Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1893-12-28

Sir, you see before you an unhappy fell
low creature who is actually starving
for want of foodI''
All this was uttered SO rapidly that
my father could only stand open mouthed
and listen to the end.
Finding that my father did not at once
reply, the shabby individual went on an
other tack. "Sir," cried he, "I honor
your grief, which is doubtless deep, as
you come from the receptacle of the
dead, and I would not thus intrude upon
it were it not that my necessities compel
what my reason deplores."
"Ah, you may well say, sir, that my
grief is deep, and that I have cause for
the tears which you perceive me shed" p"
said my father, gazing lugubriously upon
the seedy party. "You may well make
that remark, sir, for I have but now
come from the solemn contemplation of
the cofined remains of dearly beloved
ancestors. My great-grandfather and
great-grandmother, sir, lie prone in their
mortal dust in the rooms before which
we stand" and the old gentleman ap-
piled his handkerchief to his eyes and
shook convulsively.
For some moments the shabby man
was so taken aback that he was unable
to utter single word, but at last he
gasped, "Do I understand you to say,
sir, that the deceased parties whose loss
you mourn are your great-grandfather
and great-grandmother?
Even so, sir" said my father My
respected progenitors. :"
"Is it long since they ceased to exist"
ventured the shabby man.
THAT, my dear sir, depends upon the
manner in which we view such events, "
said my father. "Viewed as al incident
in the life of the universe and the great
scheme of the Creator, the breath has
but now left their bodies, but consid-
cred as we mortals estimate time they
have been dead about 100 years"
The old mendicant stood gazing at my
father in speechless astonishlnent, Evi-
IDENTIFY he believed himself in the pres
ence OF an insane person. The old fellow
was regularly beaten - dumfoun1ed.
But he very quickly resrained his look f
alcrtness when my father thrust his hand
into his trousers pocket and said, 81 be-
lieve you remarked awhile ago, sir, that
YOU stood in need of some sort of refresh
ment!'
~ did, my dear and sadly afflicted
FRIEND" eagerly cried the old man, land
indeed am really much in need of food :
laid my hand upon my fathers arm
as hint to him to keep his money in
his pocket. 1 had recognized the old
man the moment he appeared, though
he had no reason to remember having
ever before seen me. I had often seen
the man both in California and Nevada.
His name was Walter Jepson. He had
landed in California in the early days as
regularly ordained Episcopalian min
ister, but in the exciting times he went
into the mines to dig gold, and in little
while became "black sheep"
For long time he flour. ~ g
"high toned sport" but love OF .irink al
last dragged him down into the ranks OF
the chronic bummers When had staid
my fathers hand, turned to the cid
follow and said sharply, "Jepson, how
long have you been on this drunk
This drunk" cried Jepson, opening
his eyes widely in surprise at being ad,
dressed by rame. why, sir. I have not
drunk enough in the last week to steady
my nerves. That's what's the matter
now-my only trouble"
81 guess you're telling the truth" said
1. "You t32n't Eat1 it so easy to get your
regular booze hcrc as you did in Neva-
da and Calforl.; -
"Ah! Then yen are from the Pacific
coast? You know lEe::'
eyes. very we'll by reputation"
"That settles it then, for I'm sure you
don't know much of lie that's good"
''No, nor much that is very bad. The
worst is your throwing yourself away
through love of liquor"
"Thank you, sir. Those are the kind
est words have heard in many long
day, from which you may imagine the
style of compliments generally bestowed
upon me-"
CHOW, Jepson, tell me truly and as a
Pacific coaster, do you want money Tor
liquor or for food?"
'Both. First need big stiff drink
and then good square meal. / am
really more in need of food than are
thousands who beg for it, yet have need
of stimulant, for / am nervous almost
to the point of prostration, though OF
course much of this is due to want OF
proper food"
"You have had q severe lesson here in
New York, it would seem"
"The worst I've ever had anywhere"
"Do you think you could manage to
brace up for time if put in the way OF
being comfortable and becoming respect
able once more:'
"Giye me the chanceT
"Well, you shall have it, Mr.. Jepson.
"God bless You! III not deceive you,
sir. On ,ny honor as Pacific coaster
if I find that I've got to so to the dogs
again I'll tell you so, thank you for your
kind effort on my behalf and bid you
goodby.''
"Well, that is fair enough
All this time my father was eyinG me
inquisitively, but ignoring the interro
CATION points in his eyes turned to Jep
son, gave him the namc of our hotel ano
told him to follow us thithcr.
But they will not admit me there,
said Jepscn.
'Ill be in the Office when you arrive
and will make that all right
"TLauk you, sir" said Jepson.
AS we walked to the hotel unfolded
to my father project that had entered
my head at the moment of Jepson's I'M
expected appearance. Giving my father
a sketch Of the fallen minister's career,
proposed that wo get him Strengthened
up, dress him properly and have him DC
liver q grand funera! Grafton upon the
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