Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1891-02-27
THEIR GREAT-UNClE.

y
the rock or which he rested. Then
he looked around, and shook his trem-
lous fist at the mountain peaks frown-
ing on every side. SO said he.
$50, am at your feet. Once | was
your master. | have danced upon
those beetling brows and scaled those
PERCEPTIONS heights like a chamois.
All | tell you | wa. bold and young
then. You could not frighten Pierre
with your crashing avalanches. Pierre
knew your tricks by heart"
Then muttering maledictions on old
age, which brought so many iniirml-
ties in its train, he took up small
bundle and pursued his journey to the
village beside the lake.
From the path by which Pierre de
scended. and Immediately below the
steep zigzag, was superb view OF the
azure lake. The limpid waters Tapped
the cliffs, blue, go intensely blue. Tn
barks, wing a-wang, sped like eagles
across the bay. Pierre's old eyes had
lost little Of their keenness. and they
took in this beauty with indefinite
joy.
AT least | can see, he says, proud
u, "and perhaps | can use my Wits
less than | could forty years ago.
Well, now, for my afTectionate neph-
ews. Let rs recapitulate the lesson.
What are the names? All, | have it !!
The gospel backward. First, John.
He should be steady, this John. and
doubtless we'll to do. Luke was fool
yes | avoid Luke Mark-what
did he say Of Mark ? l. it possible
my memory begins to fail me? But
no! | remember all. He is the rich
one, very rich. Matthew, generous
rattlepate with wife and six chill
dren, and very little to feed them
with. John and Mark, send you
my very good compliments"
A malicious smile hoyered round
the aged mans lips as he waved bis
hand with mock courtesy toward the
village. nesting we'll under shelter OF
the cliffs down which the zigzag path
was leading him. 1t is possible John
and Mark may meet their match in
this decrepit figure, for after all it is
mind that governs matter.
Perhaps some such thought caused
the smile in tine keen old eyes, as
Pierre at last found himself in the vii
lage street, and asked for the house Of
his nephew, John Desor
John, portly, heavy visaged John,
stood at his shop door. a cautious
man this John, who did not accept
his feeble relative with any manifes-
tation of hospitality.
Il suppose | may sit down, quav-
cred Pierre.
You may sit down - said Johns
deep bass.
Mrs. John sat behind the counter,
ready for customers. She made signs
to her husband. IN her eyes it was
easy to read that there was no wei
come.
"He had better go TO Mark. Mark
is so rich. and besides this he has
room and to spare.
Pierre was still smiling rs he turned
to leave the shop. John pointed the
way with magnificent courtesy
The second house on the right.
You do well to go to Marx, he said
approvingly.
Mark was a notary. He was busy
writing, and looked up, frowning
fiercely at the interruption. Dis
graceful One Of our blood begging
You always wasted your substance in
the past, or you would not be home 7
less to-day. You can't expect US TO
support you We have all We can do .
to get our own living. Go back TO T.
the false friends that cOunseled you I.
to take this unwise step. But wait
Let ne look up the family record. |
don't believe you are onr great-uncle I.
after all. Desor is no uncommon
name.
The old man without word walked .
into the street. Pigs, exaspeiating
pigs Of peasants" he said under his
breath. But now what TO doT
At least the. bench by the well was
common property. He crawled there
with his bundle and sat down TO rest.
Then. in a dreamy. half drowsy con
dirion. he watched the women come
and 20. until at last loud voice and
a boisterous laugh set the echoes call
ing.
'Eh friends, neighbors Have
YOU seen an old man 90 past this
noon? \ feeble old man with a bun
dies want TO find him. Hes my
great-unele, you must know. home
less and friendless. according TO my
two most noble brothers, John and
Mark. What. here Poor old fel-
low Tired out and hungry. Why,
uncle. how are you? I'm your grand
nephew Matthew. at your service.
so you are Matthew 2
"Ah and here We have the wife
and young ones. Three here and
three more at home. Yes, as you see.
we are blessed with plenty of mouths
to feed. and. thanks be to God, crust
for each one, and one for you, ii you
will take it