Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-10-09
H1iseellameuus 8sading.
A BLESSING IN DISGUISE.
BY E, B. HARDIN.

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dence. One had only to look at him
once to tell that his earthly career was
nearing an end. His back bent under
the weight of many years, his hair
was as white as snow, and time and
cares impressions were on his face.
Aftsr he had opened the gate, he
wicked slowly up the graveled walk,
and, with some difficulty, clambered up
the stone steps and rung the door
bell. A few seconds passed, and then
brisk step was heard within the
house, and the door was opened by a
boy of about 10 years Of age.
!"Hellol Santa" he said to the old
man "what'll you have ?" ed.
The old man, without replying to
this question, asked,
"Is your father at home?"
"Yes; want to see him9"
"Yes."
"Papa, papa come here ; somebody
wants to see you"
"Good morning." said Mr.. Willard,
as he came to the door. "What will
you have?"
II am helpless old man." the old
traveller began, feebly. 81 am without
a home or friends, and feel that my
days on this earth are few. Could
you give me home? Just any kind
of place will do me. don't think 1
shall need it long,"
"No; we have no place for you"
"And you can give me no kind of
place to stay?"
"No," said Mr.. Willard. ~ think
the poorhouse a better place for you
than wandering around over the
country"
The old man made no reply to this
remark, but turned, descended the
steps and walked away.
"Whew !" said young Willard, sit
makes him mad to talk to him about
the poorhouse."
Don't care if did. I'm not going
to give anybody home just to get to
pay their funeral expenses. That old
man will not live long"
"Who was it ?" asked Mrs. Willard
of her husband, as he entered the
room.
30, nobody but an old man wanting
home"
els that him going down the road P"
asked Mrs. Willard, looking through
the window at the bent figure Of the
old man trudging slowly along.
eyes," replied Mr.. Willard.
"Poor old fellow" said Mrs. Willard,
II expect he has seen better days,
William; you ought to have given him
home"
"Pshaw! You are always wanting
me to do something absurd. Such
people as him ought to be in the poor
house."
"You are so unsympathizing, Will
liam. He has gone in at Mr.. Blake's," !"
Mrs. Willard said, still looking out of
the window.
20, guess they will keep him, said
Mr.. Willard, sarcastically. They take
in every old straggler that comes
along" .
Mr.. Blake's big heart was touched
with pity the moment he had looked
at the worn, haggard features of the
old outcast, and as soon as the old
man began to tell of his helpless con-
dition, tears came in Mr.. Blake's
big blue eyes, and he told the old man
to enter his house and he should have
home as long as he wanted it.
Mr.. Blake was an industrious Chris
tian man, and some people said that he
would accumulate something II he
were not so charitable.
Soon after the old traveller had en-
tered the Blake home, he put his hand
into his pocket and drew out a silver
dollar. "Here Bud" he said to Mr..
Blake's little son Bob, "run out to the
village and get me pound of tobacco,
and you may have all the change they
give you back"
Little Bob donned his little ragged
coat and hat and started for the rail-
road station, which was near by.
AS he passed the Willard residence,
he was accosted by young Willard,
"say Bob," he said, "wait; l want to
see YOU"
"Be quick then," said Bob; "I'm in
a hurry"
"Don't talk so big about it," return
ed young Willard.
"Bob, are you all goin' to keep that
old man ?"
"Yes; why ?"
II thought if you were, you were
mighty foolish" -,
HPa said he never could turn an old
man like that away from his door,"
"Your paw had better save all the
money he can get to pay that 5000 he
borrowed from US. Papa said if you
all did not pay him this winter he
would sell your farm"
A grave look suddenly came over
Bob's face, and with his little ragged
coat sleeve he brushed tear from his
eye, and started on TO the town.
The old traveller had been in Mr..
Blake's home about month.
Mr.. and Mrs. Willard were in their
cozy sitting room, when their son came
dashing in hatless and breathless.