The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1897-03-02


~ ~ him almost any dav
FAE5 W walking along with
= INF his head hanging
\ An b ~ down, and his eyes
wv ~ fixed on the ground.
Nobody spoke to him, nor did he
speak to anybody. His clothes were
Ia rags Ito wore no collar. Some
times red scarf was fastened round
his neck but oltener 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 timo-others that he had been n
doctor, while many maintained that he
was man who had gambled away n
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
como to all mon at Christmas time had
anything to do with it, but when
passed him one Christmas Eve L few
years ago, RS | was hurrying of homo,
sudden impulse led mo to stop.
VIII 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. 81
never have any supper.
quite believed him. In fact. if he
had said he never had anything to cat
at any time, ] should not have con.
tradicled him.
but make an exception tonight, +"
urged. Christmas time. you know.
People break the ordinary routine of
their lives at Christmns. Come along. -
He made no answer; at least, not
with words, but his eyes spoke plainly
enough, and, quickeniug his pace, we
strobe along together toward my
hcme.
AT last we reached the house, and
my wife opened tho door. My little
Mabel came toddlIng TO meet me, and
as l lifted her up and carried her bacl,
ON my shoulder, l told my wife / had
brought friend home for supper,
Robin and ] sat talking together
while Annie was getting the meal
ready. His face had frightened, md
his brilliant conversation confirmed
the opinion had formed of him, that
he was man of culture.
Mabel climbed down from my knee,
aud went across to Robin.
Have 90 no little djrl2 she Ilspcd.
He stroked her hair gently. and
shook his head.
And no mammal" she asked, look
ing first at me, and then Mt the smil.
ing face of my wife.
ROBIN turned his face away. Trust
child for finding the way to q man S
heart.
"No, no mamma, lie replied, after
pause
Mabel sighed, aud came across to
me.
Us ce poor man?" shc asked
The intervention of my wife with
the Information that supper was ready
saved me from replying.
he meal over, my wife rose 10 take
Mabel TO bed, but before she left the
room the little girl ran back, aud
climbing on Robins knee, kissed him
Dood night" Then Robin and /
pulled our chairs to the fire. His ewes
were shining. He seemed different
mau. l handed him cigar. and we
sat smoking for a while without sneak
ing.
Would you like to hear the history
OF Rambling Robin y 80 he asked.
bending forward "If Won would. /
will toll you the first part. The second
part only begins tonight. You shall
hear that ia yeat or two
did not quite understand him.
but nodded md waited for him t.
start
"'rwo liues, he began. frequent
ly occur to me. You remember
them:
WHO fails from 400 he Snow 9fal.,
lHrea IittlH into villa, 1hss
Tbey arc the truest lines over writ
ten, he said, aud be stared into the
fire for a time without speaking
gislc2, and ] vii. tell Won how
fell. Five years ago ! was vouua
man. 10 7 look young now" AMI b,
pointed to his sunkcn checks aud pray
Nrcakcl hair "AnI yet five wear.
have msdc Che difference.
Ny name De- Robin Alcruc. wa.
living with my father boz Scotland, and
30 wss there J met my tiDH I can $50,
hr now, % she was the day fret met
Dor ~ was glorious day bon June. !
UaI saIuicrcl ont with my rod 100 do,
morning sud was whipping the stream
which ron 3l0ug tbe outskirts off On,
wood hen tho sound OF sweet musi,
'o.I ON my car ] turned round an,
.1u woman. She had not seen me
.II p. rhr came uIlur .ln rqug iu ID