The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-02-16

good. 1T my own little robin didn't know
me, who should ?"
Myra was very much astonished when
she saw her own father step from behind
the disguise, and she wondered exceedingly
what his object could be in such a strange
performance; but when she asked him he
only told her to say nothing of what she
had seen, and in good time she should
know all about it.
"But you didn't recognize me, did you!
he said
"I'm sure | didn't she said.
"Then it is all right.
That evening Hamilton Kirk went away,
and he told his man that he should not re-
turn before the next day, and perhaps not
until the day after that. He took large
bundle with him.
Joseph Vaughan was in his store ready
to wait upon his customers. He was a
handsome young man and his moral char
acter was good In fact, he rather prided
himself upon his morality His boy was
engaged in putting away some clothes, and
he was reading the morning paper, when
Il heard step at his door, which was open
to admit the soft balmy air. He looked
up and beheld poor, forlorn-looking man,
who seemed bent beneath the weight of
years and infrmities, and whose garb was
scant and ragged
The old man asked for charity.
'.I've nothing to spare said Vaughan
but l am in need, kind sir. Help me,
if you can
II tell you L can't
And the old man went away.
Henry Walsh also kept store in the
town, and he was in his place of business,
for he had rivals in trade, and he found it
necessary to attend closely to his own affairs.
He was young and good-looking, and he
had the name of being generous and open
hearted He had just disposed of a custo-
mer when the ragged, way-worn beggar
entered the store.
"Charity," pleaded the applicant, tremb-
ling upon his staff
aEh-want help?" replied Walsh, ex-
amining the old fellow from head to foot.
"Yes, l am in need.
GWell-how much do you want p
II ask not for not much, kind sir.
"Here's dollar Will that help you p
''Yes-very much.
'.Then it's yours; and see that you make
a good use of it. And thereupon the
young man returned to his work, leaving
the beggar to go when he pleased.
Chauncey Stewart was a shoemaker, and
he not only employed quite a number of
workmen in manufacturing, but he had
quite store, and sold great many shoes
at retail. He was some three or four-and
twenty; was very fair-looking, and had the
reputation of being one of the most steady
and industrious young men in the village;
but his character for generosity did not
stand so high among the fellows as did that
of Henry Walsh.
Chauncy was in his front shop, packing
some boots, when an old beggar-man en-
tered.
"Ah-good day, sir" said the shoe
maker, stopping from his work.
"a good morning to you, fair sir, re-
turned the old man, in weak, trembling
tones. II don't want to trouble you-I
only seek little aid-such as you can af-
ford to poor, needy one like me-
Chauncey Stewart ran his eye over the
old mans form, and then said:
II must first know what help you need,
my good sir, and then | can the better
judge of my ability to help you. Are you
penniless ?"
''All the money have in my pocket is
a poor pittance which 1 begged this morn
ing"
''Have you broken your fast this day ?"
"No."
'.Well-you shall go with me and get
something to eat, and then we can see what
further can be done.
''But | would not trouble you, kind
sir"
1t is no trouble l can't furnish you with
money; though God knows l would not
send a worthy sufferer away empty-handed
if [ divided my last dollar. But come.
My house is not far off. y
Thus saying Chauncey led the way from
the shop, and the old man followed him.
The house was soon reached, and the youth
introduced his companion to his widowed
mother, who received him kindly, and at
once proceeded to set substantial break
fast before him. While the beggar was
eating, Chancey tried to find out how he
could best help him.
"Have you any friends in this region 2"
he asked.
Il think have,' replied the old man.
''If could raise money enough to pay my
fare in the stage might reach them
II might find better way than that"
suggested Stewart. II shall not use my
horse to-day, and 1 could have you taken
ten or fifteen miles on your way without
any expense to myself. L can easily find
boy who will be glad to drive for the
sake of a ride
And so the shoemaker went on, trying
to find out what the old mans most pres
sing needs were, that he might meet them
with the most ease and readiness. Finally
the beggar said that if he could be carried
to the adjoining town he thought he should
find friends there who would know him.
So Chauncy went out and harnessed his
horse, and readily found a faithful boy who
would drive over and come back with the
team. He asked the old man if there was
anything more he could do for him, and,
when assured that there was not, he bade
him good-by and saw him off
"Well Myra," said Hamilton Kirk, tax
ing one of his daughters hands. II have
been on mission in the beggar's garb.
'What been away in that guise ?" ex-
claimed the girl in surprise
s'Yes. [ called upon Joseph Vaughan,
and upon Henry Walsh, and upon Chaun-
cey Stewart"
80, father What must they have
thought"
"Why-doubtless, that l was what 1
appeared-a poor beggar.'
aBut-didn't they know you ?"
"Did you know me p
"No"
s'Nor did they. 1 went to try them