The Somerset reporter., 1889-08-08
SELECTED.
THE MIsER'S DREAM

might have read it in his face, with its
pinched outlines and eager expression, in
his slouching gait and whole appearance.
They would have read it still more closely
in the room which he occupied, base of
everything, but the most absolute neces-
saries. couple of old wooden chairs, a
table standing on three legs and rude
bedstead, constituted nearly all the furni-
ture he possessed. His housekeeping
was on the most inexpensive scale. He
boarded himself, and the man worth thir-
ty thousand dollars Jared worse than his
poorest tenants
Peters wealth consisted almost entirely
of tenement houses, OF which he owned II
largo number, and wi ich, In proportion to
their value, brought in a large income.
1t WAS questionable how much good all
this did to Peter, since his personal ex-
penses scarcely exceeded one twentieth
of his income. What remained he either
invested in additional houses or boarded
up in an old chest which he kept securely
locked under his bed.
| 1t was the last day of December; to-
morrow would be quarter day. Peter sat
in his miserable room shvering in spite
of his cloak, which he had worn time ont
of mind. He had no fire. As it was six
|
bed at eight, he preferred to shiver for
two hours rather than incur the expense
of fire.
Peter was jubilant with the thoughts
of the money he would collect on the
morrow from his tenants He drew out
his strong box from its accustomed re
ceptacle and counted for the hundredth
| time the glittering gold coius with which
| it was filled.
1.-TWO thousand three hundred and sew
enty-nve," he exclaimed, with satisfac-
tion as he finished the count; land to-
morrow will make 1t nigh upon three
thousand. All what fine thing 1t is to
have money 1t pays for all my priva-
tions-and ] suffer many. Money is a
powerful thing. All, little do they think
that see the Old man in his threadbare
clothes how much he has to make him
happy.
Peter was really happy, after his fash
ion, vet he was never quite content.
III it. were only five thousand" he con-
tinued, chow fine it would be. But it
will be in a year or two. | must be more
economical"
1t would be hard to tell how Peter could
easily be more economical than he was
now; and he tortured his fancy to devise
some means of retrenchment with out
thinking of any.
ut costs me sight to live" he sighed
Ia sight. If | could only live as cheap
as they say one can in China for cent "a
day, it would help me greatly"
Peter locked up his chest carefully, and
pushed it back under the bed He then
sat down, folding his cloak closely about
him, waiting until he should hear the city
bells strike the hour of eight, his usual
bed time.
But Peter was more tired and drowsy
than he imagined. lie began to nod, and
perhaps it was the influence of the
cold-he soon dropped asleep in his chair,
with his head resting on his hands.
Then dream came to him which was
destined to change the whole tenor Of his
life.
1t seemed to him that he was sitting III
his room as usual the door was suddenly
opened, and a dark figure, of threaten
ing appearance, entered. Peter was Ter
rifed, as he might well be, since the door,
he knew, was locked, and yet the visitor
entered as If there were no obstruction.
"Who are youi' he faltered, cycling the
unknown. Have you come to rob met
"Of whatY
III lHy-Hny iDohcN tH"' 'o' """' nv
tie have"
And if should, it would be of no
service to me,
"Oh!" said Peter, treasured, "then |
am ready to hear your business"
II have come for YOU" was the an
swer
"For me2' again repeated Peter, terri
fled.
Yes"
what forI"
"You may guess what for, when tell
you who am "
who are your" asked Peter, more and
more uneasy,
IL am the angel of death, said the in
truder, solemny
Peter nearly jumped from his chair in
alright.
1.-The angel of DEATH" he repeated
horror-stricken.
you have said It,"
But" said Peter, nervously, ''you
have made a mistake, good angel. Per
haps you think am older than | am.
want eight years yet of being the APP
pointed age Of man. | am only sixty
two"
II know it," said the visitor, compos-
eddy.
"Then why-why do you come for me
nowf" stammered the miser, shivering
with fear.
would you like to read your sentence
Of condemnation" asked the visitor.
yes" answered the miser, scarcely
knowing what he said.
The other struck the wall with his
wand and instantly there CLEANED upon 1t
in fiery letters
Every tree that bringeth not forth
good fruit, is hewn down, and cast into
the fire."
what has that to do with me?" asked
Peter his teeth chattering.
Tell me Of your good works. Have
you any to show?
Peter was silent.
"When have you ever given the value
of farthing to relieve the necessities of
others? Can you name a single In
stance2"
Peter hung his head.
"Do you remember the shivering child
that passed you on the sidewalk this AZ
ternoon, and held out its hand for giftr
What did you-who had In your pocket
what would have been fortune to her
what did you give her?"
The miser's face was tinged with
shame.
"Tell me, then, what good you have
done In the world? What becomes of all
the gold that pours into your coficrs2
DO you ever encourage industry by
spending 1t on YOURSELF Look at this
miserable room. where you lead misera-