Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-05-03
JACK -O'-LANTERN.

Dack IN lne SnauOWg llueS Ol lonB hSO
lived man, Jack by name Jack whatS
mo scald in song hath told no saga
taught" but it makes not one whit of diff
ference to my story.
He lived by the banks of a stream, close
by ford, and was known far and wide as
the meanest, most churlish and inhospita-
bic old curmudgeon in the land. A beggar
would never think Of asking even for
crust AZ his door, for well he knew the
surly reception in store for him.
. Jack had a wife, more's the pity, and
the poor soul had nothing to sweeten life's
hard crusts. No neighbor cared TO cross
her husbands inhOsDitable doorsill, and If
they met him on the road they turned their
eyes another way so as not to see him, so
evil was his reputation.
Once, il was a fair day, and Jack had
been detained in the village until late.
His heart sank in him as he thought of
the lonely wood through which he would
have TO pass to reach the ford. The night
was dark and dread tales Of murder and
evil spirits came 20 his mind.
But his fear was not as strong as his
greed, and he decided TO press on rather
than spend his silver for a nights lodging,
for well lac knew no one for friendships
sake would give him a shelter for the
night So he rode boldly off.
Lower and lower sank his spirits and
darker and darker grew the path as he
neared the fatal spot. Half dead with
fright, his teeth chattering and his breath
coming in short gasps, he entered the wood.
Suddenly he heard "A groan; again and
again be heard it.; the blood almost froze
in Jacks veins aud his scanty hairs stood
ON end with horror He tried to push on,
but the means still rang in his ears, and
not knowing why he stopped and began
searching for the cause of them.
Jack was no coward, no matter what
other bad qualities he possessed. He was
not afraid Of anything when he was cor
nered, so, be it spirit or devil, he deter
mined 10 investigate. Summoning all his
courage he asked, "Who and what are you
that makes these unearthly moans2"
just then he saw extended at his feet
(for he had dismounted from his horse) an
old gray haired man, his clothes thin and
ragged, who cried; For the love of
heaven take me to some human habitation;
/ have lost my way. ! cannot cross the
ford, and am dying of hunger and cold"
Something within Jack spoke; his good
spirit, that had never moved him before in
all his life induced him to wrap the poor,
shivering old man in his own heavy coat,
place him on his horse and carry him to
his own home. Jacks wife started back
in surprise when she saw the burden he
carried into the house, and she was quite
sure he bad gone crazy or been bewitched
when he ordered a bed TO be made for the
feeble stranger aud the best the poor cot
tage afforded to be set before him.
The stranger was warmed, cheered COM
forted and put to bed and was soon asleep.
Jack hardly knew himself in this new role,
but something had inpelled him that he
could not disobey; he needs must do that
and nothing else.
Jack, on awakening next morning, was
dazzled by the brilliant light that shone
around the room mo one had separate
bedroom at Jacks cottage), and when his
eyes had been accustomed to the wondrous
sight he saw a beauteous vision-an angel,
clothed in white, with snow white wings,
gazing at him.
MORTAL" said the angel, 81 am one of
the spirits commissioned to watch over the
sons OF Adam. heard thy neighbors say
not Que spark of human kindness dwelt in
thy stone cold heart; not a grain Of com
passion, but they were mistaken. A little
''ro try thee | took the form Of feeble
old man. | am thy stranger guest, whom
thou hast housed, warmed and fed. 1
have shared thy hearth; for this thy kind
ness my blessing shall rest upon thy home,
and will grant thee three wishes. Weigh
well what thou askeths"
II should like" said Jack. after some
reflection, that whoever shall sit in my
especial chair shall never be able to lift
the chair from its place, nor get out of it
until ! allow him. would have the hand
that touches anything in my tool box on
the wall flor Jack was cobbier) unable
to move the box or take the hand out until
give permission.
Lastly, would have whoever plucks a
branch from the sycamore before my door
unable TO let go his hold until say so.
People take my avis and pluck my tree,
and will not have it,"
The angel looked at Jack with sorrov-
full eyes and grieved expression as he fin
ished his wishes, but be granted them and
departed
Foolish man to ask such paltry things
when so much was within his graspl
From that moment Jack was excluded
from heaven, for he had eternal blessedness
for the asking, but asked 1t not.
The angels blessing rested on Jacks
household. Everything prospered with
him and his children, but no one loved
him, no one ever cared for him.
Years after, perhaps fifteen or twenty,
he was resting in his easy chair with his
pipe. when suddenly he perceived strong,
disagreeable odor, something like brim-
stone. He looked up, much surprised, and
his eyes lighted on demon standing in
the doorway, tall, dark being, graced
with two horns, cloven feet and long tail,
which he carried gracefully under his arm
so the legend says.
Jack quaked with fright, but, putting
bold face on, as he usually did when driven
to the wall, politely asked him what he
wanted
''You," said the demon, "my master sent
me 10 conduct you to him, and he will give
you a warm welcome"
IAN right" said Jack, rising from his
chair and politely motioning TO the demon.