor, one working and th
other reading aloud, when the daughte
approaching the window deserted to he
alarm a company OF men, ten in nau
ber, approaching the house.
A At this time it was not uncommon fo
small rowing bands, passing themselve
of as Confederate soldiers, but real.
lonly robbers inteDt upon plunder,