Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1890-07-17
HIS REWARD.

DR. Chester, hurrying along the upper
part of New York, still only half finish
ed and seemingly with years of incom-
pleteness before it, saw as he picked his
way through the mud of an unpaved
crossing sight that made him furious
Some eight or nine boys-not the child
rem of the poor, but well dressed little
fellows from the Queen Anne residences
and we'll appointed apartment houses of
the neighborhood-s stoning a man who
sat among the rubbish of new excava-
workmen, and who seemed to be quite
innocent of any otfense against them.
So far the stones had been physically
harmless insults. But even as he look
ed one flung by the largest boy of the
crowd struck the man upon the head
and wounded it. The blood gushed
forth and the boys, frightened at last by
what they had done, dispersed in all di-
rectiOns and were out of sight before
the doctor, even with his long strides,
had reached to spot.
"TheSe imps have hurt you," he said,
bending over the man, who was trying
to stanch the blood with the fragment
of an old handkerchief.
"Yes,o said the man. at looks cow
ardly to sit here and stand it, suppose,
but fellow in clothes like mine would
soon get himself arrested if he punished
boys like that as they deserved. It's a
bad world for empty pockets"
"That's true," said the doctor. "See
here, always have some sticking plas-
ter in my pocket. I'll fix the cut for
you" And taking off his gloves he pro-
duced the little case with its plaster scis-
sOrs and skillfully dressed the wound.
81 suppose you are out of employ
ment?" he said when he had finished.
II am out of everything" said the
man; "work, money, health, friends, and
luck and food and shelter just now. 1
wonder haven't made hole in the
water. Why men live when there is
nothing to live for is one of the mysteries
of this life"
"We all have something to live for," :"
said the doctor, 'though hungry man
don't think so. You are young and
strong. Be temperate and you'll feel
well again. Let me help you out for to-
day, and after you've eaten and slept
come to me. I'll give you some work
rough workout it will be start-if
you want it, and come to me sober TO-
morrow"
"Thank you," said the man, rising;
"and God bless you. If l don't come
sober I'll not come at all. But think
I'll come"
He took the dollar that the doctor
gave him with his card, and bowed in
way that proved that he had not always
been in his present position. The doc
tor obeyed the impulse of the moment,
and with a smile offered the man his
hand. He saw that this was no ordina-
ry tramp. For that sort of creature
there is no hope and no help. He is so
vile that he scarcely deserves mercy,
and the doctor knew it well; but to this
man friendly hand grasp was good
medicine. 1t had its effect. A light
came into the dull eyes, a smile moved
the mouth.
81 cannot express my obligations for
your kindess," he said, earnestly.
So they parted. The doctor felt touch
ed, and was rather pleased with himself,
and a little further on, meeting boy
he recognized as one of the poor mans
assailants, he took him by the ear and
gave him lecture, threatening to take
him to his father and expose his con-
duct. However, he did not do it, nor
did the boy fear that he would. 4
81 didn't throw the stone that cut the
fellow" he said. at was Tibbs."
"How would Tibbs like to be arrested
ask him?" said the doctor. Then he
insignificance. After all, it was unlike
ly that the man would come back to
him.
The doctor was very popular man
in the upper part of the city, and his
day was well filled. He was, besides,
bent on two missions, both important
ones. He was about to make an offer
of his hand and heart to a lady of whose
feelings he had very little doubt, and he
intended to deposit in certain bank a
sum of money which he carried about
his person. 1t was large one-the
half yearly salary he had received from
the managers of an orphan asylum to
which he was physician.
Such sum would endanger a mans
life if he were known to have it about
him as he walked across those newly
cut streets or past blocks of untenanted
houses. But then, who knew? And the
doctor was large and muscular.
Need one ask whittier his steps first
took him? Naturally to the feet of his
lady love. She was young enough to
look all the sweeter in the bright light
of day, and her pretty morning dress be-
came her. She had expected the offer
and accepted it without affectation, and