Sharp County record., 1890-09-18

was be who t0id
me the greater
part OF what shall relate. he said
that n his neiqhborhood there lived a
certain Colonel Fifer. veteran OF the
late war who was q millionaire. Al
though he had the means TO surround
himself with every comfort and every
pleasure, he had for several years lived
Ia the Dlainest manner and had cared
nothing for the gayeties OF the world.
But 10 vas not surprising hat be lived
as he did, for fate had dealt him cruel
blows. In enc year not only bis wife.
towhom he was most tenderly attached,
but also two idolized children, daugh-
ter sixteen years OF age and q son Jt
twenty, we're swept rom his side by
death. At the age Of dftY years he was
left alone. The chief object Of his life
had been to promote the comfort and
happiness OF his family, and they were
gone. He had his great riches, but
there was no one near and dear to him
with whom he could enjoy them. Some
men, visited by a similar misfortune,
would have yielded TO despondencY
but be was a man Of too much resolu-
tiou and good sense to allow himself to
become morbid and to let bis life 20 to
waste
"One day, in the course Of his travels,
he visited q small Western city for the
purpose of examining 5he Inducements
to invest in real estate.
While making his inquiries in the
city ne chauced to see standing in
the doorway Of grocery store man
who had pleasant, intelligent face.
The appearance Of the man impressed
him so favorably that he obeyed q sud
den impulse to make his acquaintance.
Accordingly Colonel Fifer introduced
himself to the man, who proved to be
the proprietor OF the store, and. finding
him.very polite and friendly soon told
him what his business was. The man
Joseph Decker was his name--said chat,
although he was not pecuniarly inter-
asted Ia the raal-estate business, ho
thought he could give the Colonel some
valuable information. They had not
been talking long lefare Colonial E'fA"
..,-sssoa that the store-keeper was ga2-
ing intently at the lapel Of his coat, to
which was attached a small bronze g..
A. r. button.
Il see that you are an old soldier,
said Mr.. Decker
Yes, ! have seen little service,
the COLONEL modestly replied.
''I know you we're a good soldier, by
your looks said the other, eagerly,
and wish you would allowm toshalCe
hands with you, for { have been sol
dier, too
They shook hands heartily, and
soon were eugrossed In "reminiscences OF
The war, az only two thorough veterans
could become engrossed. Altaough each
of them RETAINED from recounting his
own valor0us Deeds it ala not take
them long 10 hecnme convinced shat
each had seen hard service and bad
been brave soldier Mr. Decker be-,
came 30 much Interested in his new
friend shat he insisted that he should
20 home with him todiauor, and should
be his guest throughout the remainder
Of the day, the Colonel having informed
him that 10 was his Intention TO leave
the city on late afternoon train. The
Colonel felt that be ought not TO accept
so much hospitality from stranger
and endeavored 10 excuse himself; hut
in vain Mr. Decker would not talSo nd
for answer 70 was then noon, and they
Immediately started Tor Mr. Decker
home 10 ton minutes they reached 10
The house was evidently not o fash
ionNble one, but 10 was a comfortabl,