The Flagstaff sun-democrat., 1897-01-28
TRAVELLING ROBIN" !"
BY JAMES DAVENPORT.

he speak to anybody. Ills clothes were in rags. He wore no collar. Some- times red scarf was fastened round his neck, but oftener than not his neck and chest were bare to the cutting winds. Nobody knew where he came from, and nobody cared.
 Some said he had been an actor at one time-others that he had been a doctor, whilst many maintained that he was a man who had gambled away a large fortune. Whatever he might have been, we could all see that he was no common vagrant.
 do not know whether the peace and good will which are supposed to come to all men at Christmas-time had anything to do with it, but when passed him one Christmas Eve few years ago. as was hurrying off home, Q sudden i'm. pulse led me to stop.
 "Will you come home with me and have your supper, Robin?" said.
 He stopped and lifted up his head. Poor fellow! noticed the tears spring to his eyes. Kind words were strangers to him.
 "My-my supper!" he gasped. "I never have any supper"
 l quite believed him. In fact, if he had said he never had anything to eat at any time, should not have contradicted him.
 But make an exception tonight" l urged. "Christmas-time, you know. People break the ordinary routine of their lives at Christmas. Come along"
 He made no answer; at least, not with words, but his eyes spoke plainly enough, and, quickening his pace, we strode along together towards my home.
 At last we reached the house, and my wife opened the door. My little Mabel came toddling to meet me, and as lifted her up and carried her back on my shoulder, I told my wife l had brought friend home for supper.
 Robin and l sat talking together whilst Annie was getting the meal ready. His face had frightened, and his brilliant conversation confirmed the opinion had formed of him, that he was a man of culture.
 Mabel climbed down from my knee, and went across to Robin.
 Have % no little dirl?" she lisped.
 He stroked her hair gently, and shook his head.
 And no mamma?" she asked, look ing first at me, and then at the smil- ing face of my wife.
 Robin turned his face away. Trust a child for finding the way to mans heart.
 No, no mamma" he replied, after 2 pause.
 Mabel sighed, and came across to me.
 -.Is 'ee poor man?" she asked.
 The intervention of my wife with the information that supper was ready saved me from replying.
 The meal over, my wife rose to take Mabel to bed, but before she left the room the little girl ran back, and climb ing on Robins knee, kissed him "Dood night" Then Robin and pulled our chairs to the fire. His eyes were shin ing. He seemed different man. handed him cigar, and we sat smok- ing for awhile without speaking.
 "Would you like to hear the history of Rambling Robin? 2" he asked, bend- ing forward. If you would, will tell you the first part. The second part only begins tonight. You shall hear that in year or two"
 l did not quite understand him, but l nodded and waited for him to start.
 1.-Two lines," he began, frequently -~~oour %<> yn,, hor thorn.
 Who falls from all he knows of bliss.
 Cares little into what abyss They are the truest lines ever writ ten," he said, and he stared into the fire for time without speaking.
 Listen, and l will tell you how 1 fell. Five years ago l was young man. Do look young now?" and he pointed to his sunken cheeks and gray streaked hair. And yet five years have made the difference.
 My name is Robin Alerne. was living with my father in Scotland, and it was there met my Flora. can see her now, as she was the day first met her. It was glorious day in June l had sauntered out with my rod in the morning, and was whipping the stream which ran along the outskirts of the wood. when the sound of sweet music fell on my ear. turned round, and saw a woman. She had not seen me, and as she came along she sang in a voice as sweet and pure us was the singer:
 Her face is fair. her heart is true.
 As spotless as she's bonnie, O!
 The opening gOwan wet wi dew,
 Nae purer Is than Mamie, O!
 "'She was singing her sun-bonnet in