Milford chronicle. [volume] (Milford, Del.) 1878-1974, 1889-09-27
HARB0RING A TRAMP.

It was near night Of a raw, gloomy day, in
the autumn Of 1886, that seedy looking
tramp turned up to lonely farmhouse, on
the kentucky side Of the Ohio river, and
asked for something to eat and place to
sleep.
A widow, with two children, a son and q
daughter, lived there.
The son, a young man of twenty-five, had
gone to Maysville with a small drove Of cat
tie which he expected to dispose Of at that
place in time to reach home at an early hour
In the evening, and he intended to bring the
proceeds Of the sale with him.
The daughter, rather pretty girl Of nine
teen, was delicate and timid.
In view Of these facts, the widow, though
somewhat robust, courageous and sympa-
thetic herself, felt good deal Of hesitation
about harboring strange tramp, not know
ing what such a needy individual might be
tempted to do, even if not already working
out some sinister design
She did not like torefuse him outright, for
fear she might not be exercising proper
Christian charity, and she did not like to
grant his request, for fear 1t might result In
some wrong to her children and self.
He was not the worst looking Of tramps,
but he had shock head and full bearded
face, out of which peeped small, glittering
eyes, and his dress was old, poor and soiled.
'Ill give you what you want to eat" said
the widow, whose name was Chalmers, after
she had looked the man carefully over and
taken little time for reflection; "but as for
lodging you, ] wouldn't like to agree 10 that
before consulting my son, who may not be
home till or o'clock
ttTovv far Il H. n kha unYh hOT1gaN he asked
(which wayp
South
"Nearly two miles"
'And night just coming on, returned the
other. ~ don't like tramping lonely road
after dark. Won't you let me stay till your
son comes home and take my chance with
himm
II don't know that ought to object to
that" was the somewhat reluctant consent Of
Mrs. Chalmers
She gave the tramp good supper and per-
mitted him to sit by the general flre-she or
her daughter, one or both, being constantly
IN the room.
Eight o'clock, o O'Clock, 10 o'clock came,
and the son and brother had not returned.
"Oh, mamma, what can De keeping George7"
at length exclaimed the daughter, in the
anxious tone Of alarm.
81 don't know, Mary, dear" answered the
Mother, in great anxiety, as she glanced at
the clock for the twentieth time. 81 suppose
he didn't get through with his business as
quick as he expected to. Surely he will be
here soon nowm
She got up and went to the door, and her
daughter timidly followed, looking over her
shoulder.
"What a dark, dreary night" shuddered
- 10,
little rain with it. "Oh, mamma do you
think anything serious has happened to hinln
81 hope not replied her mother, feeling
more alarmed herself than she chose to have
appear. 1.-THE night is very dark, and it may
be he has to walk his horse"
'Where did your son got" inquired the
tramp from his comfortable corner beside
the blazing fire.
ITO Maysville."
''That's good distance Off and the night
Is dark and the road none Of the best.
don't think you have any occasion for alarm
yet awhile"
''Thank youm
''Ah, hark" exclaimed Mary, Just as her
mother was turning back to shut the door.
~ think hear the tread of a horse"
Her keen ears had made no mistake, the
tread of a horse was soon audible to the
others, and shortly after the son and brother
rode up TO the door.
After some warm greetings on both sides,
and the brief explanation that he had been
delayed in starting, while the darkness and
condition Of the road compelled him to move
slowly, he proceeded to stable and feed his
horse, and then came in
On seeing the tramp and learning why be
was there, he felt more uneasiness than he
-. ~1,r Ill L.
him considerable sum Of money.
His decision, however, was prompt and
full Of the kindness Of charity.
After two or three pointed questions to the
unwelcome stranger, which were satisfac-
torily answered, he said:
Certainly you can stay through the night.
could not find It In my heart to turn adrift
any well behaved human being on a night
Like this"
"Thank you kindly, SIR, - politely respond
ed the man. "You will not regret your hos
pitahty."
The language and manners Of the poor fell
low indicated a certain degree Of refined Gull
ture not in keeping with his present forlorn
appearance, and while the young host ate his
supper he held a conversation with him
which convinced him Of this fact
His first intention was to throw down some
horse blankets and robes, and let him camp
down before the fire, but this design was
altered with his opinion Of the mans ante
cedents, and so he finally lighted him to a
decent bed upstairs under the roof, and then
he and the family retired for the night, occu-
plying two rooms on the ground floor.
While these things were taking place out
side Of that lonely farmhouse, some things
were occurring outside that vitality concerned
the parties we have introduced
Two men met In the road few rods from
the dwelling.
(, ''Hi, Saml" said one.
''Ho, Benln replied the other.
Then they came together, and spoke in low,
guarded tones.
''WellP queried Ben.
IAN rightw answered Sam. "He's home.
and got the money with him There are
seventeen hundred dollars I know about
that know he brought away with him for
sure, and that ought to pay US for the ven
ture, II we don't get any mora"
IAN right, theni When shall we beginin
81 reckon between twelve and one win be
the best time. Hes been home about long
enough to get bis supper and turn ipi and
Don't experiment.