The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-05-13
HIS VISITOR.
Stanley Waterloo.

l.
Richard Whinstone had done DAYS
work. He had made one or two profit
able bargains; had read little boy
with pinched pitiful face, who had
besought the price of a loaf of bread
and who said he had sick mother at
home, a lecture on the sinfulness of
begging, that evidently touched the
little wretch's conscience, for he turn
ed aside and wept bitterly.
You're a good citizen, Dick" he
said as he sat down to dinner, land
deserve to be rewarded"
The dinner was one after his own
heart. 1t was treat he had promised
himself if things went right. He ate,
drank and was merry.
The current of his thoughts was in-
terrupted by loud knock. Who could
be coming on business at that hour?
Some one, perhaps, with a bill to dis
count in an emergency that would bear
no waiting. So much the better, and
he fastened to open the door.
"How are you, DickP" the stranger
greeted him. with a familiarity alto
gether too careless for a needy Gus
toner.
Il have not the pleasure of your ac-
quaintance, sir" said Richard, in
tone more freezing than polite.
''But 1 know you very well. return
ed the stranger; land pray don't let
us stand here bandying ceremonies, for
it's confoundedly chilly;;" saying which,
he led the way to the apartment Dick
had just quilted. well, this is COM
fort" he continued, rubbing his hands
before the fire. Il haven't felt so
much at home since left there
A hasty survey of his visitor added
alarm to Richards establishment He
was wiry, Unlocking little man, in
rusty suit of black, with wicked leer
on his face. and one club foot
II say, Dick" the little man resum-
ed, holding his hands in the blaze as
if they were freproof. ''what an in
hospitable dog you are!''
'Whether hospitable or inhospita-
ble." growled Richard, losing his tenn
per as he gained his courage, lis not
your business; but should like to
know what is"
Its bad talking business on an
empty stomach"
Il don't see how it's to be helped"
answered Dick, doggedly.
Don't see how it's to be helped, you
curmudgeonr thundered the little
man, tiercely. with the remains of
such feast on the table. there must
be more where it came from"
Upon my word" replied Richard
meekly, for he was getting frightened
again, 'there is not bite in the
house."
Don't lie!" roared the other; there
is cold ham in the pantry and dep-
John of brandy in the closet"
How do you know that?" it was on
the tip of Richards tongue to ask, but
he was too much amazed to speak.
How do know it?" broke in the
stranger, as if reading his thoughts,
"why, l smell them; so bring them
out"
Richard would have demurred, but
his guest made movement which con-
vinced him that delay might be dam
gerous, and the required articles were
produced. Without changing his seat
the little man drew up to the table and
began to eat! A chunk of ham big
enough for a shark bait was stuck on
the point of carving knife and thrust
down his throat with the audacity Of
sword-swatlower. Another and an
other followed, till nothing remained
but the bone which he crushed with
his teeth and then sucked the marrow.
Now for punchn' he cried.
There is no hot water" Richard
ventured to say.
water! - who asked for water?
Bring me lemon, some sugar and
kettle.'
The kettle was placed on the fire.
The stranger filled it with brandy,
adding lemon and sugar to suit his
taste. As the liquor boiled over it
caught fire, setting the whole in
blaze Richard jumped up to take it
off; the stranger caught his arm and
flung him back as if he had been a
child, instead of a substantial citizen
of fourteen stone.
What are you aboutp" he dem and
ed. '"The punch is doing well enough" "
II was only afraid the house might
be burned.
Bother the house." replied the lit
tie man; "there's no danger!"
Your health, Dick!" at length he
said, and, raising the kettle all blaz-
ing to his lips, he drank like drome-
Diary. "And now, Dick, it's your turn, :"
he said after long breath. You
must drink my health now."
Richard drew back.
Drink" shouted the stranger, hold
ing out the vessel.
| Poor Dick took a single gulp. He
left the skin of his mouth on the brim
of the kettle, his throat was scorched,
as with liquid fire, and his hair was
singed by the blaze.
HAnd now to business" said the
stranger, resuming his seat and leav-
ing Dick to either sit or stand as he
chose. you knew John Walter, l
believe"
'Ye-yes," stammered Richard, Il
once knew a person of that name"
You and he went to California to-
gether."
Richard acknowledg the fact.
You made money and he didn't"
Il believe was the more fortunate
of the two"
You and he started to return to-
gether, and he died at San Francisco"
Richard bowed.
His wife and child are now desti-
tute," the stranger persisted.
Il can't help that"
''Of course not. 1t was his boy you
gave the good advice to to-day.
hope the young scamp will profit by
iti
The scene with the little beggar
Richard was sure had been witnessed
by no one. How the stranger had
found it out was past comprehension.
You're quite sure John Walter died
poor?" the stranger went on.
''Oh, quite" said Richard; Il paid
his funeral expenses myself"
That's a lie,n retorted the little