Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1883-02-16
TINE GOBLlN,S LESSON.

THE GOBLlN'S LESSON.
Job Brown was rich, avaricious, mi
serly fellow. He was, moreover, hard
hearted, unfesling, and often exceedingly
rough to his tenants; for Job Was land
lord, and had collected his rent for many
years with Jealous care, never abatiDg a
farthing nor suffering an hours delay.
Some people averred that Job Brown had
no heart. Not man, woman or child
in the village could remember ever see
ing him smile or weep. If his face was
an index of his heart, the latter must
have been fiinty indeed, for his counter
ance never changed; 1t was always stern,
chilling and repulsive. he asked no IA
vors and granted none. job was bach
elor, and lived in a large old-fashioned
building Just outside the village. Save
the presence of widowed sister, he lived
alone.
One day in mid winter, after an early
breakfast, job took his cane and walked
briskly into the village. He had some
rents to collect from the poorer portion
of his tenAnts. and calculated i'll his
mind, AZ no moved along, what to do
with such ~ might not be ready to pay
him.
His first stopping place was before
tumble-down building, between q house
and shanty, very shabby and wretched
in appearance. Wsth a lively rap he
placed his hand on the latch and opened
she door few inches: low voice said
"Come in" Mr.. Brown went in and
took his stand near the fireplace, almost
bare of Goals.
The room was scantily furnished, and
everything gave evidence Of sxtr ems
want and misery. A feeble. wearied
young woman sat holding a sick infant
in her arms, while two other little ones,
crouched on the floor in corner MUNICH
ing dry bread, shrank from the cold All
that had entered with job.
"Now, them" exclaimed that individ-
ual, scarcely waiting moment, what
are you looking at me for? Why don't
you hustle about? Don't keep me wait
ing on you all day. Come, where is my
money!"
"Piease, sir. Mr.. Brown" began tho
young woman, in a sad voice. II have
been sick, very sick, for nearly two weeks,
and have not been ablv to get tho rent
ready by today. Won't you please be 30
kind as to give me few days more,
and"
"Notan hourl' Numbered old Brown,
"not an hour-not half! What bust
ness have you here, II you can't pay the
rent9 Sick. are you, oh! what do you
get sick for2 Why don't you keep well,
AZ l do? Come, now, that old excuse
won't do with me. can't wait for my
rent. Where will you get it tomorrow,
oh! or next day."
~ don't know now, sir; but il you will
only be patient for short time, l think
can raise some OF 1t, and when am
stronger can soon make il all up."
"No, no; I'll do nothing of the kind.
You can't pay 1t, and 30 you must clear
out right away. Sec, now; I'll help you
TO mOve."
Suiting the action TO the word, Bro WI
speedily placed the few articles of furni-
ture in the street, and, having looked the
door, walked of, leaving the poor woman
and her little ones shiveriu9 amid their
Wretchedness.
job continued his walk, finished his
business and returned home.
After dinner he went into his bedroom,
a. usual, to count his money, which hav-
Ing done, he took up a lantern and a
huge key and proceeded to the cellar.
Traversing several gloomy passages,
no stopped before small iron door in a
strong walt. Adjusting the key to the
rusty look. he gave turn and threw II
open. Passing in, he closed the door
and locked it. This WAS Jobs treasure
vault. He had come to deposit the re-.
suit Of that days collection. The vault
contained nothing but an iron. bound
chest, which stood in ono corner. Set
ting his lantern ON the floor, Job applied
another key to the paddock confirming the
hasp, and soon lifted the lid. The box
was nearly full Of bags containing gold
and silver and packafcs Of dark looking
papers. Taking ont one Of the bags, he
united the mouth and put in 1t the money
he had brought. Replacing il, he knelt
few moments contemplating the trea
sure before him, then spoke half aloud.
"All mine-all mine.H
You lie" said voice apparently lust
behind him.
Job turned very pale and glanced ner
vousiy about him; but, seeing no one,
murmursd,
"Only my fancy"
You lie again, Job Brown said the
voice; aud, starting up, job looked be.
hind him. 10 his horror he beheld A
fri9htful figure standing in front of tho
iron door leering strangely at him.
The figure WAS that of n tall dark
featured man, shrouded in black man
tie, his eyes fearful to see. They seemed
on nre, aud the expression of his com.
tenance did not tend to sooths Jobs
terror.
Job Brown was an arrant coward. de-
spite his bravado when dealing with his
eowed tenants and creditors. His frame
shook with fear as he stood speIlbouna
before the grim visitor, who, he at once
saw, was not common one in this
"How are You, Job Brown" asked
the unvelcome intruder, quietly.
I'D don't feel we'll" stamuered
job. The words tumbled helplessly ont.
and his teeth ratified like castaue,s.
Not we'll, eh, poor feliowr' chuckled
tne goblin, with peculiar look upon his
iacs. Feel bad, do your Mnat is
wrong, Jobg" "
,""I-l-d-don't knox, sir,- ansv sred
Job, halt dead from fear.
III tell you. then: shall l, Job. ali I;
xouf heart Is affected: am 1 right p,
ana the goblin advanced and poksd Job
!amiliariy IN tbs region where the heart
10 placed.
Job fell back few steps from the un-
pleasant contact, aud could not answer
word.
oh! come, now. Job, tall me. IA IL
the heart, ehf speak ous, Job"
.-i-d-don't know; guess 70 u'rs
1gnt, ASs said Job, afraid to ODER =
din.entins opinion.
The trouble ID, your heart ID too hard.
soo; wants softsning. eh, Joby" AID ths
Ro0hn AgAiu approached the unfortnnass
Polose0r OF tbs hard heart, aud. clssn-
ing nm waist, whispered in his osr. MI
~ nos BREATH I'll melt q Tor ycu.