Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-04-07
EASILY MADE HAPPY.
How Rich Man Learned Some Philaso-
ply on q Rainy Day.

How a Rich Man Learned Some Phil0so.
ply on o Rainy Day.
A rich gentleman Of my acquaintance
got caught In the rain the other day
while out for walk on upper Broad
way. He is not only rich, but eccentric,
in that he rarely rides and that he walks
great DEAL The rain that for long
time fell gently increased in quantity
and was caught up by the rising wind
and shot into faces and doorways, where
people hopefully huddled for the time,
and beat upon the awnings and signs as
If in mad desire to crush them and get
at the hearts of those who had sought
temporary shelter there.
The gentleman, although protected by
a stout umbrella, was finally driven to
one of these awnings, whence he peered
up and down for any stray cab that
might come that way.
By this process he saw man coming
down the street, lodging from awning
to awning and doorway to doorway.
There were hundreds of people going
and coming, pushing or pulling umbrel-
las, or who, onveloped from head to heels
in waterproofs, went edging along with
one ear turned down to wiadward, as if
to split the storm. But this particular
man commanded his attention because
he had no umbrella and no waterproof
and although the day was cold not oven
an overcoat. He ran awhile, then paused
in some friendly shelter to repeat the run
to the next, finally bringing up under the
same awning with my friend.
Like most rich men of the world nv
friend is suspicious of his kind unless
they come properly introduced. But he
looked at this specimen Of humanity and
saw at glance that it was very wet
specimen, plainly and lightly clad, but
with frank, manly, German counte-
nance. Not having been addressed by it,
he felt still more interested.
"Bad day for you," he said pleasantly
Eyes, for anybody" replied the man,
folding his arms across his water soaked
bosom.
"Got far to go?"
Fright good Bit" said the specimen.
you'd better take street car. Here
comes one going right down Broadway"
"No; I'm going over on the other side
and then down the Bowery."
"Well, that is good Bit but you can
get car over there" remarked my
friend.
The specimen laughed. "A street car
is too rich for my blood today" said he.
"Oh, I've got the money" he added, see
ing the cynical look that came into the
gentleman's face, "but l want that for
something else. That's the reason I'm
footing it. I'll get wet, but when get
down to the place can get dried out for
glass of beer"
The perfect confidence of the specimen
in his programme elected the echo:
"For glass of beer"
"Oh, yesl You see, don't stop at ar
expensive hotel. It's the Palmer House.
down in Chatham square, and"
Chatham square? Why, that's miles
from here!"
II know that well enough, but I'll get
there in an hour or two," was the cheer
full reply. when I do I'll buy glass of
beer, and they will let me dry out before
the big stove. l can't get much wetter.
If took astreet car, you see, I'd have no
beer and no place to dry" He laughed
again.
"You don't seem to mind it much"
"Mind it! What's the use9 I'll be fixed
all right in day or two. And as for
little water-faugh" The specimen shook
himself like young spaniel. "Well, /
must be running or I'll get cold" said
he, and he started off without more pre-
Gminary.
"Hold on therel" shouted the aston
ished gentleman. Come back here mo-
ment." The specimen came slowly back,
but he shivered in spite of his air of in
difference.
GLOW mr. 'a0ney have you got?"
"Fifteen -; If L walk-ten cents if l
ride" the specimen replied rather shame
facedly.
"Well, here; you ride" He put half
dollar into the specimens hand.
The specimen looked at it moment
like flash, and catching the giver's
hand before it could be withdrawn mute
ly pressed it to his lips. There had been
nothing bringing or sycophantic or whin-
ing. There was nothing of the sort now.
1t was grateful, impulsive exhibition
Of genuine gratitude for just one in
slant; then with frank and glistening
eyes he said:
"Ride? And I'll eat too-and sleep in
bed! I'm the happiest man in New York"
And the specimen dashed down the
street through the pelting rain, cut into
Thirty-ffth street and disappeared to-
ward the east side. And the rich gentle
man looked up at the cloud riven sky,
shook the folds out of his silk umbrella
and started buoyantly down Broadway,
saying softly, "The happiest man in
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