Woodville Republican. (Woodville, Miss.) 185?-current, 1889-11-09
HARBORING A PAUPER.
A Brave Deed Followed by q
Happy Event.

It was near night OF raw. gloomy
day, in the autumn OF 1886. that seedy
looking tramp turned up to a lonely
farmhouse on the Kentucky side O
the Ohio river and asked for something
to cat and place to sleep.
A widow with two children, q sor
and daughter lived there.
The son. a young man Of twenty
two, had gone to Maysville with {
small drove OF cattle, which he expect
cd to dispose OF at that place in time tC
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 o.
nineteen. was delicate and timid.
In view OF these facts, the widow,
though somewhat robust courageous
and sympathetic herself. felt a good
deal OF hesitation about harboring q
strange tramp, not knowing what such
a needy individual might be tempted
to do, even if not already working Out
some sinister design.
She did not like to refuse him right
out, for fear she might not be exercis-
ing proper Christian charity, and she
did not like 10 grant his request for
fear it might result in some wrong to
her children and self
He was not the worst looking OF
tramps, but he had a shock head, and
full-bearded face, out OF which peeped
small, glittering eyes. and his dress
was old, poor and soiled.
"I'll give you what you want to eat, {"
said the widow. whose name was Chal-
mers. after she had looked the man
carefully over and taken a little time
for reflection; "but as for lodging you,
! wouldn't like to agree to that before
consulting my son, who may not be
homo till eight or nine O'clock"
"How far is it to the next houseP" he
asked.
(Which way?'
South"
Nearly two miles"
"And night just coming on" re-
turned the other II don like tramp
ing lonely road after dark. Won't
you let me stay till your son comes
homo and take my chance with himP"
II don't know that l ought to object
to that" was the somewhat reluctant
consent of Mrs. Chalmers.
She gave the tramp good supper
and permitted him to sit by the general
fire she or her daughter, one or both,
being constantly in the room.
Eight o clock. nine o clock, ten clock
came, and the son and brother had not
returned.
''Oh, mamma, what can be keeping
George?' at length exclaimed the
daughter, in the anxious tone of
alarm.
II don't know, Mary, DEAR" an
swered the mother, in great anxiety, as
she glanced at the clock for the twen-
lieth time. II suppose he didn't get
through with his business as quick as
he expected to. Surely he will be here
soon now"
She got up and went to the door, and
her daughter timidly followed, looking
over her shoulder
What dark. dreary night" shud-
dered Mary, as q gust OF wind came in,
bringing a little rain with it. "Oh,
mamma, do you think any thing serious
has happened to himP"
Il hope not, replied her mother.
feeling more alarmed herself than she
chose to have appear. THE night is
very dark, and it may be has to walk
his horsen
Where did your son gop" inquired
the tramp from his comfortable corner
beside the blazing fire.
"To Maysville."
"That's good distance off and the
night is dark and the road none OF the
best don't think you have any occa-
sion for alarm yet awhile"
Thank your
"Ah, hark!' exclaimed Mary, just as
her mother was turning back to shut
the door. "a think / hear the tread OF
q horse"
Her keen ears had made no mistake,
the tread OF a horse was soon audi
BILE 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
and condition OF the road COM
PEELED him to move slowly, he proceed
ed to stable and feed his horse, and
then came In.
On seeing the tramp and learning
why he was there, he felt more uneasi-
ness than he cared to show, for he had
brought home with him a considerable
sum OF money.
His decision, however was prompt
and full of the kindness OF charity.
After two or three pointed ques-
tIous to the unwelcome stranger,
which were satisfactorily answered. he
said.
Certainly you can stay through